Is it harder to find a job if you don't have a job?

Is it harder to get a job when you're already unemployed? Sadly, yeah, it can be. 😔 Job hunting is tough enough as it is, but it can feel like climbing Mount Everest when you don't have a job ⛰️

I've even had clients straight-up ask me, "Is it REALLY harder to find a job when you're unemployed?" and I'm like, "Yep, unfortunately, it is." They're all, "Ugh, guess I better not quit my current job until I have a new one lined up then."

Personally, I think it's a bunch of 💩. But hey, that's the world we live in, right? So instead of fighting it, let's work with it!

Here's the deal: This whole "you need a job to get a job" thing is a bias, and it can make your job search feel impossible. But don't worry, you're NOT alone! We're gonna break down why this bias exists and, more importantly, how to beat it! 😎

By the time you're done reading this, you'll see that you have WAY more control than you think. With the right strategy, you can totally turn things around. Ready to take charge? Let's do this!

The Unspoken Stigma: Why Do Hiring Managers Care?

There’s still a lingering bias when it comes to job seekers who aren’t currently employed, particularly for professional or office roles.

Some hiring managers simply can't explain why they prefer someone who’s currently working, but it matters to them nonetheless.

It’s almost like walking down a street filled with restaurants. You see a busy one and automatically think, "This place must be good, everyone’s here!"

Then you spot an empty restaurant, and even though you know nothing about it, you instinctively assume something’s wrong. As humans, we are naturally drawn to what's popular, and we make assumptions about what isn’t.

That same bias tends to crop up in hiring as well. If you're unemployed, it’s like being the empty restaurant on a buzzing street. People might wonder, "Why isn't anyone eating here?" or in job terms, "Why isn't anyone hiring them?"

But just because this bias exists, doesn’t mean you can't work with it and change the narrative.

Working With the Bias (Instead of Fighting It)

While it's frustrating that this stigma exists, fighting it head-on usually isn’t the best strategy. Instead, it's about reframing the situation and owning your story.

The key is to give a damn good explanation for why you're not currently employed and own it with confidence.

Here’s an example: Let’s say you made a conscious decision to take time off - maybe for family, to travel, or even to focus on personal development. That’s a completely valid reason, and if you’re upfront about it, hiring managers are usually quite understanding.

The important thing here is how you communicate it. If you come across as unsure or apologetic, people might jump to conclusions.

But if you own it - "I decided to take a year off to spend time with family and recharge, now I’m ready to get back to work" - then you take control of the narrative. No surprises, no awkwardness. You're confident, and that’s what potential employers want to see.

Confidence Is Key (Even When You Don't Feel It)

Confidence is everything. Even if you’re struggling to get back into the job market and starting to feel discouraged, it’s crucial to project self-assurance during your job search.

Why? Because people pick up on your vibe, consciously or unconsciously. If you’re not feeling confident, it’s going to show in your interactions, and that could hurt your chances.

Even if there’s no big inherent bias in a person, sometimes if nobody hires you for a long time, you might get discouraged. And when that happens, hiring managers can sense it. That lack of confidence can turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy, where you start to feel like no one values you, and your job prospects start to reflect that.

So, before diving into interviews or applications, take a moment to build up your inner sense of self. Remind yourself of your value, your skills, and what you have to offer. After all, things often happen that are beyond our control - that doesn’t make you any less valuable.

What If You Took Time Off?

Sometimes, you just need a break — and that’s perfectly fine. Maybe you decided to travel, focus on personal growth, or raise a family.

Whatever the reason, own it!

If you took a sabbatical or spent time doing something meaningful outside of the workforce, just explain that. When people hear that it was your choice to step away, they’re less likely to see it as a red flag. It’s all about how you frame your story.

For example, one of my coaching clients had a similar experience. He had a long, successful career but decided to take six months off to spend time with his family overseas.

He reached out to me, asking, "How do I explain this in job interviews?" My advice was simple: "Own it!" Tell them upfront why you made that decision and be confident about it.

When you present it this way, the hiring manager sees that it was a conscious decision - not something forced on you.

And that shifts their perspective. They no longer think, "Why wasn’t this person hired for so long?"

Instead, they’re thinking, "This person made a smart choice for themselves, and now they’re ready to bring that energy back to work."

Plan Ahead to Rebuild Confidence

If you’re feeling like your confidence has taken a hit after a long job search, this is the time to stop, reflect, and build yourself up again.

Make a plan. Think about the value you bring to an organisation and how you can communicate that effectively. Because at the end of the day, you are still valuable - you just need to recognise it yourself and show it confidently.

And if you’re really struggling with confidence, maybe take a step back before re-entering the job market.

Focus on building your self-esteem and getting into a positive mindset. This is where preparation comes in.

Have a clear explanation for your employment gap, practice how you’ll communicate it, and head into your job search with renewed energy.

Final Thoughts

Is it harder to find a job when you're already unemployed? It can be, yeah. But it's definitely NOT impossible!

The secret is to own your story. Instead of hiding that gap in your resume, rock it! 😎 Show those potential employers that you chose to take time off, it wasn't a consequence 😉 Confidence is key!

And hey, it's totally okay to take a break sometimes. Life happens! It doesn't make you any less awesome. 💖

The most important thing is to trust in yourself and your skills. You've got this!

Now, I'm curious... what's YOUR experience been like? 👇 Have you faced this "unemployed = unemployable" nonsense? Or have you totally crushed it despite the stigma? Share your story (and any tips!) in the comments below, I'd love to hear it!