Chapter 2 - Why Some People Remain Unemployed | Re-Place Yourself | Job Seekers

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	Chapter 2 - Why Some People Remain Unemployed

Ask anyone who has recently lost a job if he/she plans to remain unemployed for a long time and most will answer, "OF COURSE NOT!" Ask if he/she is seriously looking for another job and most will answer, "CERTAINLY!"

Although more than 1,000,000 new job openings occur each month, many job hunters find themselves unable to reconnect quickly. They are qualified and jobs are available. What's the problem?

Those less than apparent reasons that hinder reemployment have little to do with either the job hunter's skills or the labor market. Most are a result of the job hunter's behaviors.

Consider:

At least 40% turn off prospective employers by presenting themselves poorly in appearance and manners.
Approximately 42% are qualified but have difficulty tapping the "hidden job market." This is formally known as Frictional Unemployment.
More than 80% cannot identify or describe their skills and abilities.
Approximately 85% of the long term unemployed do not spend enough time looking for a job. In fact, the majority devote fewer than five hours a week to the job search.
Approximately 90% cannot answer difficult questions during interviews.

We all know that very few people deliberately sabotage their own efforts. Avoiding job search pitfalls is often a simple matter of recognizing them. Now that you know the problems of those who remain unemployed, make sure you don't fall victim to the same mistakes. You must...

present yourself professionally and positively
learn new methods for tapping the "Hidden Job Market"
learn to describe your skills and abilities
approach your job search as if it were a full-time job
learn to anticipate difficult questions and have your responses prepared

The following pages of job search suggestions will assist you as you chart your own course to a job.

Additional Resources Link:

Dress for Job Success

NOTE: Alternate formats of this document available by contacting your local GDOL Career Center.

"Ye shall know the truth, and the
truth shall make you mad."
ALDUS HUXLEY

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Some information in this book is based on concepts or materials developed by JIST Works, Inc., Indianapolis, IN. They have been used with permission but are protected by copyright law and cannot be reproduced without permission.





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