Washington ESD job search requirements after 18 months unemployment - how to get a job after long term unemployment

That's actually really helpful. I've been trying to downplay the gap but maybe being upfront is better. Did you do anything specific during unemployment that you could mention?

Yes! I took some online courses and did volunteer work. Even if it's just keeping up with industry trends or helping with Washington ESD job search activities, mention it. Shows you stayed engaged.

This is unfortunately true. I ended up taking a part-time retail job just to have something current on my resume while I kept looking for something better.

I'm really hoping to avoid going backwards career-wise but I'm starting to think this might be necessary. How did you explain the step down to future employers?

I just said I wanted to stay active in the workforce while exploring opportunities in my field. Most understood that.

I didn't know Washington ESD had specific programs for long-term unemployment. I've been struggling to get through their phone system for weeks.

Yeah the phone system is terrible. That's why I tried Claimyr - it basically gets you to the front of the line. Worth checking out if you need to actually talk to someone about your options.

How much does something like that cost though? I'm already struggling financially.

It's designed to be accessible for people in unemployment situations. The value is really in getting actual human help instead of being stuck in phone loops.

I had some savings and I've been really careful with money. Washington state unemployment can go longer depending on your situation and the job market.

Regular unemployment insurance in Washington is typically 26 weeks but can be extended in certain circumstances. There are also training programs that can extend benefits.

I've been hesitant to reach out to old contacts because I'm embarrassed about being unemployed so long. Maybe I need to get over that.

I get it but most people are understanding. Just be professional about it - 'I'm exploring new opportunities and would love to catch up.' Don't lead with your unemployment status.

Networking saved my career after 2 years unemployed. People want to help if you approach it right.

I'm in marketing/communications. I've thought about freelance work but wasn't sure if that would help or hurt when applying for full-time positions.

Marketing is actually good for freelance! And it absolutely helps - shows you've been staying active in your field. Even small projects count.

That's terrifying to hear but I appreciate the honesty. What do you mean by rebrand myself?

New skills, new angle on your experience, maybe even a different job title that positions your background differently. Sometimes you have to reinvent yourself.

While the job market is challenging, I don't think it's hopeless. I've seen people come back from longer gaps. It takes strategy but it's possible.

I've heard about training programs but wasn't sure how to access them. Do you know how to apply?

You'd need to talk to a Washington ESD counselor about eligibility. That's where something like Claimyr might help - getting through to actually discuss your options.

I'm definitely considering it at this point. I feel like I'm not getting anywhere with the automated systems.

10 minutes? That sounds too good to be true. How does it actually work?

They have a system that basically navigates the Washington ESD phone maze for you and gets you connected to a real person. Check out that video demo I mentioned - it explains it better than I can.

Two years?? That gives me hope honestly. How did you handle the financial stress?

It was rough. I had to move back with family for a while and take odd jobs. But eventually things turned around. The hardest part was the mental game - staying positive and persistent.

This is excellent advice. The mindset shift from 'I've been unemployed' to 'I've been strategically exploring opportunities' makes a huge difference.

I've been avoiding LinkedIn because I was embarrassed but you're right, I should be more active on there.

Don't be embarrassed! Frame it as 'open to new opportunities' not 'desperately unemployed.' Big difference in how it comes across.

8 months is still manageable! Don't let my situation scare you. Just start applying the advice people are giving here.

Everyone's timeline is different. I know people who found jobs after 3 years and others who struggled at 6 months. Keep pushing forward.

That's really helpful. I need to practice talking about this without sounding defensive or desperate.

Exactly. Confidence is key. If you act like the gap is a huge problem, employers will see it as a problem too.

I've thought about that but starting over at my age feels overwhelming. Though maybe it's better than staying stuck.

Age discrimination is real but so is experience. Your years of work experience still have value even in a new field.

Thank you, I needed to hear that today. Some days it's hard to stay positive but posts like this help.

I will definitely update if I try it. This whole thread has been incredibly helpful - I feel like I have some actual strategies now instead of just blindly applying to jobs.

Yeah please update! I'm in a similar situation and this conversation has given me some ideas I hadn't considered.

That's a good idea. I've been trying to figure this out on my own but maybe professional help would be worth the investment.

Career counselors can be game changers. They see patterns and have insights from working with lots of job seekers.

Thanks everyone! I feel so much more hopeful after reading all your advice. Going to start implementing these strategies this week.