Author: Lavie Margolin, Career Coach
Some companies eliminate potential candidates, who may be qualified for the job, because they are not working. Job seekers get upset at the thought of the corporate machine treating people that way. I agree that this policy makes no sense. By doing so, the company is potentially eliminating some of the best candidates for a job just because they are not currently employed.
If this is the system we have to work in, we have to figure out ways around it. There is no reason to get frustrated and give up. When someone puts up a wall, go around (or through) it. Whether you are being eliminated outright or not, there is no question that a gap in employment is a question mark for employers. How can you then improve your response rate?
Make sure to include or add the following below to your resume. If you cannot add the following, consider pursuing one of the following to improve your prospects in securing gainful employment in your field
- Contract/temporary work- just because it is not permanent employment does not mean it does not count
- Part time jobs
- Unrelated work
- Transitional employment (work somewhat, or significantly, below your level of education and work experience)
- Self-employment (only include if you can provide examples of actual clients and work performed)
- Internship (even for adults, see previous posts)
- Volunteering
By doing your best to fill in employment gaps with one of the areas above, you will better answer natural employer question marks and receive stronger consideration for the job.
About the Author: Lavie Margolin is a New York-based Career Coach and the author of Lion Cub Job Search: Practical Job Search Assistance for Practical Job Seekers. To learn more, go to Lavie’s website, Lion Cub Job Search:www.Lioncubjobsearch.com