How to Overcome Long-Term Unemployment

By Brandi Fowler

A job search can feel like a full-time job. Sometimes you come up short even after spending months looking for a new position.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics defines long-term unemployment as not having a job for 27 weeks (six months or longer) while actively looking for a new position. And an increasing number of people are dealing with those circumstances.?

The Department of Labor reported that 826,000 unemployed workers were out of work for 3 ? to 6 months in December, up 36% from April 2022.

Despite a strong labor market and numerous job openings, “it's taking longer for unemployed workers to land on their feet”, according to LinkedIn News. Recent increases in layoffs across multiple industries and hiring freezes conspired to extend the time job seekers are out of work.

Though the statistics and time frame can feel discouraging, companies are still hiring. So, take a deep breath, refresh your job search materials, and keep pursuing the roles of interest.?

The first step to take if you are long-term unemployed is to re-evaluate your job search game plan, said career coach Bob McIntosh.?

Be strategic and go the extra mile. Network with hiring managers, recruiters, and employees who work for the companies you want to work for before you apply for a job, McIntosh said.?

“[People who are] long-term unemployed need to stand out from employed job seekers by changing their strategy from ‘spraying and praying’ (i.e. sending out as many applications as possible) to applying online and networking,” McIntosh said.?

Also, don't forget to revise your resume and LinkedIn profile.?

McIntosh noted the importance of sending resumes that “speak to the employers’ needs.”?

“[Hiring managers] don't want the same cookie-cutter resume that's sent out to all employers,” McIntosh said. “If a [long-term employed person] is applying for an operations manager role in the manufacturing industry but their resume is written for the software development industry, their resume doesn't speak to the employer's needs.?

“Reading a resume that highlights irrelevant experience would take too long for anyone in the hiring process to connect the dots.”

Including keywords in your resume from job descriptions can also help it grab the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.

In addition, analyze the way you interview.?

“You need to own the room [during an interview if you are long-term unemployed],” McIntosh said. “There's something to Amy Cuddy's power pose method. It comes down to appearing confident and being enthusiastic in every phase of the interview process. Yes, this is a strong ask especially when their self-esteem has taken a hit, but employers want to hire those who are confident and enthusiastic because they believe job candidates will be confident and enthusiastic on the job.”

Also crucial is researching the position you are applying for and the company before your interview, McIntosh said. Be able to list the services or products the companies produce. Know the positions inside and out and identify areas you can help improve by talking about your transferable skills.

“In an environment where employers are extremely selective, LTUs need to prove they can do the job,” McIntosh said.?

McIntosh also emphasized the importance of showing you are a good fit for the organization when interviewing.?

“Demonstrating their willingness to be team players and that they are adaptable to change [is crucial],” McIntosh said. “It's imperative that LTUs of any age highlight their ability to work well with others and willingness to take on different responsibilities. It all comes down to: I can do the job, I want to do the job, and I will fit in.”

Your career is like a road trip. You are in the driver's seat. Your goals are your destinations. Yet, a lot of people don't know where to begin when setting job search and career goals. Fortunately, I recently talked about this topic on my weekly #GetHired podcast with Michael Bungay Stanier who is an author and founder. He knows all about coaching people to reach their full potential. Also, he's literally written a book about achieving goals. You can read a transcript of our discussion and listen to the conversation by clicking here.

COMING UP: Elise Powers, who is the founder of Eleview Consulting, will join me on the podcast to discuss the ins and outs of networking. Elise has used networking to thrive in her career since her college days. Not a fan of networking? No worries. Our conversation is focused on building relationships with people without feeling slimy afterward. Follow my podcast wherever you like to listen, including Apple Podcasts, so you don't miss the episode.

Elise will then join my LinkedIn News colleague Brandi Fowler on Monday, March 20, at noon ET on #GetHired Live to answer your questions about networking. You can RSVP for that live conversation by clicking here or the accompanying image.

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As I said above, your objectives are the destinations of your career and job search road trip. This LinkedIn Learning course dives into the do's and don'ts of setting those objectives. You can watch the course below or by clicking here.