Valuable Lessons Long Term Unemployment Taught Me

Finally, at 421 applications without full-time employment accompanied by benefits, I am taking an official break from looking. Over half of these applications have been filled out within the past two years. Also, it does not encompass the applications that I completed on websites outside of LinkedIn. Initially, I used indeed but after so many scams, I completely abandon the website.

I have become very acquainted with the interview process. So much that I can determine within two minutes of an interview if they will move me forward it as a candidate or if I will never hear from them again. Much like mini tinder dates, I don't receive the second date. Here are some things I think are important for job seekers and recruiters to understand.

The recruiter does not always know best.

Often, recruiters read our resumes in a very robotic way. They search for keywords and numbers that implicate eligibility or desire to fulfill the role. In my case, recruiters lean too heavily on my education and assume that I want a top-level entry into an organization. However, my experience says I need entry-level work. This is not far from their own. They are working through the great resignation. I am sure they see hundreds of resumes every day however, raining on the experience of a candidate primarily in their education secondarily is best. My best interviews have been for roles that were experience-based.

Honesty is the best policy.

I once received advice from someone I admired in my field to “just lie” on interviews and on applications. This was terrible advice. Embellishment is even in poor taste. I have disappointed employers once I began the job. Faking it til you make it does not work in every industry. It is best to be upfront about the expectations and communicate with the employer and the recruiter what your capabilities are.

Internships are still important

Internships grant you the free experience without risk to the companies. I think there is a certain level of privilege for those who can accept internships, especially those that are unpaid, as it allows for any experience that may not be accessible. There isn't a space for learning at junior-level entry positions or outside of internships. Interns have grace in the license to ask questions that may annoy a seasoned professional.

Sometimes creating your own experience is what it takes

Underemployment is defined by a worker who is working below their skillset

Responsibilities don't care about your career

I will never forget I listen to an interview by Cardi B and she mentioned how life's responsibilities got in the way of her dreams. This is very true very very true. I rich are necessary shelter, food, and overall responsibilities of Adulting may not allow for someone to create the experience or take an unpaid internship. It is very real. However, the risk of underemployment is very high for someone who has been unemployed for 36 weeks or more. Underemployment is defined by a worker who is working below their skill set.

Unemployment can diminish someone’s self-worth

Unemployment is not easy on the body, the mental stability, or the emotional well-being of a person. There is common rhetoric nowadays that says we should not allow our careers or our jobs to be our seat o self-worth. But it is hard to see the value in ourselves and we are so worried about managing our essentials; food and shelter. Unemployed can affect friendships and romantic partnerships. From experience I know that a lot of people don't like to have "broke friends" or friends without a job or won't date anyone if they are not it's a certain income level. I understand this mindset and there is no blame to anyone. unemployment is lonely.