Best Way to Address Unemployment on LinkedIn
J.T. O'Donnell
Founder & CEO, Work It DAILY | Board of Directors, McCoy | Career & Professional Development | Job Search | HR & Recruiting | Employer Branding | Recruitment Marketing | Talent Management | Executive Coaching
I get asked daily by unemployed job seekers what’s the best way to articulate they aren’t currently working on LinkedIn. In particular, I get this request most from the long-term unemployed who feel discriminated against by employers.
(Click here to learn my three techniques for fighting the unemployment stigma.)
The answer is simple: Don’t put anything. Trying to explain it is suspect. I suggest avoiding things like:
- Citing “In Transition” in your profile headline. That just screams, “skip me” to recruiters.
- Making up a current job title and description like “freelancer” or “consultant” – unless you truly are doing those things and have active clients/projects you can list. Otherwise, it just tells the recruiter you felt bad about not having a real job to list.
- Leaving your last job as “Present” only to then have to explain in a phone screen to the recruiter you don’t actually work there anymore; making you look like a liar.
Fact: You’re Between Jobs… and it’s Okay!
Just because you aren’t working doesn’t mean you don’t have skills. You didn’t suddenly lose your credibility because you aren’t in a job. Stop acting like you did something wrong. So you don’t have a job right now? It’s okay! They’ll figure it out without you having to emphasize it.
Instead, focus on proactively identifying recruiters in your space and reaching out to them. You aren’t the first person they’ve met between jobs, and you won’t be their last. Make the effort to seek out those that can hire you and let them know you exist. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished. There’s even an upside of you not working to recruiters - it will be easier to schedule you for an interview!
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3 Techniques To Fight Unemployment Stigma
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8 年How do I start a business like yours?
Chapter 3: Who Knew Retirement Would Be So Nifty?
8 年Being completely transparent saves time, shows confidence and is the cornerstone of integrity, accountability and credibility. Say up front that you are in transition after leaving full time employment to leave no doubt in the reader’s mind about your employment status. Show that you are an honorable person and do not put yourself in the position at any time in the recruitment process of being the least bit defensive about your circumstance. Why work for an organization that does not value or cannot recognize your expertise and experience or requires you to be cagey, circumspect or clever to be heard?
--Sr. Companyman
8 年Great ! !!!
Professional Sales Representative / Brand Ambassador
9 年I like the article.