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Why have you been out of work so long?

This question could destroy you in your job interviews. You've been dreading it, hoping maybe they will overlook that yawning gap in your resume. But they probably won't. Chances are good that they will look down their nose at you and ask, "Why have you been out of work so long?"

It's infuriating. You haven't been goofing off. You've been doing everything you know to get rehired. But a lot of months have gone by since you left your last job. It's hurt your pride and your wallet a lot. Now, the employer is rubbing lemon juice in your paper cut. You stifle the urge to lash out at the boss. But what can you say?



Remember the formula for answering what we call "sensitive questions."

1) Listen to the question carefully. Make sure you know what the employer is asking you and why. If you're not clear, get clarification.

2) Take time to think, if you need to (but you know this one is coming, so be prepared for it).

3) Use positive information.

4) Ask a question to artfully change the subject.

So, how do you apply this? First, look for the positives over the past few months. Have you taken courses? Done self-study? Been involved with volunteer work? Helped out on committees? Done freelance work? Then, weave that into a coherent answer and memorize it. Be sure to have a question ready to get the conversation off of this painful and dangerous topic.

Here's how one person handled this.

The positive information:

"I've been wondering that myself. I've worked really hard at the job search, but haven't connected yet. I think it's because I'm the kind of woman who keeps her head down, gets the job done, and doesn't pay a lot of attention to tooting my own horn. I'm just not very good at self-promotion. I've gotten interviews, but I've been the bridesmaid, not the bride. That said, I have made good use of the time. I've upgraded my skills with accounting software, headed a committee in my professional association, and helped out a couple of small businesses with some thorny accounting issues." [ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW].

                 
 

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BEWARE!
Now, that's pretty good answer, but beware! You are still on the hot seat. They're still thinking there may be something very wrong with you that has kept you out of work for all this time. So be sure that you don't neglect step four. Practice this ahead of time to make this automatic so you won't forget.

Step 4

"I'm eager to get back to work. I love helping companies solve their financial issues. Tell me a little bit about some of the toughest problems you're grappling with right now."Be prepared! Don't let this question sabotage your job search.

Frustrated with your job search? Or is it time to start one--and you want to do it right?  Call us about our 2-hour Career Action Plan Meeting. We'll come up with a customized plan to be in action. Call today:  847 673 0339 -- or click on the green button below to email us.



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