How to Find Work After Long-term Unemployment

August 3, 2021 | Career Blog

COVID-19 caused a considerable amount of people to be out of work, struggling to figure out what to do to make ends meet in a new and uncertain job market. To be more specific, the number of people who became unemployed in the US reached an unusual high of 23,109,000 in April of 2020.

Being that employers generally view large gaps in employment as a red flag, this has put a lot of job seekers in an incredibly uncomfortable and awkward situation. If you are one of the many workers who has been left without a job due to the pandemic, we have solutions for you. Find comfort in the fact that most employers understand that these times have been challenging. However, it is still essential to do your due diligence in ensuring you are appealing to prospective employers and understand how to find work.

Keep reading to learn how you can prepare to apply to jobs after unemployment, tips on where to find work, and how we can make this transition an easy one for you!

Preparing to Apply to Jobs After Unemployment

Though you may need to get a job ASAP, it’s in your best interest to lay some groundwork to make that unemployment gap less of an eyesore on your resume. Doing so will save you a considerable amount of time and disappointment in the long run. Some tips on how to do that are:

• Ensure your skills and qualifications are at the top of your resume and clearly visible.
• Prepare a solid cover letter that explains what caused the stretch of long-term unemployment and how your situation has shifted, allowing you to be free and flexible to work again.
• Reach out to your close friends, family, and any other possible professional contacts to see if they are aware of any opportunities that they could give you a referral for.
• Make sure you are clear on the types of jobs you want to apply for so your motivations are strong, and it’s clear to employers that you won’t take just any job.
• Put together some questions for your interviews that will show the employer that their needs and business goals are important to you.
• As you browse the current job opportunities out there, come up with examples of how your current skills and past experiences make you a great fit for such positions.
• Consider taking a few courses and getting a certification to strengthen your qualifications and display your commitment to continuing your growth and capabilities.

What to Do Next

Once you have gone through all of the steps above, you should feel really clear and confident about what jobs you want to apply to and be ready to submit yourself for those. There are many ways to find current job openings in your area; it all depends on how much time and energy you’re willing to invest in that effort. Consider doing at least one or all of the following to set yourself up for success:

• Explore jobs on popular, highly rated job posting websites, setting filters to pare down the search results according to your specific qualifications and other preferences.
• Search for companies in your area and check if they have a list of current job openings displayed somewhere on their website.
• Reach out directly to desirable companies in your area with a short but intentional message about your interest in working for them.
• Apply for a high volume of positions, even some that you may not have considered in the past, to ensure you are allowing yourself all possible opportunities that will ultimately align with your needs.
• Engage the help of staffing experts and agencies to ensure that you are adequately supported, informed, and set up with a paycheck as soon as possible.

How We Help You Find Work

Allegiance Staffing is an excellent resource for job seekers who are attempting to find a job after long-term unemployment for a handful of reasons. With locations all over the US and over 20 years of experience providing employees with staffing assistance in multiple industries, we have the connections and tools you need to re-enter the job market. When you use our services, you will receive:

• All services free of charge (we are paid by the employers who are in need of staff, not by employees looking for jobs)
• Resume and cover letter assistance
• Interview coaching
• A list of job opportunities based on your skills and preferences
• The opportunity to collect health benefits
• The potential to work in your area or move somewhere new
• Access to temporary, part-time, or full-time job opportunities
• A long-term partner who is committed to helping you continuously find work and build the ability to grow and thrive in a desirable career

Sounds like what you’re looking for? Contact Allegiance Staffing today!