Tips for Job Seekers Going Back to Work after Long Employment Gap

Not everyone works for over 60 straight years. Not everyone has a job when they are young and works straight through until they retire. Many people take breaks throughout their employment, from retiring early, on maternity leave, on disability, joining the Peace Corps, or might be a mom with young children who wants to stay home with them until they start school and then go back to work.

If you have taken a large gap of employment and are trying to go back to work, you can find many problems in finding a job. The economy is much different now than it was in the past and finding a job is much harder than it ever has been. Getting back into employment after you  have been off for a long gap can be hard, but there are some things that you can do

to make it easier for you.

Here are 5 tips that you can use to help you get your foot back in the door if you have been out of work for a long period of time.

Research and Learn

Industries constantly change over time so you need to do some research and learn all you can about where you are going to fit best in the new economy. Think about what your skills are and what type of experience you have before you start looking for a job.

Navigate to a website, such as LinkedInGlassDoor, which will show you how much things have changed since you were last in the job market.

Think About What You Have to Offer

Before you start your job search, sit down and think about what you have to offer new employers. Think about the industry that you want to work in and why. If you have been out of work for quite a while, research how much the industry has changed. Think about what skills you need to have to make you a better work.

Make a New Resume

If you have been out of the job market for more than a few months, you should make a new resume, make a new portfolio, create a new personal website, and even think about your professional wardrobe. Styles change also and the clothes that are currently in your closet may be out of date.

Social Media

In the past when you were looking for a job you probably submitted an application or your resume and waited for that phone call for an interview. Things have changed and the process may be done a little differently. You can now use social media sites, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, and also use top discussion board forums. You can use these sites to make connections with people that work in the industry that you want to work in. Join in the conversations and you could be talking with someone that will become your boss.

Start Slow

If you have been out of employment for a few months or more, it will take time for you to find another job. Do not get in too big of a hurry or you will become too overwhelmed. Make a list of the things that you need to do to find a job and go through your list each day until everything has been crossed off.