Searching for a job can be humbling. You send out dozens and sometimes maybe even hundreds of applications. And over and over again, you don’t hear back.
Or maybe you finally land an interview, but then are rejected. And in some cases, you maybe even get your references checked, but are ghosted after that.
There may be a certain point where you start to wonder…am I unemployable?
If you’re struggling with that question, this article is for you.
Within the article, we unpack what makes a person unemployable, what to do if you’re unemployable, and other questions around the topic.
All answers are provided by proven career experts and business executives.
Let’s dive in.
Contents
What Makes a Person Unemployable?
Ultimately, there are a variety of different factors that could contribute to a person being unemployable.
Matthew Warzel, President, MJW Careers, provided a list of factors below:
Lack of relevant skills or qualifications
If a person does not possess the necessary skills, education, or certifications required for a particular job or industry, they may be deemed unemployable. Employers typically seek candidates who can fulfill the specific requirements of the role.
Poor work history or employment gaps
A person’s work history, including frequent job changes, terminations, or long periods of unemployment, can raise concerns for potential employers. Consistent employment and a positive track record are often preferred.
Lack of experience
Many employers prefer candidates with practical experience in their field. Without relevant experience, it can be challenging to compete with other applicants who have a proven track record in similar roles.
Negative references or reputation
A person’s reputation in their professional network can impact their employability. If there are negative references, a history of unprofessional behavior, or a tarnished reputation, employers may be hesitant to hire them.
Lack of adaptability or flexibility
In today’s dynamic job market, adaptability and flexibility are highly valued. Employers seek individuals who can quickly learn new skills, adapt to changing circumstances, and work well in diverse environments.
Poor interpersonal or communication skills
Effective communication and interpersonal skills are vital in most workplaces. If a person struggles to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, or build positive relationships, it can hinder their employability.
Legal or ethical issues
Criminal records, involvement in illegal activities, or ethical misconduct can significantly impact employability, depending on the nature of the job and the employer’s policies.
Attitude and demeanor
Employers often consider a candidate’s attitude, motivation, and overall demeanor during the hiring process. A consistently negative attitude, lack of enthusiasm, or unprofessional behavior can make someone unappealing to potential employers.
How Do You Know If You’re Unemployable?
The very obvious and simple answer is: if no company wants to employ you. I personally know someone who falls into the category of unemployable. If he isn’t the epitome of it, I don’t know who is.
He has been without a job for the past nine years. During that time, he has sent out thousands of applications, resumes, and the like. Shockingly, he has received fewer than five interview invitations and has had less than 20 overall contacts.
Even well-known companies like Walmart, McDonald’s, Microsoft, Amazon, and Swift Trucking have turned him down.
The above content was provided by Jonathan Merry, CEO & Founder at Moneyzine.
What To Do If You’re Unemployable?
Certainly, while it can be difficult to find work if you are deemed unemployable, there are still options available. One way is to find another position or role that fits your current skillset. From there, you can work on developing new skills and growing your experience.
If you’re not into that, then look into self-employment opportunities, such as consulting or freelancing, so you can set your own hours and work with clients who need your services. This option, however, would require you to market yourself and build a following, hence the need for good networking skills.
Finally, you may want to explore education and career-training options that would help you gain new skills and qualifications. Doing this could help you learn the ropes and gain valuable experience that may eventually lead to employment or at least give you an advantage over other candidates.
Take this as an example: if you’re into baking, look for bakeries that offer apprenticeships and internships. You can also enroll in baking and pastry classes, or online courses to gain knowledge on the subject.
The above content was provided by Darren Shafae, Founder of ResumeBlaze.
How to Make a Living If You’re Unemployable?
This will be different for each person. However, the first step is to find support and assistance. If you are homeless but want to work, find help through an organization that provides programs, education, interview coaching, and clothing and start the progress to look for work.
If the issue is mental health and well-being, look to get medical attention.
If the issue is not knowing where to start, contact a state Department of Labor office or an affiliate association such as a Veteran’s association.
One of the most important factors for anyone to keep in mind is that employment does not happen overnight. Before work can be obtained, factors such as self-care, health skills, education, and safety must be addressed.
Unemployable is one of the darkest labels that can be placed on a person. If anything it labels them as less than human. And more than anything else, it takes humanity to change their outlook and their future.
The above content was provided by Sabina Sulat, Author, Speaker, Employment Expert, Professional Coach, ReWorking
Conclusion
Feeling like you’re unemployable can be a difficult spot.
However, even if you feel like you truly are unemployable, all is not lost. Being unemployable is a temporary state and you always have the power to improve so your situation.
So, if you feel like you’re stuck, take action, get help, and keep at it and, hopefully, good things will be in your future.
