By Aniket Mittal
Overview:
The recent economic downturn has made it difficult for many Americans to find sustainable employment opportunities. Despite the U.S. government’s repeated efforts to provide such employment opportunities, it is clear that unemployment is still apparent. For more information on the current state of the US economy, refer to the following articles on understanding the 2022 inflation: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.
Steps To Get Out of Unemployment:
1) File For Unemployment Benefits
Often, you may be afraid to file for unemployment and/or receive unemployment benefits. However, unemployment benefits are specifically designed to help those in unemployment, especially during times of economic downturn such as the one today. Most states offer some kind of financial assistance for those unemployed as well as some offer more benefits such as health insurance and other welfare programs. Filing for unemployment can be an easy way to get back on your feet, provide for your family and look for educational opportunities to make finding a job easier. In order to file for unemployment in California, check out this link by the Employment Development Department by the State of California.
2) Update Your Resume
Often, the resume can make or break your application. Without knowing much about you, employers are forced to look at your resume to determine whether or not to hire you / give an interview. Consider reaching out to consultants and friends to make a stellar resume. Check out these tips by coursera to improve your current resume.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to mention reasons for your unemployment on your resume / cover letter. Often, employers may have worries regarding the gap in your employment history and giving simple explanations not only helps them understand your financial situation but also relieves such worries. In addition to mentioning this on your resume, you can also mention this on your cover letter / interview.
3) Look For New Skills
Sometimes, the greatest barrier to a job is the skill gap. Employers prefer more well-rounded candidates with a variety of skills. Look for easy skills relevant to the job you seek and attempt to learn them. Some great websites to learn new skills include be Udemy and Coursera. Additionally, if you want to learn some skills for free by some of our nation’s most prestigious colleges, you can also use edX. Most of these offer certifications that you can present to employers. Alternatively, you can also take classes at a local college, often for credit. If possible, always try to make yourself a more well-rounded applicant to appeal to more employers.
4) Reach Out
It’s often easiest to reach out to employers directly as well as ask for an application in-person. For example, an employer may be more willing to hire you if you ask for an application at a restaurant or another workplace because they can see your initiative and passion first-hand.
Additionally, reach out to friends and family. Many family members might already working a good job and a recommendation / referral from them can make or break your application. Don’t be afraid to use your connections. Any competitive advantage can greatly help you stand out and get out of unemployment.
5) Expand your search
Look beyond your local newspaper. Sometimes, the next opportunity may be available online or in another location. Some employers allow you to work from home, meaning you can look for interstate job opportunities. Look at websites such as Indeed and Linkedin to help you with your job search.
6) Prepare. Prepare. Prepare.
Once you have a job interview, the last step is to prepare. You’re being directly compared with other top candidates so make sure you don’t crack down under pressure. Have your friend come up with sample interview questions and answer them. This will help you practice in a more stressful environment as well as allow you to come up with responses quickly and effectively. Once you have your job interview, don’t let the opportunity go.
Conclusion:
Getting out of unemployment can be especially difficult but it’s definitely possible. Keep trying and continue to follow your financial plans to ensure financial stability, especially during unemployment. Opportunities can be limited so make sure to capitalize on each one.