{"id":3820,"date":"2021-03-19T19:32:38","date_gmt":"2021-03-19T19:32:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.caribbeanjobs.com\/careeradvice\/?p=3820"},"modified":"2021-03-19T22:08:24","modified_gmt":"2021-03-19T22:08:24","slug":"unemployed-cv","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/caribbeanjobs.com\/careeradvice\/unemployed-cv","title":{"rendered":"Crafting a CV when You\u2019re Unemployed"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

How to create an Unemployed CV in 2021<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether it\u2019s due to personal reasons, getting fired, newly graduated or laid off, virtually everyone has at some point experienced what it\u2019s like to be without a job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All working professionals have one thing in common – at some point, they were all unemployed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is also essential to recognise why and how you must explain this to your interviewer.<\/p>\n\n\n

Find your fit at Caribbeanjobs.com<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

How do I explain my unemployment?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Be prepared to answer. Tell the truth about why you\u2019re unemployed \u2013 laid off, just graduated, seeking new opportunities etc. What you may find is that your interviewer may be sympathetic to your situation given these economic times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t ramble<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Explain the reasoning behind your unemployment, however be careful not to ramble. The interviewer doesn\u2019t have the time. Worse yet, you may be hurting yourself in the process. Rambling may signal you are not genuine, or that you\u2019re talking to cover something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep the positive vibes flowing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you are unemployed. However, that does not mean you can\u2019t be excited for new opportunities. Skip the sad stories and focus on how you\u2019re using this time to find fulfilling work and brush up on your skills. Positive vibes can even make the interviewer forget you\u2019re unemployed. It shows you can manage confidence and emotions well during uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How did you fill your time?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Mention you\u2019re unemployed and also state what you have been doing to stay productive \u2013 freelancing, volunteering<\/a>, training etc. Potential employers love proactive, productive people!<\/p>\n\n\n

How to convince them that you don\u2019t want the job just because you\u2019re unemployed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, it can be difficult to discern authentic candidates vs those who are saying what the interviewer wants to hear. You need to excel at coming across trustworthy and demonstrating genuine interest in the position. There are several ways you can do that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perform due diligence<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your research must go deeper than memorising their mission statement. Peruse their social media pages, company news, products and company awards. You must be thoroughly invested in the company where your knowledge is so broad, you\u2019re practically sounding like one of them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch those non-verbal cues<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve probably heard the saying, \u201cIt\u2019s not what you say, it\u2019s how you say it\u201d. Many times, a candidate\u2019s mouth may say one thing but their body language says another. Adopt a relaxed, yet attentive posture. Smile, as if you\u2019re happy and grateful to be there. Keep your handshake firm and lean while towards the interviewer a bit to signal you\u2019re engaged and interested in what they\u2019re saying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not take a selfish approach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A lot of jobseekers talk about why the company needs them. Flip the narrative and discuss what are you going to do for them. Discuss some pain points of the company (based on your research) and what solutions you offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank them<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Always follow-up your interview with a thank you note or email, expressing gratitude for their time and consideration. Realise that they did not have to select you, but you are grateful they did and reiterate your interest in the position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to explain unemployment gaps in your CV<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Employers will be looking to see how you\u2019ve managed to fill the gaps within your work history. Though they many be sympathetic to your unemployment, they will nevertheless be looking at how you market yourself despite the odds being against you in the sections below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Personal Profile<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mention your select skills and employment status, but also, what you\u2019re currently doing to abide your time and what sort of opportunities you\u2019re actively preparing yourself for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Educational Achievements<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Highlight your educational accomplishments as much as you can, given your limited work experience (if any). Degrees are common now, so you would have to include certifications, awards, additional training or distinctions you\u2019ve accomplished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skills<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

Of course, you should not apply for a position if you don\u2019t match any of the skill sets. Highlight the transferable skills<\/a> you have so that it matches the criteria listed in the job description.<\/p>\n\n\n

Work experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

Fill this section with volunteer work, internships, OJT training<\/a>, freelancing or any other activity that can substitute. Tutoring students, assisting lecturers with projects, helping family members in their businesses, can all be viable options.<\/p>\n\n\n

References<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have no previous employers to reference, list community leaders, teachers, non-related professionals within your family\u2019s network who can put in a good word for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What if I don\u2019t have work experience?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your CV lacks a sufficient work history, you can undertake the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n