Being unemployed can be a stressful and uncertain time. You may wonder how long is too long to be without a job before it starts becoming a problem. According to experts, there are a few factors to consider when evaluating how long is too long to be unemployed.
What is considered long-term unemployment?
In general, long-term unemployment refers to being jobless for 27 weeks or longer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics considers being unemployed for 27 weeks or more as meeting the definition of long-term unemployment. However, opinions differ on exactly how long is too long when it comes to gaps in employment.
Opinions on how long is too long unemployed
- 3-6 months – After being unemployed for 3-6 months, some experts say it can start becoming more challenging to find a new job. You may get screened out by applicant tracking systems or viewed less favorably by hiring managers.
- 6-12 months – Being out of work for 6 months or longer starts entering a danger zone. A gap of 6-12 months can make it quite difficult to find a job.
- 12+ months – After a year, a gap in employment can be very problematic. Hiring managers may see it as a red flag unless there is a good explanation.
- 18-24 months – Being unemployed for 18-24 months can severely limit job prospects. Companies may be very reluctant to hire someone after such an extended absence from the workforce.
However, opinions vary on exact timeframes. Some experts caution against gaps longer than 3-6 months, while others say even a year-long gap may be understandable if properly accounted for.
Why long employment gaps can be viewed negatively
There are a few reasons why extended stretches of unemployment tend to be viewed unfavorably by potential employers:
Skills and knowledge may deteriorate
Being out of the workforce for too long can cause professional skills, industry knowledge, and familiarity with the latest tools and best practices to deteriorate. Hiring managers may be wary that someone unemployed for over a year may struggle with the learning curve of a new job.
Creates uncertainty
A long period without employment can raise questions in a hiring manager’s mind – were they let go? Did they have trouble finding work? Were they unable to hold down a job? Not knowing the reasons for the gap can make it seem risky to hire someone.
Signals lack of motivation
Fairly or not, a very long stretch of unemployment may indicate a lack of drive or initiative to some employers. They may question why the candidate didn’t secure a job more quickly if they were motivated and seriously looking.
Concerns about culture fit
Cultural fit is very important to many companies. Someone who has been detached from the workforce for a long time may struggle with workplace norms and expectations. Hiring managers may worry about integrating someone into the work environment after an extended unemployment stint.
When is a long unemployment gap understandable?
Despite the stigma, there are certainly circumstances where a long period of unemployment can be reasonable and understandable to prospective employers:
Pursuing education
Spending time out of work to pursue an educational program looks productive and shows initiative. Whether it’s earning a degree, professional certification, specialized training, or other learning, it can make an employment gap look like a wise investment rather than a negative.
Health problems
Serious health issues that prevent someone from working are generally viewed sympathetically, especially if the person can now demonstrate they are healthy and ready to work. This includes injuries, disabilities, illnesses, conditions requiring treatment, etc.
Caregiving responsibilities
Spending time caring for children, elderly parents, or other family members explains why someone may be out of the workforce. Most hiring managers understand family obligations and don’t hold them against candidates.
Travel or other personal reasons
Some people take a break from work to travel, volunteer, pursue personal projects, or spend time focusing on priorities besides career. While less conventional, if presented properly this can demonstrate positive traits like cultural awareness, commitment to causes, creativity, or well-roundedness.
Economic downturn or industry changes
Major economic recessions and upheavals in certain industries can force even highly qualified professionals out of work for extended periods through no fault of their own. This is widely recognized as understandable.
Discrimination
Unfortunately, some demographics such as older workers, minorities, immigrants, and the formerly incarcerated people face documented hiring discrimination. If someone can make a case they were unfairly excluded this can account for an employment gap.
Tips for re-entering the workforce after a gap
If you are attempting to restart your career after a long break, there are steps you can take to overcome employment gaps and convince employers to still consider you:
Explain the gap positively
Be ready to briefly explain your unemployment gap while framing it in a constructive way – caring for a sick parent, traveling abroad to learn new cultures, etc. Put a positive spin whenever possible.
Showcase transferable skills
Even if you were not working, highlight skills from your gap time that translate to the workplace such as communication, problem-solving, digital literacy, multitasking, etc.
Get training or education
Pursuing professional development, training, certifications, higher degrees, and other education related to your target field can help offset concerns about outdated skills.
Do volunteer work or freelancing
Seeking temporary, part-time, volunteer, or freelance gigs can help you maintain your resume and demonstrate current experience to assuage employer concerns.
Explain gaps tactfully in interviews
When asked in interviews, take responsibility for employment gaps without bashing past employers or sounding defensive. Shift the focus to your skills, passion, and motivation.
Leverage your connections
Networking, personal referrals, and other connections may help you find sympathetic hiring managers less fixated on unemployment gaps. Leverage contacts who can vouch for you.
Consider transitional roles
For very extended gaps, it may help to take an interim temporary or junior role to transition back into the workforce before pursuing your full career job.
Unemployment gap red flags employers watch for
Certain things related to employment gaps are likely to raise concerns among hiring managers. Be aware of these unemployment resume red flags:
Drastic career shifts
Frequently jumping between very different careers makes employers unsure what you want to do. Stick closer to your field.
Vague explanations
Being evasive or failing to account for gaps can make it seem like you have something to hide. Have a reasonable, honest explanation ready.
Job hopping
Frequently starting jobs and then leaving shortly after hints at difficulty keeping roles. Try to stick with positions longer.
Activities that don’t enhance employability
Gaps spent watching TV or playing video games rather than gaining skills may raise questions about initiative and discipline.
Inconsistent job levels
Frequently alternating between higher and lower-level roles makes employers unsure of your career trajectory. Build progressively.
Old or irrelevant skills
Having skills far out of date or not relevant to the role you want now makes it harder to be seen as a strong candidate.
Omitting employers
Leaving companies off your resume if you were fired or had conflicts can backfire if employers discover missing jobs or gaps.
Extending unemployment
Turning down viable job offers and continuing unemployment can signal pickiness or a lack of urgency to hiring managers.
Addressing unemployment gaps in interviews
When interviewing for new roles, you will likely need to explain any extended periods out of work. Some tips on addressing unemployment gaps:
Bring it up first
Don’t wait for the interviewer to ask. Proactively explain employment gaps early to control the narrative.
Keep it brief
Avoid lengthy descriptions of unemployment periods. Give a quick, one-to-two sentence justification then move on.
Be positive
No matter the reason, put a constructive, forward-thinking spin on your gap time rather than complaining or blaming external factors.
Emphasize readiness
Convince the interviewer you are eager, refreshed, and ready to start contributing again after your break.
Redirect to skills
Pivot quickly to your qualifications, passion, and the value you can add to make the gap seem like less of a concern.
Prepare gap answers
Anticipate unemployment gap questions and practice polished explanations so you aren’t caught off guard.
Ask about transferable skills
If the gap is questioned further, give examples of relevant general skills developed during your time off that employers want.
How long unemployment lasts by age
Research shows the duration of unemployment often correlates with age. Here is average unemployment length by age group:
| Age | Average unemployment length |
|---|---|
| 16-24 years | 21.6 weeks |
| 25-54 years | 19.5 weeks |
| 55+ years | 26.1 weeks |
As the data indicates:
- Younger adults tend to have the shortest unemployment duration, likely because many voluntarily leave jobs.
- Prime working age adults see moderately extended jobless periods.
- Older adults over 55 take the longest to find new roles likely due to ageism.
Takeaway
While averages differ by age, the stigma of long-term unemployment can affect job seekers of all ages. Staying unemployed for over 6 months hurts your chances across the board.
Unemployment length by education level
Data also shows connections between education and how long people remain unemployed. The table below displays average weeks unemployed based on schooling:
| Education level | Average unemployment length |
|---|---|
| Less than high school | 26 weeks |
| High school diploma | 20.5 weeks |
| Some college | 18.5 weeks |
| College degree | 14.7 weeks |
Key takeaways on the above data:
- Less educated workers face the longest periods of unemployment by far.
- Having a college degree shortens unemployment duration the most.
- Higher levels of education correlate with spending less time jobless.
Takeaway
Education level has a definite impact on how long unemployment lasts. Lack of education can significantly extend jobless periods.
Unemployment length by industry
Unemployment duration also varies significantly between industries. Here are average weeks unemployed by industry:
| Industry | Average unemployment length |
|---|---|
| Construction | 18 weeks |
| Manufacturing | 17.5 weeks |
| Healthcare | 15 weeks |
| Technology | 12 weeks |
| Finance | 11 weeks |
Observations about the data:
- Technology and finance enjoy the shortest unemployment durations.
- Healthcare unemployment is moderately short.
- Manufacturing and construction have the highest unemployment lengths.
Takeaway
Your industry plays a role in determining how long periods of unemployment last. Some sectors bounce back faster than others.
Tips for handling long unemployment gaps
If you find yourself facing a long period of unemployment, here are some recommendations to improve your situation:
Seek temporary or contract roles
Taking short-term jobs can help build recent experience to satisfy employers until you secure a permanent position.
Focus on skills development
Use online courses, professional training, and certifications to gain marketable hard skills that make you employable despite gaps.
Build a portfolio
Assemble samples, projects, and other work products that concretely demonstrate your abilities regardless of employment status.
Expand your network
Growing your professional network improves access to unposted jobs and referrals that can help circumvent traditional applications.
Re-enter at a lower level
Consider stepping back into more junior roles first to transition back into the workforce before advancing back to your target career level.
Leverage campus resources
If you are a college student or graduate, utilize campus career centers to find opportunities despite gaps.
Highlight achievements
Tout quantifiable accomplishments from past jobs or volunteer work to demonstrate your abilities.
Re-tool your resume
Adapt your resume to strategically minimize gaps and highlight transferable skills gained during time off.
Conclusion
How long is too long to be unemployed depends on your circumstances, but extended gaps of 6-12 months or more can become very problematic. While stigma exists, you can take proactive steps to boost your employability, network into new roles, emphasize your capabilities, and minimize the impact of long unemployment. With a strategic approach, it is possible to restart your career even after a substantial break.