Long term unemployed - Is there any hope?

Topcat1982

I left my last job due to health problems. After an eventual diagnosis and operation, I'm now 100% fit for work. However I can't get a job or even an interview!

In the few bits of feedback I've had I have been told the gap is the problem.

Has anyone ever recovered from a gap? Is there companies known for taking long term unemployed people on?

I'm starting to panic. I will do anything. Even a Saturday job in a shop would be a start

[Deleted User]

Oh I have the exact opposite: 2 many jobs so it really is a double edged sword, it's probably on par - awww don't half wish I was a blank canvas!

Offer yourself on a trial basis? even if just for a couple of hours
I have found this really helps more recently when there are objections raised, though the last interviewer sat me through an assessment as part of sit and see, during which I discovered the introvert in me doesn't help - but least now I'm more aware

The 'immediately required' can be better and are more likely to be open minded, though appreciate there not always the desirable, it can get you going

Recruitment agencies can also help, keep spirits up, something will come along

Takeaway_Addict

Whilst you don't have to declare it unless it has a direct impact on the job have you actually been honest when applying what the time off was for?

Otherwise maybe try doing some agency work to start filling the gap in?

Topcat1982

That's a good idea.

Do you think it would be helpful to explain my health problems in a covering letter (to explain the gap). Is that something people do or will that just look silly?

Takeaway_Addict

Topcat1982 wrote: »

That's a good idea.

Do you think it would be helpful to explain my health problems in a covering letter (to explain the gap). Is that something people do or will that just look silly?

As long as you don't come across as desperate its fine to be factual. Not telling people hasn't got you anywhere so maybe try a different tact?

You have to do what you think is best but if one way isn't succeeding have you got anything to lose by trying something else?

pmd123

I had a 15 year gap caring for my mum who is disabled. When it came to finding a job, I found I had no luck in applying for things I was qualified to do, because despite explanations to the reason for the gap, employers didn't seem to be able to see past it.

My approach became, apply for anything even remotely close to what I was interested in, I eventually got an interview for a minimum wage post, was informed I didn't get it, but they had a 3 month contract they could offer me if I was interested. Now 7 years later I am still with the same organisation, and manage 3 teams.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, my advice is to apply for anything, just to get started, work somewhere 3 months and nobody will care about the previous gap in employment. If it comes to it, volunteer just to get it on your cv that you're still putting your skills to good use.

Wish you well.

Armorica

You should be honest about the gap - in your case it seems to be a fully resolved medical issue so shouldn't set off any alarm bells. I'm not sure it's necessarily needed in a cover letter - in the CV dates would be ok. You could also use a different style CV e.g. focus on skills rather than dates.

pmduk

Try some voluntary work, it'll show you can hold down work whilst providing an up to date work reference

ACG

As an employer I would be reluctant to take someone on who has been off on long term sick. Employers have a LOT of rights now which mean if an employer was to take you on, they are taking on a bigger risk than normal that you will do 6 months or 2 years and then go off on the sick again.

Just to be clear, I am not saying its bad or wrong that employers have so many rights, im just saying that it is probably not helping you.

This isnt something I would look at personally but my mum used to have her own business. There was a lad who used to hang around with a load of idiots, he came in for a job and she gave him a chance because he had been doing charity work for 6-12 months. She was prepared to give him a chance on that basis. He was actually a really nice lad and nothing like his mates and went on to join the army have a family and all the rest of it whilst the rest of them are still claiming.

Aside from that, have you got any friends who can get you in at their place? Finding good employees is difficult, if you have a good employee vouching for you.

Or have you thought about going self employed? I did 14 months ago and love every minute of it.

What is it you have done in the past?
Can you not get a job in a local pub or something to at least get you on the job ladder again?... You may also find you get to know self employed people that go in there who will offer you a job. Its kind of networking but I have managed to get a few clients just by being in the pub and having a pint and a general chat.

topaztiger1983

I was unemployed for 3 years prior to finding my current job, in that time I did not even have 1 interview, until I did some voluntary work (at a charity shop), then I applied for the job I have now & I got asked to the interview, I was told at the interview that had I not done the voluntary work that they would have been reluctant to employ me, so I think that voluntary may be the way to go

I can hurt & it give you an upto date job & reference on you CV, so go for it, moping about & feeling sorry for yourself is not going to get you anywhere, I am of the opinion that you get nothing in this life without a little hard work

After the voluntary work, the idea may be to just get you foot in the employment door, by taking a job that you maybe would not usually consider if you were employed, I work at KFC as a Cook, its not the best job & the pay is crap for the amount of work I have to do, but a job is a job & as someone on this forum said to me work leads to work, meaning that it is easier to find another job when you are in work, so taking an entry level job may be the way to go

Please don't think I am getting onto you or anything, that is just my opinion, I am not saying you are moping or feeling sorry for yourself, but this thread may help more people in the future, so it is not aimed completely at you

gingerdad

i wish you look, but i for one as an employer won't empoly anyone whos been unemployed for a long period. i've tried it twice and been bitten both times.

you need to build up some experience in the voluntary sector to help update your skill set.

sorry not to be more positive.

good luck