Struggling to Get Interviews After 7-Month Job Gap: Is My Career at Risk?

Hi,

I am not in HR. I am in IT, specifically Java.

The reason I am posting a question here is that I feel only HR people can answer my question.

I have lost my job in the recession. It's been more than 7 months now. In the beginning, I had a casual approach in the job search, thinking that it is happening everywhere. Now, it has been more than 7 months. I am applying everywhere I see a chance. But I am not getting even interview calls. I got only one chance for an interview, and I was selected. But the salary they offered me (they verbally told me that I am selected, did not give an offer) was lower than my last salary. So I said I will not work for this salary. But now I am not even getting any interview calls. I asked one HR consultant who told me that because it's been more than 7 months I am not working. This is why they do not shortlist me. I did not have an idea that even in a recession HR people would take this gap so seriously. Now I am in big trouble and very depressed. I did not know how to handle the situation when I was laid off. I have more than 8 years of J2EE experience and very good knowledge. But I can only show my knowledge if I get a chance for an interview, which I am not getting at all.

My question is, is it because the job market is too bad, and because of it, I am not getting an interview chance, or is it because I am not working for more than 7 and a half months, they do not shortlist my resume for an interview? How do I handle the situation now? I am very tense. Please give me your valuable advice. How do I save my career, or is my career destroyed now? Please help.

Hi Dig,

Your career is not over unless you give up. Take the job that matches your profile, even if it offers a lower salary. You can't demand or expect the same salary you were earning before. This might have been possible if you were switching jobs while already employed.

Currently unemployed with over 8 years of experience, companies will value your expertise but may offer you a lower salary. Consider the employer's perspective - they aim to hire talented individuals at an affordable cost within a fixed range.

If the job offer you received is still available, I recommend reaching out to them, entering into employment, and then negotiating for a slightly higher salary. This is not the time to be picky or arrogant. Remember, you are the one seeking a job, so be willing to compromise before advancing in your career.

After settling into your new role, around 6 months to a year later, you can explore opportunities for higher-paying positions (but don't resign without a new job lined up). I went through a similar situation in May-June this year, where I negotiated a 30% pay cut but continued with my employer.

Once you're back in the workforce, you may receive better offers. Take your time to decide, and consider enhancing your skill set.

Wishing you all the best.

Dear Kumar,

I work with a consulting firm, and based on the same experience, I'd like to add a few things. Let's start with the good side: the industry is recovering, and most of the companies are on a hiring spree. Keep applying, and your chances will be bright enough. As most of the firms are hiring, make sure you are available for immediate joining.

On the flip side, a general consideration when a person doesn't work over a period of time is that they lose touch in terms of the given skill. Hence, consultants think twice before forwarding such a profile to any of their clients.

Overall, the best part would be to utilize this time to update yourself in terms of the skillset.

Hi Dig,

As an HR consultant, I would like to share my ideas with you. At this moment, getting a job is difficult. You have not been working for the past 7 months, creating a significant gap in your career. Therefore, this is not the right time to demand a high salary. If you receive a call for an interview, please refrain from demanding a specific salary. Remember, don't lose your confidence level. "Opportunity knocks only once."

Thank you.

Dear DigKumar,

Since you have rich experience, you must understand the situation. We can't demand a salary when people are finding difficulty in getting a job. The fact is, employers have the upper hand in this recession period.

So, the biggest mistake you have made was missing the opportunity for a lower salary. But your life is not over yet; I would suggest you accept offers even for a lower salary.

Regards,
Murali Nagarajan
Executive - HR
i-Net Solution
Professional Website Graphic Design | Web Development Company Chennai
PHP Web Development & Web Application | Software Development Company

Hi Kumar,

The reason why your resume is not getting shortlisted is because people tend to think that "if for 7 months you have not been able to find a job, then there is something lacking on your profile."

However, try this on your resume: don't mention the last working date (I assume you must have lost your job in April...). So, don't mention working until April 2009.

In this way, at least you will be contacted for an interview, right? And you will have to make sure you get through the technical round on tele-screening.

The HR/technical recruiter may ask about your tenure, for which you may mention that you have been looking since April 09 but have not found the right job yet that can match your expertise. Be confident.

(PS: The reason why I mentioned not to write your last working date on your resume is because it can stop people from rejecting your resume before talking to you. Once you have the chance to meet them, tell them that you are currently unemployed... but use this opportunity of talking to them as an opportunity to sell yourself)

Hi,

I agree with what Asha had said; leave the dates. Also, in the interview, mention all your experiences. If you have done something in these 7 months to enhance your skills, which I assume you should have done, then please do mention that. Additionally, we normally perceive that only bigger companies can boost our careers; however, even the small companies have many high points, such as job security, an easy platform to establish a reputation and identity for oneself, more opportunities, recognition, etc. So, do consider these aspects before you join the next company.

All the very best.

Regards,
Neha

I am an M.Com student and have completed ICWAI up to the 3rd stage. I will be appearing for the final stage in December 2009 and am confident of clearing it. Please let me know the companies where I can apply right now.

Regards,
Ravi

Ms. Asha has pointed out correctly regarding the query about the gap in job history and the possibility of missing out on your CV.

I had a personal bitter experience along the same lines, and as Ash suggested, it's better not to mention the last working date. This approach could prompt employers to review your CV and consider calling you for an interview.

Ash, thank you for guiding in a prospective manner.

Regards,
KB

I write about my experience as follows:

From xx/xxxx to yy/yyyy, I worked at X1Y1Z1 organization as .........

From ww/wwww to xx/xxxx, I worked at X2Y2Z2 Organization as ........

Now, how can I not mention my last working date.

Dear Friend,

Confidence is the first and foremost tool and trait that you should build on your own, by considering this period as a bad patch in life that is there in everybody's life. Next, keep yourself updated on current happenings and new trends in your core line, update and upgrade yourself. No matter what may happen, you have to fight and win only; never want to and have to lose. Then, only success is yours, it may take the toll of time and money. All the best.

I am sailing the same boat and have had much bitter experiences than you at a very different and difficult stage of life. But, you cannot give up the fight. "Bachenge to Aur Bhi Ladange" is the philosophy of life.

Regards,
Vithal

This recession and all these things are not permanent. Ups and downs are in every industry. Don't worry; all this bad period will come to an end. As you have experience, you will get a better opportunity. Just what you have to do is have patience and try searching for a job. One day will come when you will be at the pinnacle. Just don't worry, believe in my sentence: "Change is the only permanent thing in the world." Be happy and carry on your efforts. This cloud also has a silver lining.

Dear Ravi,

Congratulations on completing ICWA. You can start searching for financial firms such as ICICI, HDFC, etc. You can also explore industries where you can utilize your qualifications on websites like naukri.com, monster.com, etc.

Best of luck!

Hi, sorry to hear that, but do not lose hope, just keep on trying. You are very much likely to get a cut in your salary. I too lost a job 2 years back when there was no recession, and I had to wait for 6 months before getting this job. After getting this job, I started getting good offers but continued with this job as they gave me an opportunity when everyone else said "NO". Now I am ready for a change.

So keep on trying, I am sure you will pass this bad phase. All the best.

Hey Kumar,

First of all, sorry to hear about your professional setback, but there's nothing to worry about. As Asha suggested, try uploading your resume without mentioning your last date of work. This way, you will receive numerous calls to inquire about your employment history. At that point, you can explain the impact of the recession, showcasing confidence. Once you start receiving frequent calls, I am confident you will secure a better package compared to your previous one. Hey Kumar, one more thing - do you have any experience in mobile technology? If so, please let me know, as I can refer you to one of my friend's companies where he serves as the location head for Human Resources. Stay positive; everything will improve within a month, as the market is picking up. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Regards,
Ramesh
Sr. Executive (HR & Admin)
ramesh23.a@gmail.com

Hi Balaji & Ash,

Your suggestions would indeed be effective for someone who is looking for a technical job as he will at least be able to secure an interview. Then, in the HR round, he will be in a position to clarify his employment status. But what about an HR person? Generally, we receive calls from the consultant or company directly, and the first question they ask is, "Are you currently working in XYZ company?" By saying "yes," the CV might get shortlisted. However, when we go for the interview and say we are currently not working, the reply is, "Oh, the consultant said you were still working." This situation gives rise to an embarrassing situation and credibility issues. By saying "no," the CV does not get shortlisted at all, and it's a missed opportunity.

Please guide us on how to deal with this situation as I am sure many of my HR friends are facing a similar problem. Thanks in advance.

Rainbow,

Whether it's a technical or a functional role, top talent can sell itself. You just need to make sure you are shortlisted for at least initiating a conversation (either with the consultant or with the Corporate HR). Once you do that - Don't "lie" about your tenure. Speak the truth and then try explaining about yourself. I am sure that a recruiter will not end the conversation once they know you are currently unemployed.

The first few minutes of this conversation are where you need to sell yourself. Unfortunately, there is no method that would blindly apply to everyone to get through the call and be scheduled for an interview. This is your turn to "sell yourself" and "make" use of the conversation.

Unless and until you are not confident about your skill level, I would suggest you not worry about "what will happen next" - give it a try, things will turn for the best.

I fully agree with Ash's view, and I am sure the explanation given is lucid to the extent of clarity of the member who had asked the query.

With regards,
KB.

[Ash Mathew;914346]
Rainbow,

Whether it's a technical or a functional role, top talent can sell itself. You just need to make sure you are shortlisted for at least initiating a conversation (either with the consultant or with the Corporate HR). Once you do that - don't "lie" about your tenure. Speak the truth and then try explaining about yourself. I am sure that a recruiter will not end the conversation once they know you are currently unemployed.

The first few minutes of this conversation are where you need to sell yourself. Unfortunately, there is no method that would blindly apply to everyone to get through the call and be scheduled for an interview. This is your turn to "sell yourself" and "make" use of the conversation. Unless and until you are not confident about your skill level - I would suggest you not worry about "what will happen next" - give it a try, things will turn for the best.

Hi all,

This is Suddhadeb Banerjee. I have been in the BPO sector for the last 5 years, but I have been switching jobs on a regular basis. However, all the reasons for leaving the jobs were uncontrollable, where I could not do much about it. Moreover, I have been affected by a recession in between. Fortunately, I have a job in a very small company that has no proper setup or planning. I am getting frustrated day by day.

Now, when I am trying my luck elsewhere, my resume is getting screened out because of instability. Please help me understand the nature of HR in this case. I don't understand how they would communicate with me if they screen me out on the first go.

Please find my resume attached for reference. If you could help me find a good job where I can have assured stability and receive my salary on time, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks & Regards,
Suddhadeb Banerjee
9818772731