Graduation has just finished, others may have started working while others are just resting from the years that were spent studying so hard. Parents encourage their children to start finding work quickly since the “competition” will be high.
On the other hand, the fresh graduates will think of taking a break from all the years of studying and accomplishing projects, assignments and even reports. A vacation recharges them from all the tiring years before they start a new journey called, job hunting. In reality, being bum for months helps people find their career path and forge strategies to reach it.
What do you need to know to land a job after being bum for months?
That break could be days, weeks, or even months (up to more than half a year). Sometimes, that could be quite hard to explain in an interview especially if the recruiters would ask what were you doing during those bum months?
For some, it may be a deal-breaker which is disappointing since it could be a form of discrimination. But, it does not have to be that way all the time.
So we’re sharing some tips that could help you ace that interview.
Being truthful is good
Getting invitations for interviews is great, it gives every graduate hope on actually starting a career and building your own life. One of the trickiest parts of the interview is answering questions about why were you bum for a number of weeks or months. The best thing to do is to be truthful about how the past few months were; may it include volunteer and outreach activities or internships from companies.
Anyone you are talking with will sniff out a phony excuse.
Ryan Healy, co-founder of Brazen Careerist
There are times that it will make you worry and nervous about how will it be received by the recruiters. Consequently, that feeling is normal and inevitable. But always remember that the economy varies from time to time and becomes a challenge to most job hunters, especially fresh graduates.
Refrain yourself from talking so much
Have you heard about the saying, “Less is more.”? That is applicable in almost every aspect of life. From creating or designing posters or banners, it is applicable. Other than that, for interviews, it may also be applicable.
Sharing too much information can be also dangerous for your chances of getting hired. When you are being asked about why were you bum for a while, it’s best to avoid using words such as:
- Fired
- Laid off
- Terminated
- Downsized
However, there are instances that it will be inevitable and recruiters may ask you point blank why did you leave or even resigned then took a break. As the saying goes, “honesty is the best policy” and that should be the case. Share it honestly, but just not too much. Just as when you are narrating what happened, always remember not to badmouth the former company you were working with or even your former employer. That could create a different image for you and instead be a turn off for them instead.
Just remember to be grateful for the previous companies and employers you had that taught you during your experience there. It is better to be that way since all the negativity will be gone hopefully.
Remember to be positive and grateful to them.
Look forward to the future
Planning out your path is something almost everyone does. For most of our parents, it is important to plan out where will you be in the future few years from now.
Being on a break and having your vacation truly has its benefits. Nevertheless, getting a work and starting your new work should be exciting as well and that should be seen and observed by the interviewers. Don’t dwell on it nor apologize for having that break. Let the interviewers feel you are truly ready to work and accomplish things on your list.
There are ways on showing your excitement to working with them.
- “I have been on a break for a while and now, I’m excited to work and contribute to the organization.”
- “It is saddening that I was let go however, it paved the way for me to be here. That excites me to contribute and share my experience with the whole team.”
Final thoughts
This question is inevitable as it may be asked in every interview that you may attend. As we encounter ugly memories in life, we do not stay in that specific memory hence, we move forward. The same goes with questions like this. Glide through it, prepare for it the night before and answer with finesse. Surely, it will yield a good outcome for you.
Did you find this relevant?
Feel free to share and conquer the blues especially if you feel you’ve been bum for months.
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