Laid off back in February 2024 and haven’t been able to find a new job. How do I address this on my resume without looking unhireable?

31 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 21,2024 at 5:00PM UTC

   I'm sorry you are having a tough time of it. I've been there before and it's really difficult. Former recruiter here, do not lie on your resume. Instead, put your end month/year in your last role. Then add a role, what have you been studying up on recently? Find something, then add it as if it were a full time job. If IA catches the words "to present" your golden. Try it. I don't know exactly what your marketing industry job was, but don't worry about your masters. I'm in higher ed now. Focus on jobs you want to do, then tailor your resume on how your experience fits. Then NETWORK like crazy. Go back to your alma mater's career center, see if they have any alumni connection boards online. Or go onto LinkedIn, do some research, put on your detective hat and go find people to meet. Who you say? Alums who went to your college with the same degrees. Where do they work? Link in with them, see if their companies have openings. You can no longer submit and wait. You must go blaze a trail to find the pot of gold (aka job). See if that helps some!

2. AnonymousOctober 21,2024 at 5:53PM UTC

   OP here, thank you for the thoughtful response! I figured stretching the employment date would be a terrible idea so I’ve ceased doing that. I’ve done a few freelance projects so I have added that as my “present” employment but not sure if that’s helping my resume. I guess it just is what it is since lying won’t help in the end anyway!

   Any tips on how to effectively network without coming across as weird or desperate? I’m a bit of an introvert and regrettably do not often keep in touch with former colleagues. My last job was completely remote and since I was a contract hire my colleagues didn’t seem too keen on getting to know me. I’ve never really had to network to get my previous jobs so this is new territory for me!

3. AnonymousOctober 22,2024 at 6:45PM UTC

   Definitely add your freelance projects. Network with those working in companies of interest. Be yourself and be honest. Inbox them. Hi there I see we both graduated with XYZ degrees at XYZ college. I’m in the job market and would like to connect. Keep it short to less than 200 words. You don’t have to be buddies but many people are happy to connect. Broaden your search by looking for jobs with key skills and then ask yourself do I have this? If so be sure it’s on your resume. Also look at higher ed jobs. At universities or colleges near you. Or state jobs. When I left my recruiting job I looked at going back to higher ed to work. Lower pay but I’m on the other side now and I’m safer than corporate. Maybe it’s not an exact match to your degrees but it is a job. Look at occupationaloutlook handbook and take an assessment test. It helps guide you on jobs. Think outside the old school way of applying and waiting do more. Go to job fairs call your Alma mater and ask for guidance. It’s exhausting I know I’ve been there back when the market crashed on 2008. It was brutal. I got a job, was less pay, lost my house but I survived and am okay. Do all you can to pay bills but make sure you eat well and get rest. Go for walks do yoga clear your mind. Visit your library. You can do this! ❤️

4. AnonymousOctober 22,2024 at 10:10PM UTC

   OP here. Thank you so much, this is all very helpful! And I appreciate the encouragement!

5. AnonymousOctober 23,2024 at 3:08AM UTC

   You’re very welcome! I’ve been in those shoes. Capable career lady damn good at it but doors kept shutting. Till one day I had a come to Jesus moment. I thought where is the place I’ve worked that I loved the most and why? I focused in higher ed jobs and within a week I had an interview and an offer. That was over 13 years ago. Thank god. Lots less in pay but I had to live differently and sacrificed a lot like few vacations , got more savvy in finding work clothes, groceries all that. Got loads of debt but I’m getting out of it. The race is not won by being the fastest it’s won by the person who THINKS they can. I live by that.

6. Kelsey ThompsonOctober 22,2024 at 4:18AM UTC

   Would you say that 'stay at home mom' is worth putting on there?

7. AnonymousOctober 22,2024 at 1:08PM UTC

   I have pivoted out of marketing for this very reason. It feels like AI is making it easier to do a lot of the things I used to do and there is a lot more competition for the few marketing jobs that are out there. You may want to look at your experience to see if you can pivot too.

8. AnonymousOctober 22,2024 at 3:35PM UTC

   OP here. I’ve been holding on to the idea that I need to work in Marketing because that’s what I’ve always done professionally but I’m getting the feeling that those jobs are drying up and also, I just don’t enjoy the field anymore. I would love to pivot into an external/internal communications role at a non-profit. I think my biggest fear in switching careers is that hiring managers won’t be willing to take a chance on me because my work experience doesn’t line up perfectly with their job description.

9. AnonymousOctober 24,2024 at 1:23PM UTC

   I'm going to say you need to market how your experience would align with this type of role. I am not in marketing but I would think it would actually dovetail nicely. Communications for a non-profit, I assume this entails, communicaitons about what wonderful things they are doing, asking for donations, etc. To do these things you have to "sell" the non-profit. Perhaps you brush up a bit on a few communications courses, ask ChatGPT to review your resumes in conjunction with the job posting as you may get some ideas on how to tweak the wording to get in. Volunteer at a non-profit to do some communications - you can then list this on your resume as experience. I think you can definitely transition into a role like this if that is what you would like to do. Good luck! You've got this!

10. AnonymousOctober 24,2024 at 3:41PM UTC

    OP here. This is great advice, thank you!

11. AnonymousOctober 22,2024 at 1:52PM UTC

    I'm sorry to hear this. Dealing with unemployment , how to address the gap in your resume, and dealing with finances can be all-encompassing.

    There are several ways to address the gap in your resume. Be honest. Be creative. (You can search online/ChatGPT for sample ways to type up gaps in resume), but they could include: Freelance Consulting, Volunteering, Professional Development/Education, Personal Projects, Networking and Industry involvement (conferences), Family Caregiver, etc.

    If any of these apply to you, add them.

    If you haven't done so, take a break from applying. Reconnect with yourself. For an hour, a day, a week. The grind can wait. Keep talking to as many people as possible, share what you want and what you do. Sometimes we can replace what was lost. Sometimes, it's meant to go and we have to search for what's new.

    --Not trying to sound woowoo here. I've been where you are. It took me 9 years to find a new job (8.5 years of searching while I had a job- with a masters, relevant experience and training and good recommendations in a trending industry and role, etc. --so I built a plan and persisted, pivoting where needed. When I was laid off last year, I felt relief and also fear. I found a new job 6 months ago and it's a breath of fresh air. It's in a new field and direction so I have to learn, but I know what I'm capable of. I share this with you to say I see you.

    I know you have experience and skill and gumption. You know the phrase, "Plan your work, work your plan." Keep that as a mantra. Keep following all the best practices advice (search online- lots of good advice- though Networking will be your best friend- connect online with recruiters- attend even a local conference or women's group. write to your alumni office or the alumni office of close friends and family). If you're doing it and still no job prospects, consider what you're willing to do - move, downsize, pivot, go to school, take a loan and go into business yourself, a few side hustles, etc. A lot of people are holding off this quarter - waiting til the election, so create a cushion for November-January.

    Good luck!

12. AnonymousOctober 22,2024 at 3:30PM UTC

    OP here! Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a heartfelt response! I really appreciate the advice and sharing your experience in pivoting careers.
    Throughout this daunting job search I’ve realized that it’s not a passion for Marketing that’s driving me it’s simply survival. I’ve only worked in the Marketing field and I feel tied to it. I would love to try something new. Maybe the lack of employment in my field is a sign to finally leave that career behind.

    I feel very seen and your words make me feel hopeful again! Again, thank you.

13. AnonymousOctober 22,2024 at 2:24PM UTC

    I took classes through my unemployment services. See if there are any classes you can take, even maybe some free linked in classes, just to fill the gap.

14. AnonymousOctober 22,2024 at 4:49PM UTC

    I agree here. If you are able, take the time now to learn a new skill or brush up on existing ones. Good luck with the job search.

15. AnonymousOctober 22,2024 at 6:37PM UTC

    I have been made redundant since 2020..!, since then no job at all. 2020 - 2021 are the lockdown years, started having interviews in 2022.. since the market is in pretty bad shape: Brexit, Covid recover , wars... US elections., people are more concerned about the political situation because it will affect

    the markets..

    As a colleague told me it is a " bloodshed" out there..

    While I keep applying, I am enrolled at the jobcentre for several IT training for upskilling myself ( MS office pack) interview trainings, job fairs invitations, free attendance to introduce you to courses that may be good for the role you are applying...HR knows how bad the current market is.

    If you have a good CV, they will surely contact you, I am having invitations for interviews in person, which I like, as you can feel the vibe inside the company.

    Keep applying, stay resilient! ....try to eat well, and rest well, and you will be healthy for the battle again!

    All the best!

16. AnonymousOctober 22,2024 at 8:22PM UTC

    Say consulting

17. AnonymousOctober 23,2024 at 2:56PM UTC

    i agree with the poster that says use month and year

    Can you do consulting or - personal leave ?

    Also - I feel your pain. It’s a difficult situation and job market - there’s a false stigma with people out of work for a long time. I’m. Coming up on 1 year.

18. AnonymousOctober 23,2024 at 3:05PM UTC

    Don't lie - it can definitely come back to you. I see more and more people list just the years of their employment on their resume vs. month and year. That could help your stretch it out without lying. If asked about, say you were impacted by a RIF and that's why you're in the job market - also not a lie.

    If you don't feel comfortable just using years on your resume, put a line item of March 2024 - current and what you've been doing - addressing health concerns, taking time off, taking professional development courses, etc. Whatever you feel comfortable sharing (without giving too many personal details). I see that more common on resumes lately as well.

    Reach out to to staffing firms for assignment or project work to fill the gap - those could lead to hopefully a full time gig, but if anything, it pays the bills and fills the gap on your resume.

19. QOctober 23,2024 at 3:58PM UTC

    While you continue your job search, give yourself a mindset switch and start thinking of this time as a period of growth and opportunity. Find free or inexpensive courses to grow your skills, take freelance gigs, join professional groups on meetup to learn and make connections, and look for opportunities to volunteer.

    Telling a potential employer that you were upskilling and expanding your skills after a layoff and/or started doing freelance work tells them that you are determined, resilient, growth focused, and ready to work. You can put any and all of that on your LinkedIn or resume and it's an honest filler item that is 1000x better than just saying, "Still looking for work."

20. AnonymousOctober 24,2024 at 12:38PM UTC

    Could you try to get a temp/contract job in the meantime?

21. AnonymousOctober 24,2024 at 1:16PM UTC

    I would definitely look into this. We often hire temps as perm employees. Basically, they come in as temps and if they do a good job and a position opens, we already know who they are, the work they do, they know our company (at least to some extent), etc. It is a great way to get a foot in the door and even if you don't find a role at the company you are temping at, you can put it on the resume, it fills in the gap and gives you income while you are looking. It is basically a win-win during your search for a new role.

22. AnonymousOctober 24,2024 at 3:37PM UTC

    OP here. While I’m not a huge fan of temp/contract work, I’ve applied for a few of those roles and it’s been crickets.

23. Padmaja SanigantiOctober 24,2024 at 12:42PM UTC

    I am facing the same situation.Got laid off in February 2024 .Trying everything possible to get job,nothing is working.Feeling low sometimes and demotivated.Dont have interest to do anything

24. AnonymousOctober 24,2024 at 1:05PM UTC

    I agree with those suggesting to fill the gap with some sort of training or volunteering. There are free options online such as Edx, Google certificates, or Linkedin learning which is available free at my local library. I was unemployed for 8 months and the person who hired me specifically mentioned being impressed by the certificate and volunteering I did during that period.

25. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netOctober 24,2024 at 1:21PM UTC

    Tell them that you took some time off to spend with your family since you had the time and now you are ready to go back to work.

26. AnonymousOctober 24,2024 at 3:21PM UTC

    Patience, consistency and networking.

    Make sure you prioritize your self-care while being on the job search, take your breaks and build a routine that keeps you energized and motivated.

    I just landed several offers after 16 months of gap, although in my case it was a voluntary sabbatical for personal projects and wellbeing. Plus I used the time to get involved in trainings I am passionate about. I was always honest about the gap and how much I grew as a human and professional. Some companies will be hesitant to hire you, but others will be curious and will value your fresh perspective and outlook. All the best!!!!!

27. AnonymousOctober 24,2024 at 4:18PM UTC

    Hi, I am in a similar boat. I was laid off two years ago after a 25 year career and have had only a couple of interviews despite applying for jobs for which I ticked all the boxes and more. I am now 51 and too young to retire and too old to be employed (according to prospective employers). Unless you have enough resources to support yourself past the expiry of your benefits, the best thing to do is to hire yourself. Yes, you should start your own business. It’s a lot of work. But at least you’ll devote your energy to business development rather than pointless job searches….plus, you’ll have something interesting to add to your resume, in case you still have it in you to job hunt. Good luck

28. Sandy PochapinOctober 24,2024 at 5:21PM UTC

    It's very hard to motivate yourself after a long period of unemployment (my last job ended at Christmas) and I have used up all my unemployment $. I've gotten lots of interviews, so I know it's not my resume, it's my age. Recently I've been feeling like "what's the point" and every job I see I think "well, I'm not going to get it" so why even apply? I haven't been out of work this long in 20 years (I'm in marketing so tend to get laid off whenever the economy gets dodgy).

    I know how you feel. I tell recruiters I was job hunting and then stopped to take care of a family situation (and always say what a blessing it was that I could devote myself completely to that) but now it's taken care of, and I've gotten back to job hunting. Or, as others suggested, you can come up for a name for your own company and tell people you "consulted". No one will question you and if you need a reference for the consulting gig, use a relative and coach them as to what to say. This economy sucks, particularly if you're over 50. A lot of companies are holding off until after the election and there will be more jobs opening up in January and even more in April, if you can hold on that long. Good luck to you!

29. AnonymousOctober 24,2024 at 11:59PM UTC

    Please don't take the advice of that recruiter. I suggest you work with a career coach to navigate this. My first thought is to list employment dates on your resume by years only - ex: 2018 - 2020 without listing the exact dates. The exact dates can be entered on a job application, which is usually only seen by HR. Good luck!!

30. AnonymousOctober 26,2024 at 6:02PM UTC

    Never lie on a resume. Employers respect those who are honest. But I have a sincere question: What have you been doing with your time since the layoff? (aside from applying for jobs)? Fill this time with VOLUNTEER work. And you can list this o your resume (i.e, March 2024- present: Volunteer in marketing at blah blah blah organization), "mentoring" activities at Community College, take a class on Linked In, Library, anything to show tht you are still MOVING ahead. When I lost my full time job, I decided that I was going to pursue volunteering at a woman's homeless shelter. (it was something i wanted to do anyway, so now I had the time)- Ended up making some great friends there , helped with expanding my network and overall life experience. Do these things to "fill" your resume, friend. Chin up. it's terrible out there right now.

31. AnonymousOctober 28,2024 at 12:26PM UTC

    Just be honest and take whatever work you can find.I have a colleague who recently got laid off and he is doing plumbing to take on work.