Yes, Ive Had Gaps In My Employment History--What To Do About It?

Yes, I've Had Gaps In My Employment History--What Can I Do About It?

1. Honestly, there is not a single person who has not had SOME gaps in their work history. Anyone who says differently is someone who might not always tell the truth.

2. So, you, job seeker have had some employment gaps in your career/work life. What to do? What to do?

3. Sit down and write out what you did during your time of unemployment. Most people who are out of work do NOT spend all of their not working time in front of a TV! What you did is a measure of what your values and interests are. If you loafed, where did you do your loafing? Reading, baking, driving, hanging out? WHAT DID YOU DO AND WHY DID YOU DO IT?

4. Condense these periods of unemployment to look for a pattern. If you were "laid off" a few times, what jobs were you doing and why were you "laid off"? Look for skills that you used with employment gaps. There is always a pattern of some sort when Mr. or Ms Job Seeker is not looking.

5. By making sense of these gaps to and for potential new employers, you can capitalize

on them to present yourself in a new light. Example: If you started a home based business while you were unemployed, but it failed, you can still be known as someone willing to take risks; someone who can see failure as something to not be ashamed of. How many employers could sympathize with you? Many, I would guess. Failing and learning from it, is a SKILL.

6. Put those unemployment gaps together Mr. or Ms Job Seeker as if you had found gold on a scrap heap. The gaps still represent you, put them in your resume and use them in an interview.

7. You might want to do these differently on your next "not working gig". Put yourself to work on your self, the next time around!

Marilyn J. Tellez, M.A. Certified Job & Career Transition Coach Phone: (509) 469-3514 Email: doitnow@nwinfo.net Web: http://www.doitnowcareers.info

5 Things You Need To Know Before Deciding On A Certification Training

The right certification trainingTrainings vary a lot when it comes... Read More

Defining Success Your Way!

In my career advising practice, I often find that my... Read More

Electronic Resume Writing Tips That Boost Your Interview Appointment Success

Electronic Resume Writing Tips That Boost Your Interview Appointment SuccessBefore... Read More

Identity Theft and Your Online Job Search

While identity theft is nothing new, the Web has opened... Read More

Job Search - 6 Tips to Boost Your Campaign

Does your job search feel like a big weight on... Read More

Why Should We Hire You?

This is one of those broad questions that can take... Read More

Why You Should Never Complain About Former Bosses

You're at a job interview. You're doing great, answering questions... Read More

Finding the Right Travel Nursing Placement Agency

Travel nursing is becoming one of our nation's fastest growing... Read More

Becoming A Police Officer Just Became Easier

As many law enforcement candidates can vouch for, taking the... Read More

Get In Career Shape

Research suggests that as many as 8 out of 10... Read More

How to Think Like a Headhunter to Find Your Dream Job!

In this ever changing world, we need to think out... Read More

Free Resume Examples: More Is Better

If you ever studied any probability theory in high school... Read More

Cleaning Houses for a Living Has Some Unexpected Benefits

If you're looking for a way to earn a living... Read More

Seeking A New Job While Currently Employed : Tiptoeing Through the Minefield

So, you currently have a job but you are looking... Read More

The 10-Step Resume Critique

Your resume will generally receive a 15- to 30-second scan... Read More

Culture Shock

Today we hear much talk of the 'global village'. People... Read More

In Control - Inside Tips on Interview Success

No, you can't control how the interview will be conducted,... Read More

How To Get a Job Offer From Every Interview

About four years ago a friend told me one night... Read More

If You Think You Cant Change Course... Youre Right

You've heard the... Read More

Your Job Search -- a Marketing Campaign?

The successful job search is really just a personal marketing... Read More

How To Find A Job As A Copy Editor

Jobs for copy editors may seem like they are hard... Read More

I Quit!

More and more people are calling it quits to successful... Read More

Negotiate Better Job Offers with This Twelve-Point Checklist

You've been through an employer's interview process successfully and have... Read More

Now, Do You Have Any Questions?

"Who is that hot babe in the picture?" isn't the... Read More

Getting Your Online Health Care Administration Degree

Are you thinking about getting your online health care degree... Read More