How to overcome the Stigma of Being Unemployed while Job seeking

If you've been out there job seeking you've probably come to believe there's an unemployment stigma or perhaps you have actually discovered many employers won't hire unemployed people. Many employers still strongly prefer employed people but it's not a steadfast rule (just as many companies won't hire people without certain degrees or with certain background or credit issues). Just because you're unemployed doesn't mean you have to fall into the "stigma trap."

If you've been out of work for a while you might be feeling anxious and worried when you're asked about your current employment situation. Maybe even tempted to bend the truth?... Not a good idea-you don't have to! To an employer who needs someone right away being unemployed and immediately available can be an advantage.. Being unemployed can be a disadvantage but lying about it is no way to start an employment situation in fact if found to be untrue can unravel and end up badly.

1. Be prepared but not defensive. Put it up front in the conversation in a genuine way. Great statements you can use verbally or in writing:

"Currently unemployed I'm extremely motivated" Or, "Because I am unemployed I am available immediately and will appreciate the opportunity probably far more than someone who has a job."  

2.Value price Realize that if you're unemployed you probably shouldn't be demanding the higher end salary you made last year or several years ago. You might get but just in case, be willing to value price yourself. Check the current salary rates for other comparable positions and for the one you're applying to. Value price doesn't mean you should not be making enough to live off of but if you're at zero income or on unemployment (which will run out some day) your ability to push for a higher rate loses steam. Think fair market value and be open realize some people get the job because of the pay rate, we're in a very competitive situation.

3. Know the market Being "immediately available" does have its advantages. Employers are still skittish about hiring. Often times waiting for the very last minute to make a decision. An unemployed candidate is ideal they can start right away. Someone who has a job should give adequate notice.That's a plus. Use it. (A great statement is "I'm available to start immediately."

4. Be willing to work temporary One of the biggest growth areas in jobs today is "temporary" or "flexible workforce," also known as "contingent workers". A temporary job keeps you working, keeps money going into your unemployment account and Social Security, it keeps your skills sharp or enables you to learn and do something new and different and when you're applying to jobs keeps you from saying your unemployed. So if you are working temporary jobs on a regular basis "Instead you can say I'm currently working temporary jobs until I find the right job opportunity."   Temporary, short term, or contingent jobs can lead to longer term jobs or simply longer assignments. Some temp jobs pay more and some pay less its based usually on the skill required. For best results, consider a temporary job a real job even if its just for a day its practicing getting back to the workforce. Refrain from telling yourself "its just a temp job" if you act that way it most certainly will be. Good temps get asked back and often asked to stay for a good long while...It happens all the time. That old saying being in the right place at the right time applies to temporary work.

4. Keep adding to your collection of references. Collect letters of reference collect thank you notes even if its for volunteer work (yes volunteer work counts for job references) Use those in your job search attach them when you submit your resume and cover letters, bring them to interviews.

5.Lift yourself out of the crowd by highlighting key skills and experience that relates to an open position.  Clearly make a connection between your skills and the job requirements. If an advertisement says Word and Excel don't put computer literate on your resume make sure (if you have those key skills) they are on your resume and if you have a phone conversation or in person interview ensure its clear that your skills apply (if they do that is).

6. Value yourself.  Above we talked about value pricing yourself that doesn't mean you're a lesser person if you make less money than you did before (and it doesn't mean you will end up making less money forever or even with this next job). Be proud of your accomplishments and skills. Be sure to give yourself a pep talk and associate with other people who make you feel good and who value you.

7. Be courteous. Thank everyone you meet in your job search. No matter how frustrated you are at filling out forms don't take it out on the receptionist at your 100th interview (realize he/she might have the HR manager's ear). Write old fashioned follow up notes. Courtesy and politeness is a lost art! Courtesy is a "secret weapon" in job seeking. Just by being courteous you might find yourself ahead of the crowd.

Its hard to be courteous and grateful when we're tired and frustrated and maybe even scared. Take a few moments to reflect and practice new, positive ways to approach being unemployed. Having worked with thousands of job seekers I can tell you that you can start fresh right now. Good luck!