Looking for Work?

The unemployment rate is still high, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. So, what will potential employers see on your resume if you have been out of work for the past year? If you’re a recent college graduate, chances are you didn’t find a job after getting that degree. You’re not alone, but how will your resume stack up against the resumes of others?

Managers may understand why you have a “gap” in employment, but if you have been active in other ways, you look better compared to candidates that have been focused only on cleaning out their garage or working on their tan. Differentiate yourself from others by filling the “gap” with meaningful activities. Spend time on projects for a non-profit organization, volunteer to coach a kid’s sports team, write a regular newsletter or blog about a subject that is aligned with your career goals. Add skills to your resume by going to your local library and getting the information to teach yourself a foreign language or a technical skill that will add to your toolbox. There are many options and it is always good to start with the things that are important to you and could be important to your next employer.