Common Career Liabilities - Unemployed

The discussions of common career liabilities are designed to suggest underlying realities and develop a positive “mind set” about your ability to meet the objections raised by an interviewer. Let me suggest that in the coming weeks that you review all of the liabilities, since there are comments in each which may help you in the days and weeks to come. I will start with the first one on my list.
Presently Unemployed

Background

One of the most feared comments an interviewer can make is “I see you are currently unemployed.” Even if you have just been fired, laid off or resigned there is no reason to panic. If you panic your ability to think logically and reason will become impaired, your confidence will be lost and you’ll telegraph this to your interviewer. Being unemployed in today’s market is neither a crime nor an uncommon condition. One out of every four people will successfully overcome the unemployed stigma in their lifetime.

Redirect

For many companies, a candidate being employed is a validation of their own perceptions. If another organization wants to keep you, then you must be a valuable employee. Some managers might see unemployment as an indication that you were unable to “cut it” in your previous situation-that you are not competent. Another concern might involve your work habits, your ability to commit the time and effort demanded by the position. Finally, there may be a perception that you have been “out of the loop” for too long and your knowledge and skills are no longer current.

Qualifying

Most unemployment today results from factors such as restructurings, acquisitions and mergers. If you are in this group, then the first qualifying step can be to review the business or economic situation which led to your unemployment. You must be sure that you also cover the question of competence with an Accomplishment based story which shows your skills to best advantage. If you were fired for cause, I will cover that liability in an upcoming week.

The best way to resolve questions about work habits is to maintain your discipline while you are conducting your job search. Follow a definite schedule each work day, dress as if you were going to the office, attend professional networking meetings and set up opportunities to talk with other people with specialized skills. You have to stay current in the industries that you are targeting for your search. Read the publications devoted to these industries as well as the Wall Street Journal and newspapers. You will be maintaining many of your business contacts as part of your search so invest a little bit of each contact in keeping up with your industry. Good qualifying strategies for this type of concern are situations which show your ability to get up to speed quickly or the application of state-of-the-art techniques to a problem.

Additional Concerns

Maintaining your own motivation and a positive attitude can be the worst part of being unemployed. Don’t let it give you a loser’s complex or start feeling sorry for yourself. Spend some time each day enjoying yourself with your family, your hobbies, and your friends. Remember, you’re OK. Follow your plan to find the best possible career for your self.