To minimize the effect of long term unemployment on a resume, only list your years of employment for each position, and delete the months.
And during an interview, remember that Hiring Managers are like horses and snakes - they can smell fear. So make sure the person across the desk from you knows that you are as interested in finding a good fit as they are, and you're not just looking for your next paycheck.
Do this by asking "offensive" questions about the company. For example, "In doing my research on your company, I see that you're number #3 in the marketplace. Do you have any plans in place on overtaking the #2 position in the future?" or, "How financially sound is your organization? I want to make sure a company I start with will be around for the long haul. Has the recent recession had an impact on the health of your business?"
Remember, you don't have to save these questions for the end of the interview; the most successful interviews are merely two-way exploratory conversations, where each party is asking questions throughout the discussion.
I usually hold a free, two-hour in-person resume building workshop the first Thursday of every month in Lenexa, KS, but because I was speaking at the E3 Employment and Education Expo on October 4th, this month's free Resume Reboot workshop is rescheduled for tomorrow, October 16th, from 1pm to 3pm, and there are many seats available.
If you would like to attend, or find out more about this workshop, visit www.resumerebootworkshop.
I wish you the very best week in your career search!
Warm Regards,
Tammy Kabell
Career Resume Consulting
(816)600-2478
