The last year has been pretty rough in terms of the job market and levels of employment. The current economic climate, while improving, makes finding a good job more difficult than it otherwise could be. Depending on your circumstances, that may not be the only challenge you face. There are some groups of people that tend to have a harder time getting a job in general.
Job Hoppers
Job hoppers are people who don’t stay for very long at any one job and often work for multiple people in rapid succession. There’s been a shift towards this pattern over the last few years, so while that may not be as much of a deal-breaker as it used to be, a pattern of moving on quickly can make an employer think twice about hiring you. Why? Part of the reason is because of the cost of hiring. Find ways to prove that you can be a reliable employee and are worth the time it takes to train you.
People with Past Criminal Convictions
If you have a criminal conviction in your past, you’ve probably experienced at least one employer turning you down from a job as a result. Employers have to take the safety and security of their businesses very seriously. Hiring someone with a criminal history can potentially be seen as putting their business and employees in jeopardy. The nature of the crime can have an influence, but that isn’t always the case. You can make it easier to get a job by having your criminal record expunged.
People with Gaps in Their Employment History
For those who have been out of work for a while or have gaps in their employment history, finding work can be a little tricky at times. Employers are looking for people who want to show up and work hard. Having periods where you just weren’t working can make it look like you want the opposite. To counter that, find ways to incorporate the experiences you’ve had during your employment gaps on your resume, making sure to tailor your resume for the job you’re applying for. Show how what you’ve done in the meantime is useful and relevant.
Some people have a more difficult time finding employment than others. Job hoppers, those with past criminal convictions, and people who have gaps in their employment history face somewhat unique challenges when it comes to getting a job. If you see yourself in one of these groups, take action to address those challenges now so you can secure a job and provide for yourself and anyone who depends on you.
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