Stay Up To Date While Laid Off.


With the recession firmly entrenched, job seekers are seeing on average 10 other claimants per vacancy. Moreover, in some of the hardest hit areas the number of unemployed outnumbers the number of available jobs by 44 to one. The increased number of job seekers means that the time between advertising a post and filling it with the right candidate, in many cases is taking as long as six weeks, given the competitiveness of the marketplace.

With the job market, becoming so competitive many job seekers must now consider how they will keep up to date after the unplanned hiatus. We at JobAssist.US tell our clients that the best way to re-enter your career after being laid-off is to never leave it completely. The following is a guideline for job seekers who want to stay up to date while taking a planned or unplanned hiatus:

• Keep your professional skill alive while at home.

• Continue to network and keep current through courses, workshops, professional organizations, and reading.

• Join support groups related to your profession or interest.

• Choose volunteer work that will help you stay current in your field. Check with local organizations related to your business (Local chamber of commerce, trade groups).

• Enroll at a local junior college to update your skills.

• Read the latest job-seeking advice books for ideas.

• Be up front with your employers about the gap in your employment.

Additionally, give hiring managers a description of what you did with your time, how you stayed current, and how you developed other skills.

• Investigate new career paths and ideal jobs.

• Do occasional freelance or consulting work.

• Work part-time.

• Attend professional association meetings or write articles for associations newsletter or trade publications.

• Stay in touch with former employers and co-workers.

• During interviews stress what you have done instead of what you have not.