Unemployed 8 months any hope ?

[Pretty112]

Just that really . I gave up my last job and have had several interviews for jobs which I have flunked (some bad luck, some I could have done better but only know how I’d do better after the event ). It’s been 8 months now and I feel hopeless . I left my last job for my healths sake but honestly I can’t explain this gap . I don’t want to be negative previous employer , but frankly it was so horrific I felt traumatised so I left with out leaving having a break down . I feel I wish I could have done things differently , but I feel trapped now. People don’t understand and just assume that I’m a shit person who just abandoned their job / is lazy .

Anyone got any advice with breaking out of this cycle ? I feel like my life isn’t worth living at this point . I’ve got no kids / partner and my life is at a standstill .

So sorry to hear. Don't give up hope. Have you had any counselling to help you process the traumatic time? A short course could do you the world of good.

I gave up my last job and have had several interviews for jobs which I have flunked (some bad luck, some I could have done better but only know how I’d do better after the event ).

Please don't give up, is my best advice, @Pretty112. Interviews are best when you get lots of practice. Some will be a nightmare, then you'll find someone you gel with, and they give you a chance/you're a good fit for their team.

No matter how bad you feel, know that everyone bar-none has low points in their career, no light at the end of the tunnel etc.

Keep applying for jobs, it is very often a numbers game. NY is the ideal time for a job search.

Re gap in your work history, just say you took time out for a few months to attend to some family matters. No need to justify yourself, just leave it at that. Focus 100% on your skills, what you're good at and how you are the best match for the job.

Blag it like the rest of us! Once you're back in the workplace, you'll soon get into the swing, you just need that boost

Do try to build up some new skills and refresh existing ones while you're looking, it will be a confidence builder.

Good luck, and come back on if you need advice on interview skills, CV, industry / role specific stuff, loads of help at hand if you need it!

Hi - don't stop trying and applying as you never know what I found the corner.

While you are applying is there any on line training or study courses you can do to add to your cv?

Are there any voluntary positions you can do again adds to your cv.

To explain the gap - could you call it a gap 6 months - you decided to take time out to manage something - maybe a family project. But the reason needs to be something that you can't be called out on.

Ie I took a gap year a long while ago and the employer wanted proof that I was travelling so send copies of my passport stamps.

Don’t give up. The right jobs just around the corner. You could start volunteering while you keep looking for a job if you are worried not currently working makes you look lazy? Proves you can get up in the morning, gives you recent experience if the workplace, and gives you a reference if you need one.

Have you signed up with any agencies for temporary work ?

Are you relying on your old/previous job to supply a work related reference for you ?

Can you sign up for temp jobs or fixed term contracts? Lots of places use temps to see if they are a fit and offer permanent work if both sides think it's working. Happened to me twice.

Can you say what type of work you do? I have other suggestions but they might not be relevant.

@hepsibar and what do you do ?

@Pretty112 if it's any consolation, for the last 14 or so years I have had gaps on my CV between every single job. I have during this time not had an interview while I have been employed. Some may say risky or arrogant, but I have reached the end (sometimes of a contract role, but not always) and wanted some time to regroup before taking on something new.

During these gaps I've done all kinds of things - some related to my profession, some to do with other sidelines I've developed over the years, some voluntary work. I list each gap on my CV as "various" and give details of what I was doing, with people who could vouch for this if necessary.

I don't think eight months is bad at all, as long as you can justify it if asked. I know a lot of people in my field who have gaps like this and I wouldn't think badly of any interviewer who could tell me what they'd been doing.

As PPs have said, keep applying for jobs. Ask for feedback if you don't get the job - this can be really useful to take on board. Can your CV be honed in any way? It's easy to say when you feel disheartened but keep going! You only want one job .... someone said that to me once.

Also the beginning of the year is the key time for many people to move jobs, and therefore for there to be a flood of vacancies on the job market, so consider this a fresh start - good luck!

*interviewee

Hi OP have you looked to see if you have any Building Better Opportunities programmes in your area? Whereabouts are you roughly?