Is it normal for an employment gap to be for so long?

65% Normal
7 Comments

I'm 20 years old. I left college in october 2011 and I've been unemployed since then. For the first 2-3 months I just met with friends and relaxed round the house without looking for a job. After the 3 plus months after of looking and not being accepted even for an interview I got disheartened and stopped looking for about 2 months, I have always had anxiety about being in public but it's gotten worse since doing nothing. This coupled with my A.D.D has led me to in image of me working on a till and freezing when someone comes to pay. Therefore until I build my confidence up i've only been looking for specific jobs like stacking shelves or warehouse work since then. It's taken me 2 years but i've got an interview. I know I've been selfish but how can I explain the gap and IIN?

Voting Results
65% Normal
Based on 23 votes (15 yes)
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Comments ( 7 )
  • Terence_the_viking
    10 years ago

    IT's hard to get a job these days as it is without a long unemployment history.

    Blame the govt.

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    • SuperBenzid
      10 years ago

      "Blame the govt."
      That is a possibility. When they ask about it, he should look them straight in the eye and say: THANKS OBAMA.
      I am sure that will work...

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      • Terence_the_viking
        10 years ago

        well tis their fault we in a bleedin recession.

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  • RomeoDeMontague
    10 years ago

    Some jobs are not needed or wanted right now. The jobs they have issues finding people for right now is accounting and medical care. I am not sure how old are you but you could try a police job. Police jobs are dictated by drinking age though. So in UK its 18 and in US its 21. Those require nothing but your diploma and not for university. So you will be over qualified. So if there is a way for you to get into any of those you should try it. Some degrees are as good as skipping university all together right now. However if none of that is possible try teaching. You can teach for anything. So if you get a teaching degree you can get a job teaching what you learned. If you got a degree in political science(example) and can not find a job in that field get a teaching job as a "Political science teacher". Good luck I hope you find something. It sucks right now.

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  • SuperBenzid
    10 years ago

    I would say that you knew that this would be likely be your one chance to see the country without the attachments that come later in life and that you started backpacking and camping. Now you have seized that opportunity, you feel it is time to settle down and achieve real world goals.

    Use that sort of terminology too. Make it sound like you have achieved a life goal rather than just traveled casually. Many would respect and envy such a story so it increases your chances. Be prepared to describe at least one place you visited too in case they ask. Ideally pick somewhere uncommon but believable like a rural town that you particularly enjoyed your time in.

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  • auburnsin
    10 years ago

    Say you were on vacation enjoying life. Now your ready to buckle down make some money.

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  • Short4Words
    10 years ago

    I wish someone could tell me this too. Very similar situation. You could say maybe year of soul searching but two..

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