Struggling with Job Gaps After a Layoff: How Can I Convince Employers to Give Me a Chance?

I lost my job due to a layoff during the recession. I am an MBA graduate. I have only 1 year of experience, and now it's been 4 months, and I'm not getting any job. Many interviewers don't accept the gap. So, what should I do? Please tell me how I can justify my gap to them.

Thanks,
Ankita

Dear Ankita,

Even I became the prey of the same global recession, but now I am back on track, though not in the same profile but somewhat identical. I would recommend you to be true to yourself and disclose what happened with you. The reason being, it is not personally your own fault, but a worldwide phenomenon. Interviewers will definitely understand your helplessness. Best of luck.

H. Thakur

Hi Ankita,

I lost my job in May this year (due to the recession) and was out of it for 1-2 months. I told my present employers that I was out of a job due to the recession and also because I was not confirmed; the company sent 4-5 of us out (which is true, and all of us since have got good jobs).

I had to give my new employer my relieving order, the last salary slip - all of which clearly stated the period I had resigned and was jobless. My employer accepted it and gave me the job. Be honest, and you will get the job. If they do a verification check and find out that you lied (as has been posted in this forum), you will be fired. (See Trinity's post in this forum about sacking a person who cheated and got a job).

Be patient and honest - you will have nothing to fear and will certainly get a good job. Try to enhance your skills in the meanwhile. You are an MBA regular and surely will get a good one. All the best.

Thank you, friends, but I am not telling anything wrong to them. I am just scared that will this gap be understood by employers.

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences as now I'm feeling relaxed. Thank you so much

Hi Ankita,

This is a blessing in disguise. If the new company is looking for an immediate opening, you are available to them. Otherwise, if they are looking for someone employed, that person may have to serve their notice period. Every challenge brings with it an equal opportunity.

Dear Ankita,

I am sorry to hear about your situation. Let me state something... Don't get upset or depressed in such a situation because that, in turn, might make you afraid. This could negatively affect your performance in the interview.

Simply state the real reason to the employer in a way that they don't perceive your performance as the reason for your job loss. Everyone is aware of the impact of the recession in India, so do not lose confidence at any point and refrain from providing false information.

Thank you.

Hi Ankita,

I understand your situation. Try explaining to the prospective employer that you lost your job due to the recession and that you are not inclined to accept any offer that comes your way without careful consideration. Emphasize that you take each interview seriously after thorough analysis. Let them know that the last thing you would want is to join a new company only to leave due to lack of projects in the pipeline.

To be on the safe side, I would suggest exploring freelancing opportunities in recruiting. There is no harm in trying, right? You can also inform the employer that you have been actively engaged in freelancing to stay productive.

Tip: Develop your skills in a way that even if a recession occurs, they would not want to lose a talented professional like yourself.

It's worst in Indian MNCs; they ask for the reason for "job break." I have seen profiles of some senior management folks in the Western world quitting jobs for "world travel." They have even worked in roles ranging from librarian to clerical to top-notch IT professional. Probably, I would suggest telling the truth and better explaining your skills, as suggested by Asha Matthew above. Above all, your positive attitude and confidence should speak for you!

Hi Ankita,

Greetings!

Let me tell you that I was also on break, not due to recession, but as I was getting married and my boss did not grant my leave, so I had to quit. I was also depressed and didn't get a job for 8 months. But I kept waiting and had faith in myself and my capabilities, so I recently got a job in the same profile with a good designation. Just would like to say, be positive and keep faith in yourself and in God. You will get it soon.

All the best.

Regards,
Amee.