Last year was a difficult one for many reasons, including losing your job. As a result of the pandemic, your employer was forced to do layoffs, leaving you unemployed.
Since then, you’ve been working hard to find another job, but in the interim, you’ve gained an employment gap. Here’s some advice to help you address the situation in your job search so potential employers understand exactly why you’re out of work.
Provide Details in Your Cover Letter
A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself to a hiring manager and highlight your fit for the job. Part of this is showing you’re an honest person who isn’t trying to hide anything. Therefore it’s important to briefly explain — in a sentence of two — that you were laid off due to the pandemic and are currently unemployed.
Employers understand the challenges COVID-19 has placed on the economy, so those worth your time will not hold this against you. Instead, they’ll respect the fact that you were upfront about your employment status from the beginning.
Mention It on Your Resume
When you have a resume gap, it’s traditionally advised to shift your resume to a functional format. However, this probably isn’t necessary with a COVID-19 layoff. Chances are, you haven’t been out of the workforce too long, so it’s fine to keep using the standard chronological layout.
Of course, you do need to acknowledge the layoff. List your end date next to the job and add your pandemic layoff to a bullet point listing your accomplishments in the position — i.e., “Increased sales 10% prior to lay off caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Be Ready to Discuss Your Layoff During Interviews
When you make it to the interview stage, know you’ll be asked about your current employment status. You likely won’t be the only candidate the hiring manager interviews who has been laid off due to the pandemic, so don’t panic. Prepare a brief response explaining how much you enjoyed your job but understood the company had no choice but to lay employees off.
Emphasize your interest in this particular job because you don’t want the interviewer to think you will take any job just to get paid. No one wants to hire someone desperate, so make it clear why you believe you are the best person for this opportunity.
Are you having trouble finding work amid the COVID-19 crisis? PrideStaff Dallas is here to connect you with top local employers looking to hire talent like you. Contact us today to get started!
