By: Roger Lear
The recession of the last two years has meant many insurance professionals have been laid off. Many people have been out of work for more than 6 months to over 2 years. While some received severance packages and all had extended unemployment benefits, getting the "next" job has been a challenge for many reasons leaving them without jobs.
GreatInsururanceJobs.com talked with many insurance employers and asked them how they would treat a resume of a long term unemployed applicant for an open job if they have resumes from others who are currently working. Almost all employers indicated that they would take each situation on a case by case basis. Most showed compassion for the unemployed and all indicated that in the end, they are trying to fill the position with the best possible candidate.
Complicating matters for many of the long term unemployed, they are applying to jobs that are well below their last job's salary and skill sets (Unemployed are willing to do anything to support their family). This is complicating the hiring process for companies because they fear if they hire someone below the salary level they had before they were laid off, they will leave when the economy rebounds. All employers when asked this question said they would still have to examine this on a case by case basis.
It is tough to find that next job if you have been out of work for a long time, but not impossible so please keep trying if you are out of work. We have assembled five tips based on what we have heard from employers as well as things anyone who has been out of work for more than six months and struggling to find a job should consider during their search.
1. Apply to jobs that are very close to your background. While this may sound obvious, many of you are applying to jobs that either you are not qualified for or over qualified. With employers getting an average of 150 resumes per posted jobs, unless your resume is clear and a match, you most likely will not hear a peep from the company (make sure your resume has keywords from the job ad to catch employers attention). Make sure your objective (on your resume) matches the job you are applying to as long as you have the experience. For example, if you were a commercial account manager at an insurance agency and you are applying for customer service representative position at an agency, make sure the objective at the top of your resume say "Commercial Customer Service Representative (CSR)". The reason to be so clear is not to make sure the person reviewing your resume is very clear that you have the correct skill sets.
2. Do not lie on your resume. This is the kiss of death. Employers can accept the fact that you have been out of work for over a year but will never hire you if they found out you have changed your employment dates. After a major recession, employers really do understand that very good people have been unemployed and they will consider you if you have the skill set for the job.
3. Be able to explain to an employer what you did during your lay off. Employers want to see if you volunteered, worked part time or took some classes. Employers are taking everything on a case by case basis so you better be prepared to tell them about your job search and your activities.
4. BE POSITIVE and don't be defensive about unemployment. You are going through a very difficult time and this may be the hardest thing to understand. Employers have compassion and really do understand that these are very hard times for you. Don't shoot yourself in the foot telling them your horror stories.
5. NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK. Sending one hundred resumes a week via your computer is not a job search in tough times. You must have a plan to meet with people in the numerous network meetings that take place in your city. Check the local chamber websites, Meetup.com and LinkedIn and Facebook company pages for jobs and events. Once at the event, when you introduce yourself, let them know what you do and that you are in career transition.
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See Roger Lear, co-founder of GreatInsuranceJobs.com and OrlandoJobs.com, in action in a FOX exclusive interview talking about the top strategies for the long term unemployed. Click to watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtTmqnnDQqU
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