I’ve written about this before and am really disgusted it’s happening. I’m guessing the people who make these decisions haven’t been in a real job search and don’t really understand what the last few years have been for many out-of-work professionals.
It’s a real shame and a display that ignorance is alive and well. Unfortunately.
You can read the whole article here: Employers Continue to Discriminate Against Jobless, Think ‘The Best People Are Already Working’
We can talk about the ignorance all day long but here’s another idea: become employed.
Easier yet, become a consultant. That’s right, you consult. Remember what you used to do for a living, before you lost your job? Offer those service, but at 4 – 8 times the amount you were getting paid before.
It’s called “consulting.”
Where you an executive assistant? Become a Virtual Assistant.
Where you a project manager? Become a Project Management Consultant.
Where you an inhouse designer? Become a Freelancer.
Getting work is important, too, of course. But at least now when you interview with someone you can say “I’m a Project Management Consultant,” instead of “I’m between jobs.”
Whether you bill one hour or one hundred hours is kind of a different point. I’ll never forget my first trip to Silicon Valley – anyone who was unemployed was a … CONSULTANT.
Why not?
Added Bonus 1: Now you won’t have a long gap on your resume… you have been a consultant!
Added Bonus 2: You might just find your passion and, if you can bill enough, realize you don’t want to go back to corporate… and grow your consultancy.
Added Bonus 3: Some baby boomers, because of age discrimination, will never get another traditional job. It’s unfortunate but this is a real, viable option.
