How to Get a Job After a Year (or More) Out of Work

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Wow,finally an employment article not completely filled with tired old cliche advice or inane nonsense. I must admit that I now only read these things to amuse myself by ripping into the silly authors in the comments section. Yahoo news is a great place for finding this type of career advice tripe. Sadly, they recently seemed to have wised up and no longer have open comment sections.

Tuxedo of WI 3:36PM April 03, 2013

I agree with the intelligent comments posted, we all shared the pain of being unemployed but yet the smarted so called in the government office are not doing anything to help their people...the best is offer free training for excellency to get back the unemployed to update their skills and be able to be confident employees in the future; this would eliminate training on the employment processes in the company. Small stipend for the trainees would suffice and will boost the company credibilities in the company that can make the company be recognized in the community and team work community will be formed. We learn from each other people of different skills can contribute their talents to the organization make brainstorming is the best thing to apply for the company to get an idea on how to improve their business...this is a good type of cost cutting in advertisements for improvements...the pool of intelligent brains is right in front of you! Use them its free recognize the unemployed they are smart and willing to cooperate to what it takes to be able to help in turn of some assurance of getting employed through networking process! This is an excellent tool of networking and being able to get the best candidate for the job, because they are right there infront of your face performing free of charged and the organization can pick who is the best candidate for the job and also be able to make recommendation to other company for the rest where talents and skills are well identified from the skills and talent training! Does enyone taught of this idea...if not there is no harm to get started..go with the business of improving talents business...train the unemployed certify them get them ready for workforce again...this would eliminate frustrations and suicide solutions to many. Help please...smart company...officials of the city, government...think for us...we voted for you...to extend your helping hand for the people, of the people and by the people needs... colleagues what can you say out there...God bless us all...I am unemployed too!!! in the same boat with others that sometimes frustrations hits me...but i just look up and say Jesus you still our God and I love you! no matter what the situations is because you are the God of love and patience and best gift giver... to all of us unemployed send us to best jobs we can do and prove again to many our great skills talents and asset ability mind set to set the company we will working for to achieved the highest performance through our effectivess and dedicatedness to commitment to success. God bless us all...Thank you colleagues...my prayers goes to everyone employee to be and to the employer and to the government officials thank you for all the help....Beautiful day to all....smile...NR

NR of NY 9:54AM October 02, 2012

I have been unemployed for two years now. I fill out between twenty and forty job applications each week. My resume is everywhere I can post it. I am not adverse to low-wage employemnt, working any shift, days/nights, weekends/holidays, doing whatever I can to at least feel like I am contributing to society. I am highly educated and 44. I refuse to sit down, sit back, or give up. I did not get this far by quiting, and neither did any of you! Hang in there, and know that even though the Titanic sank, there WERE survivors.

Deaun of TX 2:06AM June 05, 2012

This article is incredible and really speaks to how we as people are feeling on the job line. It was very encouraging and gave a nudge to keep up the job hunt.

Chante'l Boyd of AL 1:25PM March 12, 2012

I am 63 years old. Lost my job in April of 2010. Am I unemployement. I am in Illinois.
I have applied for many and any jobs over the year and not one response. Not even entry level positions. I would like the governer , Pat Quinn, to stop giving incentives to companies to hire Iran and Afgan. vets. What about all the folks out of work here. During WW2 and after, all returning vets had to stand in line with the rest of the unemployed and take their chances. How about the governer extending this program to all unemployed. I am shure that $5,000.00 tax incentive to company to hire all unemployed in this state of Illinois,would stop the process of " now one will hire me". We register at the unemployment office to get benifts. That is all you get. No job assistance; no free cell phones; no food stamps; no rent assistance. Why ?
Illegals are getting losts of free stuff form the government, but to those who have worked 20 or more years, paid taxes, are here legal, are getting nothing.
What will these folks do when the benefits are gone? What government agency will help these folks?
If they have any savings, they will go thru the money really fast. And still can not get employment.
Sure the state of Illinos is in a money crisis, but the bigger problem is the unemployment.
If the state government makes all employees take a pay cut and put term limits of 2 years on all Illinois law makers and governors,and cut the earnings to $ 50,000.00 a year, I wonder how many law makers would stay? There should be a provision that there will be no more Proffesional politican jobs. And for pensions, only get one. But with term limits no pensions needed. Let them get into the social security system, and let them pay for the same health care as everybody else.
And the work that is done is not a years worth. Look up how many working days a year the lawmakers put in. sure is not 365 days worth.
And for bills to be made, no trailers added. It could be a good bill, but some crook adds something to it that does not have anything to do with the original bill.
The living wage should be $12.00 to $14.00 per hour. with seasoned workers. New workers no experience, $ 10.00 - $11.00 per hour.
So to all of you that have a job see what you can do to help make more jobs. In your towns. If your town employes out of town folks, you should ask WHY? We have local people here in our town that can be trained for the job and help the local town economy grow.
Thank you

fran of IL 3:16PM February 01, 2012

Fact is, we are in a depression, the Obama Depression. Employers are scared to death about what this administration is doing or is going to do. Constantly, businesses are being assaulted with more and more regulations, higher and higher taxes. Consequently, employers are holding off growing their business and hiring employees. So, until the chains of government have been removed from the necks of businesses, take any job you can - and when the time comes in 2012, vote right this time!

Prorkba of MA 1:28PM December 28, 2011

I don't know how else to say this so I'll just it. Many of these article by so-called experts lack common sense. Much of data being suggested is rediculous because each and every suggestion to the unemployed is so easily rebuttable. All employers today DO NOT want applicants with periods of inactivity. We live in a world where socities have brain washed themselves to believe only currently employed are skilled and worth. As ansurd and ignorant this truth is it happens to be real and everyone needs to accept it. None of the suggestions in this article will work and they fail to elaborate on many details.
The only way to resolve your situation is to produce something substantial and related to job you're applying for. I do not under any circumstance think it is EVER right to lie or fabricate. Especially today because employers now more than ever before have their hands on online tools to validate your history. If they ask something specifically in job posting then be up front and honest and provide it. Don't provide too much only what they ask. Think like a lawyer and be prepared.
I suggest adding yourself to the waiting list in a college of your choice and going after a diploma. If you already have one disregard that in back of your mind and pretend it never happened. Focus on this new direction at hand and nothing else. While you're waiting to get accepted you can study and read ahead of time coursework you'll need for your new major. Focus on this and this only and you'll be fine.
I also don't suggest borrowing the money for your school or materials. As long as you explain to people while waiting for acceptance your searching for work to save and pay for school upon acceptance this will eventually land you something in meantime. It shows focus, determination and responsibility. These qualities are attractive to all employers and provide a sound explanation and solution for your current situation. Follow what I say exactly and excercise patience and you'll eventually succeed.

Todd of WI 1:24PM November 24, 2011

I don't say God is still good because I felt that way throughout, Heck no, I stumbled and fell, cursed and complained, created a mess around, rebelled, everything, everytime I got money a bill was due or I would meet an officer who felt like being irate just with me, you see I constantly hated myself and pushed people away and people voluntarily left. I became more and more alone, had to move back in with mother and for a 25 year old black man that is very difficult. Statistics bombarding my thoughts, feelings of laziness, hatred, depression, aggravation, lust, oppression, despair, tiredness. It seems like I got hit and am being hit even til this day with every bad thing ever! People tellin me, reading ads/news articles saying how idiots are out of work 2 years, christians saying you just not doing the word of God right, friends deserting me, left me crying, upset, prophets saying you just not desperate enough, mom/dad/bro/sis/girlfriend still telling me it will work out soon please hold on..Me trying not to complain but every time I see someone who is working, or had been out of work for less time get the job I applied for I would be glad and sad. The way I am talking now is what I battle every day in my mind!! Our minds are the battle grounds of our soul. I encourage those out there to do different, read and study the Bible, pray(just talk out loud to God and say what is on your heart, end each prayer but your Will God be done in and through me, in Jesus Name). Like my psychology teacher said, sometimes got to fake it til you make it, word of God says, Rejoice in all things, Rejoice and again Rejoice, All things(upsets, failures, broken dreams, 30 days work and fired, a BA and AA and still no work for the over 40; black woman, black man, recent grad, etc) All thing work together for all who love the Lord thy God and are called to abide in His purpose. I urge you, that God doesn't tell us life on earth will be easy, or sure, but He does promise you salvation and the Holy Spirit who will guide you to all truth, the path back to God, if you are not saved through Jesus Christ, all the pain, suffering, hurt, success, 1 year, 2 year, out of work, health problems, millions, billions, homeless, big house, owning nations, good works, good deeds, Will be in Vain, Accept Jesus Christ today! Romans 10:9 If you declare outwardly with the words of your mouth, that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved! Things will get worse, what good is it to gain the world and lose your soul! I urge you all who are beaten down, no where to turn, that Jesus my Lord and Savior is there for you as He is there for me, I am not better than you or more privileged but I boast only in the Glory of the King of Kings, this no hoax, no special words, I still have no job, in debt, no home of my own, but i am choosing to continue to follow Christ, i pray you will too, much love to all of you!

Douglas Hubert of NC 1:34PM July 23, 2011

I agree with alot of these posts, and the job competition is fierce out there. I've been unemployed for almost eight months, so I've decided to start my own business. I have a B.A. degree, and a AA degree, and it doesn't mean anything. Also I'm a black female, who is over 40, so I've always had challenges in the workplace because of it. I'm just going to put all of my efforts into my business, and hope it pays off for me.

live10 of NC 6:44PM March 28, 2011

I'm 53 in 2010 I recently went to school for 2 different fields pertaining to the health care field, they were Technicial schools. My resume is up on quiet a bit of job sites out there, I've applied to many of jobs, been on interviews, I did take one job but it was not in my field (HR told me I could transfer out of the deptartment in 60 days after) I said great, well after 30 days I was brought to my managers office and the manager said to me that I did not fit into their community, I asked him 3 times to make sure of what he said and he said the same thing back, so I left, driving home I asked myself that I had did nothing wrong I was never late, and I did my job to the best of my ability. What are these people looking for? It's 2011 and I still fill out applications send my resume and cover letters and still can't land a job. I do not understand this.............

Debbie of CT 6:51PM January 21, 2011