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How can I get a corporate job after not working for the past 5 years?

The last job I had was in 2002 and I have been self-employed for the past 5 years. I am seeking to enter back into the corporate setting, but I am not sure how to market myself. I have always been under the impression that hiring managers usually like people with steady employment, but this is a pretty big gap. Furthermore, my previous experience is clerical, which is what I am seeking again.

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Unless you hit the lotto and we’re relaxing on an island somewhere, I think you were working. So clearly, you need to work on your thinking. Those words imply a lack of self-confidence and fuzzy thinking.

You can use Execunet to find a coach to help you with your thinking. You can use JibberJobber to organize your networking activities. You can visit my “turkey farm” for jobseekers to “steal” some of my thinking.

You have to find your Unique Value Proposition. What can you do, that is unique to you , that will unlock value for someone else. Put that on a piece of paper and half your search is done. (It’s not that easy to express. I’m still developing mine after all these years. It’s like playdough.

Hope this helps, let’s us know how you do,
fjohn