Browse Recent Answers
- Is there a market for online special education teachers? (02/22/11)
- Starting a career as a translator: Is being bilingual enough? (02/22/11)
- What can you do with a health science degree? (02/22/11)
- Your options for advancing your hospitality management career (02/22/11)
- Career paths for sociology majors (02/14/11)
- More…
Question
I got married and relocated six years into my IT career, and then spent some time out of the job market. I've recently been applying for jobs, but I keep hearing "we're looking for someone stronger." What exactly does that mean? How do I get back into an IT position after being off the market for so long? What is the best way to explain my period of unemployment?
Answer
You've hit on two issues that many job seekers encounter at some point: how to get meaningful feedback about why they didn't get a job, and how to explain a gap in employment.
On the first issue, don't settle for a generic brush-off. Be polite but insistent in asking for a more detailed explanation of why you weren't chosen: make it clear that you are not questioning the decision, but you are simply trying to learn from it.
The most important thing about explaining a gap in employment is to make it clear that you are now committed to the job market for the long haul. Be truthful, but give an explanation which focuses more on the future than on the past.
Given your situation, consider taking some online IT courses to refresh your knowledge, so you can position yourself as someone with completely up-to-date skills. Also, don't be afraid to take a lesser IT job with a growing company; that growth should create opportunities for you to work your way up.
On the first issue, don't settle for a generic brush-off. Be polite but insistent in asking for a more detailed explanation of why you weren't chosen: make it clear that you are not questioning the decision, but you are simply trying to learn from it.
The most important thing about explaining a gap in employment is to make it clear that you are now committed to the job market for the long haul. Be truthful, but give an explanation which focuses more on the future than on the past.
Given your situation, consider taking some online IT courses to refresh your knowledge, so you can position yourself as someone with completely up-to-date skills. Also, don't be afraid to take a lesser IT job with a growing company; that growth should create opportunities for you to work your way up.
Get Personalized Career Advice: Ask Richard
Richard has over 20 years of business experience in marketing, financial services, and management.
