How To Find Work While Unemployed

Unemployed job seekers may feel overwhelmed as they look for new employment, but they can use their position to their advantage. As you aim to reenter the workforce, consider how to explain to a potential employer the reasons why you took a break. In the meantime, build your skillset through LinkedIn Learning courses and network with other professionals.

By Timothy Mably

It can feel like a drastically different experience to look for work while unemployed compared to looking for career opportunities while employed. If you’re currently in a season of unemployment, consider the best strategies to incorporate throughout your job search.

Don’t Hide Your Unemployment

Career coach Emily L. Pasnak-Lapchick believes that your unemployment status isn’t something you should hide from a potential employer. Although it isn’t a talking point you should always work into your pitch, you should be thoughtful about how you approach the topic.?

Pasnak-Lapchick says, “If it’s raised, you can decide how upfront you want to be about why you’ve been unemployed. If you were laid off because of budget cuts or restructuring, that was out of your control. However, if you were laid off because of performance issues, consider how you want to communicate that.”

Throughout the past few years, employers have become more understanding of applicants who have experienced job loss. Whether it’s due to the pandemic or the economy contributing to massive layoffs, hiring teams are unlikely to look down on candidates who currently lack employment. If you were terminated from a position due to performance or other issues, invest time into thinking about how you should communicate the situation

Career coach Katelyn Richards says, “Oftentimes when I see people moving into new roles, industries, and areas it is all because of their own choice and volition to do something entirely different. One of the biggest misconceptions to be addressed is that companies will view you as ‘tainted’ or that there is something ‘wrong' with you for having been laid off- that couldn't be further from the truth!”

Some job seekers she coached intentionally took a break from work for personal reasons, such as having children. As they made steps to reenter the workforce, they had to curate a narrative for why they took time away. Before the interviewing process, they articulated the reason they took a break, how they spent the time, and what new skills they learned. Pasnak-Lapchick recounts, “One hiring team commented on how admirable it was that the candidate took this risk and spent intentional time developing themselves.”

If you chose to be unemployed for a season, be upfront about your reasoning. She says, “If you intentionally took a break from work and it was a meaningful period of growth for you, then use that to position yourself as a strong candidate for the role. If you took time off for caretaking, you can be direct about these circumstances and while many employers understand, be ready to share how the caretaking responsibilities have shifted to give you more time to work. Unfortunately, this is an area where discrimination takes place.”

Build Your Skillset

She recommends using your free time to build your skill set, which can exemplify a proactive attitude to a potential employer. Regardless of the specific circumstances concerning your unemployment, it’s essential for employers to take notice of your growth. The way you take advantage of a season of unemployment can demonstrate your professionalism in a way that even employment can’t reveal. She asks, “Did you take courses? Did you network? Did you work with a career coach?”

Courses offered by LinkedIn Learning can educate and equip you for topics ranging from cultural competency to leadership to emotional intelligence. Each completed course can be listed on your profile and your resume, representing your willingness to go above and beyond.

Richards encourages job seekers to find employers who intrigue them and excite them about using their skills. She says, “Skills are transferable and at the end of the day what companies are actually looking for are people who can come in and help them solve their problems, manage their risks, and meet their goals.”

Focus on Networking

Although you may be unemployed, you can turn networking into its own part-time job. As you utilize LinkedIn Learning courses, also take advantage of connecting with other professionals in related fields.

Pasnak-Lapchick says, “Lean on your networks. If you know someone who works for the company or organization you’re interested in, reach out for a catch-up. LinkedIn is a great place to research who in your network has connections with places you’d like to work. Engage with people you used to work with, describe the roles you’re looking for, and make direct asks about opportunities you’re interested in.”

Building your network can be the way you find new work, leading to more fruitful results than submitted resumes. She explains, “The more people who are aware of your interests and skills, the more eyes you have on job opportunities that are aligned with what you want. As a bonus, ask people who you’ve worked with in the past if they’d be willing to write you a recommendation on LinkedIn.”

If you’re seeking additional insights into a field or a position, consider reaching out to someone to set up a brief call. They may take notice of your initiative and be open to connecting.

Your unemployment may feel like a burden, but you can turn it into an opportunity for future employment. Just because you aren’t in the office doesn’t mean you can’t build your skills, grow your network, and take steps forward in your career.

Top Takeaways

How can you navigate looking for work while unemployed?

• Although your unemployment status shouldn’t be the first thing you bring up to a potential employer, don’t hide the fact that you’re unemployed.
• Some job seekers take a break from work for personal reasons, such as having or adopting children. As they make steps to reenter the workforce, they have to curate a narrative for why they took time away.
• Courses offered by LinkedIn Learning can educate and equip you for topics ranging from cultural competency to leadership to emotional intelligence.?
• Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with other professionals in related fields.
• If you’re seeking additional insights into a field or a position, consider reaching out to someone to set up a brief call.