How to Return to Work After Unemployment

A healthy work-life balance eases the transition back to work.

A sluggish economy with a high unemployment rate leaves many Americans dealing with job loss and searching for employment when they otherwise wouldn't be. This also means those unemployed may remain unemployed for a longer period. Returning to work after being unemployed can be both a blessing and a challenge. It can be a particularly challenging transition for individuals who are returning to work in a lower paying or lower level position, a consequence of a lagging economy where the number of overqualified applicants is increasing.

Instructions

1. Engage in constructive activities and learning during unemployment to make your return to work easier and quicker. Unemployment is an excellent time to brush up on skills, learn new things, read educational books, enroll in a helpful college course, travel or gain experience from volunteering. It is also important that professionals keep themselves up-to-date on job-specific topics during gaps in employment.

2. Look for jobs in local newspapers, online job boards, through the local job service department, through college career placement offices and by inquiring directly with employers about job opportunities.

3. Apply for jobs that interest you. Update your resume with any experience gained during unemployment, such as volunteer work, and consider downplaying your qualifications if you are applying to jobs you are overqualified for.

4. Prepare for interviews and try your best to present yourself professionally throughout the hiring process. Learn about the companies and positions. Refer to your unemployment as a positive time during which you learned something or acquired new skills. Even if unemployment left you feeling depressed or was a horrible experience, keep it to yourself. Employers know unemployment is difficult but are more concerned with how you can cope with hard times, preferring a positive attitude and approach.

5. Accept the best job offer you receive. Gain deeper insight into the new job before starting. Ask your new employer about the job and ask if they have any suggestions for specific preparations. Learn about the job on the internet focusing on learning more about the day-to-day functions and expectations.

6. Arrange for your return to work. If you have taken on new responsibilities that are incompatible with your new job, break these off or reschedule them. Arrange for childcare and transportation if necessary. If you need to bring your own lunch, shop for lunch items. Ask other people in your household for support and ask them to take on more responsibilities in the home, as roles often change with employment status.

7. Motivate yourself to think positively about the new job and coach yourself to be enthusiastic. While some people are naturally excited about returning to work, there are plenty of people who return with mixed feelings or feel forced to return (for an income). However you feel, everyone stands to benefit from a positive, motivated mindset.

8. Dress for one job level above the one you have so the employer immediately sees someone who looks like they should have a higher position. Consider updating your wardrobe if you have been unemployed for a long time or require a wardrobe different than the one you wore last time you worked. Make a good impression the first day. Present yourself professionally, confidently and friendly, as the first impression is very important.

References

• "The Ladders"; Being Out of Work is Hard, Getting Back to Work Can be Harder; Debra Donston-Miller; March 2011
• "The New York Times"; After Unemployment Ends, Pain and Trauma May Linger; Michael Luo; February 2010
• Crackingconfidence; Building Up Confidence After Absence from Work; Dan O'Neil
• "The Wall Street Journal"; Finance Job Lag: Explaining Employment Gaps on Your Resume and in Interviews; Dana Mattioli; February 2010