Best Interview Answer: Why Have You Been Unemployed For So Long?

It is probably one of the most awkward, nerve-racking question you can be asked during a job interview.

Why have you been unemployed for so long? Explain your employment gaps to me, What have you been doing this whole time?, the interviewer asks.

Don’t worry it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. You just need to be prepared. Here is how you can explain why you have been unemployed for so long;

Honestly Speaking, Why Have You Been Unemployed for so long?

Jobs are advertised every day and the employer will wonder why you have not secured yourself a job in the last one year for example.

Is it that there are no jobs matching your qualifications, or you are just ‘unlucky’?.…

Quick tip: Don’t go to the interview unprepared, without an answer. It will be very difficult to formulate a response on the spot.

What not to say…

1.”I have been looking for jobs”

The first tip to answering the question ‘Why have you been unemployed for so long’ is not to give an answer such as “I have been unemployed because I have been looking for a job”

Don’t give the employer the impression that you have been looking for jobs for a whole year, meaning the applications have all been unsuccessful.

Sometimes candidates think that by saying that they have been looking for a job, they will appeal to the emotions of the interviewer to sympathize with their unemployment situation.

It is expected that you will make the best out of your unemployment season, and not sitting at home watching TV while you apply for jobs.

2.The sad story of how you were fired

Even though you were laid off in an unfair manner, Interview Coaching expert, from Lucy Karwigi says that it shouldn’t be the basis of your answer.

“If you have to talk about why you were fired, do it in an unbiased way and sound positive about the experience”, she adds.

Explain what the experience has taught you and the opportunities that await you in the job market.

The employer is serious about employing a serious candidate who is positive and strong, therefore, don’t get emotional about your past work experience.

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 3. Don’t complain about the unemployment rate

“There are no jobs” is a bad answer to this question. The employer will not take it kindly when you say that there are no jobs, whereas you are sitting in an interview room hoping to get this job. When an employer asks this question, they are really asking if you have the motivation and dedication necessary to be a diligent employee.

When explaining the question ‘Why have you been unemployed for so long’, talk about the following ideas:

1.You decided to start a business

2.You took some college courses to stay current in your career

3.You volunteered with a certain NGO etc.

Points to emphasize

When responding to this question, you should attempt to remain positive while being honest.

Focus on sharing anything positive that you have done during this period of time. For example, talk about taking some time to volunteer or further your education.

Be honest, but present honest answers in a positive light. If you suffered a loss or were unable to work due to mental stress or recovery, talk about reevaluating your career aspirations and preparing yourself to enter the workplace with more to contribute.

If you were laid off, talk about how the company as a whole was affected. If you were fired, talk openly about weaknesses that led to the event and relate what you have learned from the experience and how you have worked to improve.

 Sample Answers

“I have taken some time to further my education and improve my skills in order to contribute more fully to the company I will work for.”

“I have spent some time volunteering and making contributions to local organizations in order to support my community. I feel that I have gained valuable skills from this experience that will help me further the interests of the company.”

Focus on the positive and convince the employer that you sincerely want the job and are the right fit.

Do you have a scheduled interview? Let an expert help you with the process

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