eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.
As the saying goes, finding a job can be full time work, but it’s not an explanation for what you have been doing with your time, contends an article from TheLadders focused on helping job seekers answer why an individual has been out of work for a long period. From a hiring perspective, time is a valuable commodity whether you are being paid or not, so putting yourself to use and being able to talk about it are key ingredients to assuaging any fears over a person’s productivity.
Medical issues, having children and helping a sick family are all legitimate reasons, but if you’ve only been networking and interviewing, but getting nowhere, it may be time to find something concrete to put on your resume.
Companies want to employ driven, energized individuals who are willing to pitch in, sacrifice and give their time to others, said TheLadders. There are many, many ways to show you are working even when you are not getting paid money for your efforts. Maybe your time was spent taking courses at a local community college or extension program. Perhaps you volunteered at a soup kitchen or advised seniors on how to use technology like the Internet. Maybe you built and designed new websites or got certified in a new technology skill. P
“Hiring managers look on such activity as creative, innovative, philanthropic and energetic. If you can answer that you have taken your expertise and applied it to the betterment of others who might be in a rough predicament, it not only humanizes you to the hiring manager but shows that you are not solely focused on yourself or money. Now, who doesn’t want this type of employee on their team?“