Unemployment and app process

[hderp26]

Hi there, I was unemployed for the last 4 years as I couldn't find a job in the city I am living in related to my bachelor's degree (most jobs in my field wanted masters degree/phd or specialized training rather than just an undergrad degree) There are of course other jobs I could have looked for unrelated to my field of studies but I didn't really pursue them. I stayed at my parents after graduation and basically lived off them. I was wondering how this will affect my application process if they see that I have been unemployed for 4 years?

I know that I might look like a lazy bum but I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do after graduation. I didn't get into the professional schools I wanted to apply after undergrad so I lost track of things and didn't know how to proceed next. When I was in school I was quite motivated and a high achiever (~4.0 GPA, involved in student politics etc) but after I got out of school I lost that sense of purpose and structure. I know for sure they will ask about when I get to the interviews but I wasn't sure if it would even get to the interview step if they see I have been unemployed for so long?

 

[Mirin]

I saw this posted to reddit as well, but was reluctant to reply.  You and the recruiters both know that 4 years of unemployment won't look spectacular.  I can't say for certain whether or not that would preclude you from getting an offer.  If you're applying in earnest then the least you can do is submit your application and see if they will take you for further processing.

 

[Kainan]

Well Herp Derp  age 26, if you have at least been contributing through volunteer efforts or through assisting around the house you could perhaps mention that although 4 years is a fairly long period of time, I would take a job now before you start the application process to show some initiative, you should express that you want to contribute and that you want to serve your country.  Assuming you really haven't done anything over the past 4 years I would also check/brush up on basic math skills (addition multiplication division subtraction) as they will test that on your CFAT. From my understanding the CFAT does play a significant role in the merit list for a particular job, and if you were able to achieve a 4.0 GPA then perhaps the CFAT may be able to help you out even if you do mediocrely on the interview due to the whole 4 year gap thing.

In conclusion:
*Get job now, this will help with interview later as it shows initiative, plus you get $ that you yourself earned.
*Submit online application for the trade(s) you are interested in. (do not lie on this form or any other form)
*Take CFAT
*Make lots of preparation for interview then do interview.
*DONT LIE ABOUT ANYTHING

If you are planning on doing a physical trade I would start working out ASAP if you are not already physically active. This will help out considerably with the interview if you can prove that you are taking steps to prepare. Plus its always nice to be in good shape. -

If you don't make an effort to get in to the forces then you wont get in, ultimately this is up to you and if you want it then you will get in. I doubt that they will turn you away before you even get a chance to take the CFAT, and if they do they should tell you why and what you might be able to do to get in at a later date. 8)

 

[Ksiiqtaboo]

Hi there, I was unemployed for the last 4 years as I couldn't find a job in the city I am living in related to my bachelor's degree (most jobs in my field wanted masters degree/phd or specialized training rather than just an undergrad degree) There are of course other jobs I could have looked for unrelated to my field of studies but I didn't really pursue them. I stayed at my parents after graduation and basically lived off them. I was wondering how this will affect my application process if they see that I have been unemployed for 4 years?

I know that I might look like a lazy bum but I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do after graduation. I didn't get into the professional schools I wanted to apply after undergrad so I lost track of things and didn't know how to proceed next. When I was in school I was quite motivated and a high achiever (~4.0 GPA, involved in student politics etc) but after I got out of school I lost that sense of purpose and structure. I know for sure they will ask about when I get to the interviews but I wasn't sure if it would even get to the interview step if they see I have been unemployed for so long?

I can tell you from a security clearance point of veiw as long as you document it well (ie; unemployed this to this but working odd jobs make sure to record odd jobs.) and if the residential and employment information match all is good to go