Is 20 months of unemployement going to hurt me?

by Mark
(Warsaw)

I am a 51 year old Construction Manager that was let go 20 months ago and I have not been able to get back to work. I thought part of it is I did not finish college, so I went back to school; I just feel that 20 months is a long time.

Do you think this a major issue and if so how can I overcome this?

ANSWER: A few years ago, I might have answered this question differently. But in today's economy, long employment gaps like yours aren't all that unusual. There just are not enough jobs to go around any more.

I would be as honest as you can in your cover letter and when going on interviews. And DO emphasize that you took the initiative to go back to school for your degree. That will definitely set you apart from many other job candidates.