Interview tips for the long-term unemployed
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2013 10:28 AM

In the current economy, it is not uncommon to see people go without steady employment for an extended period of time. Before they know it, a few months of joblessness can turn into a couple of years spent filling out job applications that garner few - if any - responses.

If individuals are tired of the never-ending job search, they should take action to make sure they are pursuing the right positions for them, such as doing their research and completing a career test. In addition, they should revise their approach to looking and interviewing for jobs, as this could be standing between them and full-time employment.

For instance, CBS MoneyWatch suggests job seekers prepare to address the reasons why they were unemployed for so long.

"Although some are sympathetic and realize that the recession caused this problem, many think that there must be something wrong [with the candidate]," David Couper, a career coach and consultant, told the news source. "The employers are also concerned that the person's skills or industry knowledge may be out of date."

During an interview, job candidates should be prepared to address their long-term unemployment and do their best to put any doubts potential employers have to rest.

At the same time, the news outlet recommends job seekers keep things positive, no matter how bitter they may be about their lack of employment. An interview is a good time for candidates to talk about what they did to keep busy and advance their skills during their downtime.

If job seekers are not careful, they can fall into the trap of only searching for openings online. Monster.com suggests the long-term unemployed take a step back from the computer every now and then and do some face-to-face networking.