Employers look for red flags which tell them not to hire someone. Be ready to show the employer how you positively and effectively handled these “problem” issues.
You have been unemployed for a long time.
- Don’t think of it as something you have to be ashamed of and don’t lie.
- If it’s the case, it’s okay to say:
- You’ve been doing some consulting work.
- You’ve been doing travel important to you.
- You went back to university for extended education.
- You couldn’t reach full potential in previous job and are prepared to wait until you find the perfect opportunity.
- You had to be a caregiver for an ill relative.
Previous employer won’t give you a good reference.
- Confirm suspicions. If negative references are given out, consider sending a letter explaining they are libeling you and causing damage, and that if it continues, they could expect a lawsuit.
- Have a good explanation ready for the interviewer based on differences of opinion, work styles, expectations or the like, but never speak badly of a previous employer.