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Unemployed for 5 years need help

So My family member has been unemployed for 5 years, he was in sales before and did quite well. He was then made redundant in 2011.

He later tried to set up a business which failed. So now just been looking for a job, sales jobs are difficult To get. What field of work do you think is easier to get a job in with being 5 years out of work.

Also what do you put on your CV ?

Comments

  • groovybluedog
    groovybluedog Posts: 12 Forumite
    For what to put on the CV, if he's tried to set up a business then it is still working; so list it as self employed. They will need to think of how to answer questions about it in interview though.
  • lincroft1710
    lincroft1710 Posts: 18,344 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    banks4u wrote: »
    What field of work do you think is easier to get a job in with being 5 years out of work.

    What field of work would need people who have been 5 years out of work?

    Unskilled minimum wage jobs.

    But your relative must have some skills, so what are they? Can he not build upon the failed business using the knowledge he gained?
    If you are querying your Council Tax band would you please state whether you are in England, Scotland or Wales
  • HappyMJ
    HappyMJ Posts: 21,115 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    banks4u wrote: »
    So My family member has been unemployed for 5 years, he was in sales before and did quite well. He was then made redundant in 2011.

    He later tried to set up a business which failed. So now just been looking for a job, sales jobs are difficult To get. What field of work do you think is easier to get a job in with being 5 years out of work.

    Also what do you put on your CV ?

    He could look for work in what he's experienced in....sales. They might be difficult to get but they are available whether they've had a career break or not.

    He's got soft skills. The ability to interact with people, customers especially so he could work in a wide variety of fields. Retail work has plenty of vacancies.

    I wouldn't worry about the career gap at all. He's got a reason that he hasn't worked for an employer for so long as he's been working for himself. Just put that on the CV.
    :footie:
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  • Carmk2008
    Carmk2008 Posts: 157 Forumite
    Heavy plant operator's are in demand right now, but mainly excavator there is a major shortage of good operator's and new operator's are now getting a chance to prove themselves whereas before this wasn't the case. You may be able to get funding to get relevant tickets.
  • lizzy85
    lizzy85 Posts: 77 Forumite
    Doing your own business is an experience. It can be put into your CV and you explain it during interview.
  • Mallotum_X
    Mallotum_X Posts: 2,591 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    why has it been five years. The reasons behind that may influence how to describe it.
  • fewgroats
    fewgroats Posts: 774 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 500 Posts
    I was unemployed for more than five years but now I do freelancing.

    I have also found a quick one week job delivering leaflets. No doubt there are similar jobs out there?
    Advent Challenge: Money made: £0. Days to Christmas: 59.
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