Have You Been Unemployed For Over a Year...? Maybe Even Over Two Years..

Have You Been Unemployed For Over a Year?

You can read the full article from Stephen Viscusi on the HuffPost Contributor platform, where he addresses one of the most difficult situations a professional can face: long-term unemployment. Viscusi brings his characteristic directness to a topic that is often treated with vague encouragement, offering concrete strategies for people who have been out of work for twelve months or longer and are struggling to break back in.

The Long-Term Unemployment Stigma

One of the hardest truths about extended unemployment is that the longer you are out of work, the harder it becomes to get back in. Hiring managers and recruiters often view long gaps on a resume with suspicion, even when the circumstances behind the gap are entirely understandable — a layoff during a downturn, a family obligation, a health issue, or simply a tough job market. Viscusi has seen this bias play out across every industry, including the contract furniture and interiors space where he has spent his entire career.

The stigma is real, but it is not insurmountable. Viscusi's column offers a roadmap for candidates who are facing this challenge, starting with the most important step: reframing the narrative. Instead of apologizing for the gap, successful candidates learn to explain what they did during that time — whether it was freelancing, consulting, volunteering, taking courses, or simply being intentional about finding the right next role rather than jumping at the first thing available.

Practical Steps to Get Back Into the Workforce

Viscusi's advice for long-term job seekers is grounded in what he has observed as a recruiter, not in theory. First, update everything — your resume, your LinkedIn profile, your references, and your professional wardrobe. If any of these feel dated, hiring managers will notice. Second, restart your network aggressively. Reach out to former colleagues, attend industry events, and let people know you are actively looking. Many of the best jobs are never posted publicly, and the only way to access them is through relationships.

Third, consider whether your expectations need to be recalibrated. After a long period out of work, it may be more effective to accept a role that gets you back into the game — even if the title or compensation is not exactly what you had before — and then build from there. Viscusi has seen many candidates re-enter the workforce through a lateral move or a slightly lower position and then quickly advance once they proved themselves again. The key is forward momentum.

Finally, do not underestimate the power of working with a recruiter who specializes in your industry. A good recruiter can advocate for you in ways that a cold application never will, helping hiring managers see past a resume gap and focus on your skills, experience, and potential.

Stephen Viscusi's Workplace Commentary

As a regular contributor to The Huffington Post, Stephen Viscusi has written extensively about hiring practices, workplace culture, compensation trends, and the challenges that job seekers face at every stage of their careers. His columns draw from over three decades of hands-on experience running one of the nation's leading executive search firms, giving his commentary a practical edge that resonates with business leaders and job seekers alike.

Viscusi's writing has also appeared in The New York Post, Divine Caroline, and The Ladders. On television, he has been a recurring workplace expert on NBC/Universal's Steve Harvey Show, Good Morning America, Inside Edition, CBS News, CNN, Fox News, and NPR. ABC's Charles Gibson called him "America's Workplace Guru."

About Stephen Viscusi and The Viscusi Group

Stephen Viscusi is the CEO and founder of The Viscusi Group, a retainer-based executive search firm that specializes in the interior furnishings industry. He started his career at Haworth and has spent over thirty years placing talent across the contract furniture, residential furnishings, and architectural products sectors. Viscusi is also the New York Times bestselling author of On the Job (Random House) and Bulletproof Your Job (HarperCollins), published in 18 languages worldwide.

Hires made through The Viscusi Group are backed by an industry-leading replacement guarantee, reflecting our confidence in every placement we make.

Please share your story or comment on this article and send your workplace questions to stephen@viscusigroup.com. Or give us a call at (212) 979-5700 ext. 101.

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