Unemployed? How Do You Show Your Value to a Potential Employer?
Share
The number one question an unemployed executive will be asked in an interview is “What have you been doing while unemployed?” Companies want to hire executives who have up-to-date skills and are current in their industry. They often think of the unemployed as losing touch with current issues and unable to maintain the sharp edge needed to be part of an executive team.

How can you show a potential employer you have continued to learn, make contributions to your field, and maintained a high energy level?
  1. Join LinkedIn groups. A solid interest in groups that align with your career helps others see you are staying active. Asking and answering questions in various groups can help set you up as knowledgeable or even an expert in your field. You also become familiar with other leaders and influencers that you can connect to.
  2. Play an active role in professional organizations. Membership in a local or national organization can lead to learning new skills through educational programs presented, mentoring others or being mentored, and may ultimately lead to job opportunities through networking.
  3. Stay intellectually curious. Attending webinars, conventions, and professional development programs to keep current on industry issues and to help you build new skills necessary to keep up with new technology.
  4. Read professional journals. Contribute to your continuing professional growth by reading relevant materials and professional journals. Just as doctors read research papers to stay current on the latest treatments and medications, you need to learn what’s new in your industry.
  5. Pursue a degree or certification. Learning is never-ending for an executive. After all, they are leading corporations and employees into the future. Working on a new certification or degree while unemployed demonstrates your pursuit of bettering yourself and building knowledge through formalized education.
  6. Volunteer your time. Companies value executives who give back to their communities. It shows them you can be a team player as well as a leader. You could also be exposed to new business processes and techniques that might be helpful to your career in the future.
Keeping your executive brand intact is imperative while unemployed and essential to getting the next position. Doing these 6 things will help you demonstrate your value to a potential employer.