The longer you’ve been out of work, typically the harder you’ll find it to get back in. Recruiters/Employers question large unemployment gaps and will want to know what you’ve done in this time.

If you’ve been unemployed for a very long time (years) with no valid excuse, you’ll be seen as the kind of person that really isn’t interested in working – whether this is true or not, it’s the stereotype you’ll be lumped with and it will be hard to rectify.

The best thing you can do, if you can’t find work, is to volunteer. It’s one of the best ways of getting back into a daily routine, showing commitment and work ethic, and also gaining experience when you’ve done nothing recently. In the meantime, sign up to agencies (try to find those that best match your skills and experience) and take whatever is on offer.

If you’re looking for a job in sales, but you’ve been out of work for 5 years, candidates with more recent experience will outshine you.

Best of luck and happy job seeking!