Is unemployment good for job searching or should I look for work faster?
I've been on unemployment for about 6 weeks now and honestly the benefits are helping me pay my bills while I look for work. But my friend keeps telling me that staying on unemployment too long looks bad to employers and I should just take any job. Is unemployment good for giving you time to find the right position or does it hurt your chances? I'm following all the NYS Department of Labor job search requirements and applying to jobs every week but I want to find something in my field if possible. What's everyone's experience with this?
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GalacticGladiator
Unemployment benefits exist specifically to give you time to find appropriate work while meeting your basic needs. The NYS Department of Labor job search requirements are designed to keep you actively looking while providing that safety net. As long as you're genuinely searching and not turning down suitable offers, you're using the system as intended. Most employers understand that people collect unemployment between jobs.
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Freya Larsen
•Thanks, that makes me feel better about taking time to find something good instead of just grabbing the first minimum wage job I can find.
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Omar Zaki
I used my unemployment time to really focus on applications and even took an online certification course. Ended up finding a better job than the one I lost. The key is staying active in your search and documenting everything for your weekly claims. Don't let anyone shame you for using benefits you paid into.
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Chloe Taylor
•This is exactly right! I upgraded my skills during unemployment and landed a position with 20% higher pay than my previous job.
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Diego Flores
honestly it depends on your field and how long you've been out... I was unemployed for 4 months and some employers definitely asked about the gap. But if you can explain what you were doing during that time (job searching, skill building, etc) most understand
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Freya Larsen
•What kind of questions did they ask about the gap? I'm worried about how to explain it in interviews.
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Anastasia Ivanova
The real issue is when people get comfortable and stop seriously looking. I've seen people drag out their claims and then struggle when benefits end. As long as you're meeting the NYS Department of Labor work search requirements and genuinely pursuing opportunities, you're fine. Just don't get complacent.
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Sean Murphy
Been there! I was so stressed about finding work quickly that I almost took a terrible job. A friend reminded me that I paid into unemployment insurance for years and deserved to use it properly. Took my time, found something great. The stigma is mostly in people's heads.
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