Finding A Job With Employment Barriers

My background is in Human Resource and Employment and in studying the job market I put together this article which can benefit one if they are seeking employment even in this market.I have had first hand training in interviewing, employment application screening, and hiring employees, for many years.

Employment Barriers©lyns 2011

Challenges in the Job Market(Barriers)

The first step in finding a job is what is the company looking for and what they want. An employer looks to hire individuals who can learn the job quickly and once trained will stay on the job. It is very important to show stability work history and avoiding gaps and/or a great deal of jobs prior to the economic crisis in 2007/08.

Having Gaps in Your Employment History

Be honest and pick the most acceptable reason which relates to why you have gaps, such as working temporary jobs, company laid off due to the recession, and or working part time to supplement income.The impression to convey is that you were occupied with some meaningful activity even though you were not gainfully employed.

If you happen to be young and just entering the job market, your explanations may be bit different, your explanation may be:

“I am just entering the job market I have been in college and would like to get my foot in the door with a company wherein I can grow.”

If you are young and just hanging out, it may best to admit it, honesty is what employers still want: A good explanation:

“I’ve had my fun and now I’m ready to settle down into a job.”

Other explanations for part-time jobs may be as follows:

“I had a number of part-time jobs during that time-mostly seasonal—which I didn't list on the application, because of the short time.”

“I was baby-sitting”…. “Taking care of my mother”….Or

“Raising a family…”There are a lot of others such as you were self employed, etc.

Hopefully you get the drift, but the best policy is honest, even employers can understand better if you have a criminal record and you are making a change in your life for the good.

If You Have Not Recently Worked

It is important to send the message that you are ready to work NOW. However, don’t give the impression you have not been looking for work, in the past it was the opposite if you gave the impression you've been looking for work for months but no one will hire you it look as if there was a problem you; but no in 2011 employers know are aware of the employment market and how long it may take to find a job.

If you have never Worked

If you have just graduated out of High School, this is not a problem. Determine what you have actually been doing, and find acceptable ways to sate it. State anything which suggests constructive activity.

Suggestion:

“I have been taking a correspondence course, online.”(Be ready to discuss the content, of the course if asked.)

“I have been working odd jobs for neighbors and relatives.”

To Many Short Jobs

Make sure employers know that you have been looking for steady work even in this difficult job market.

Suggestion: (Use it in your own wording)

“It’s true that I have worked at a number of different jobs in the past.I have been searching for steady work, and one or two of the jobs I worked at there were layoffs.” (This is so true for many today and employers are aware of this.)

“I know this is a job I want and I expect to be here for a long time if you hire me. I think the variety of my skills could help me on this job and will be beneficial for your company.”

History of Job Hopping

If you were fired from a job use the phrase, “Let go” or “Laid off.”If the problem was related to a personal or family problem now resolved, it would be more acceptable to an employer.

Note: Do not blame problems on previous employers or a prospective employer will be wary of you, even if there was things on the job that were negative, do not by all means convey this to a prospect employer,it is best to stay positive about the previous employer.

Employers frown down on employees that bad mouth their past employers thinking that you may be a problem employee and will not hire you, when in truth it could have just been a personality conflict with your previous boss.

Convince the interviewer you are settled and interested in staying with their company.

Have Received Worker’s Compensation

The employer will be worried about hiring someone who has been injured on the job before.She/he is afraid you will make a new claim against him, or his insurance company will be asked to cover the previous injury.

Suggestion: (Use you own wording)

“Yes, I received Worker’s Compensation for my back injury. My doctor has informed me that I can perform this kind of work without any further problems, and I have a statement for you to see.”

Make sure you have gotten a release to perform the job in which you are looking for from you treating physician and keep it on hand to show if needed.

Younger Than Others Apply for the Job

Present your youth as an asset in being capable to learn the job rapidly. Be sure to mention you are interested in a stable job that will last and that you can grow with. Employers in hiring young adults main concern is that young adults are not focused and none reliable.

Many young adults make the mistake of working until they get a pay check or until they reach their expense goal and then quit the job, and/or they are not dependable they do not show up for work on time, call in sick to much. Employers are maybe reluctant to hire a young adult because of this.

Make sure you convey to the interviewer even though you are young you are dependable, reliable and is looking for long term employment.

Suggestion: (use your own words)

“I know that I’m only ___ years old, but since I am young I can learn a job quickly, and I’m interested in getting a steady job that I could be at for several years.”

HAS LESS EDUCATION THAN MOST APPLICANTS

Let the employer know you have the basic skills even if you don’t have a great deal of education, and that you're a quick learner. If you feel you can do the job make sure you convey this to the employer with confidence.

Suggestion: (use your own words)

“Even though I don’t have the educational back ground I have the ability to do this position and am confident that I can do the job once I am trained.”

Please Note: (All employees no matter how much education they have must be trained, in order to do the job, keep this in mind.)

If you are still in High School

“I know I haven’t graduated from high school, but I have kept up with my studies and have excellent grades, I am never late for school or absent.”

“I have always gotten good grades and been diligent about my homework and studies, I know if given the opportunity I can learn the job and perform its responsibilities.”

Next Employment Article: I will cover the more serious barriers in employment issues in another article, such as,Chemical Dependency and Prison Records, Mental Issues employment barriers.

Hope this was some help to you, Good luck in getting over whatever may or may not be your job barriers.