Being unemployed is frustrating. While having a positive attitude helps, it can be worrying, especially when you’ve been unemployed for longer than planned. Employers know that. When you go for an interview, the employer doesn’t expect you to pretend that unemployment has been easy, but they wouldn’t appreciate complaints either. What they would really hope to see, is how you’ve made the most of a bad situation.
Some of the activities for skill improvement most popularly cited by employers include starting a professional blog, starting a business, volunteering, taking up a class or a contract position. If you look at these suggestions closely, you’ll notice a common thread among them: initiative.
While the economic situation at the moment may not be ideal for finding your dream job, there are still many ways to stay on top of industry trends and keep your skills up to date.
Even the most prepared job seekers are often stumped when faced with the question “What have you been doing since your last job?” There are many ways you can answer this question, but “Nothing” is definitely not the best answer.
Use some of the recommendations cited above, plan, assess and decide on the steps you will take so that your resume can effortlessly explain away a gap between jobs. All the best for your next interview!