Would you hire an adult who has not worked in years for an entry level job? Or would you be reluctant?

Question

Due to anxiety, it has been years since I've worked, and I've been receiving disability. I'd like to know, from those of you who are supervisors, employers, and such, if you would hire an adult well past their 20's, who has not worked in years for a job which didn't require much experience if they seemed like a decent person on the interview.

Or would you be reluctant to hire them since they've been unemployed so long, and has almost little to no work experience?

Also, can you tell me if I must tell an employer I was unemployed due to anxiety. Or is there any way for them to find out. It's going to be embarassing walking into an employers office at my age with hardly any work experience, but I am improving and want to get my life back, so I have to take that chance. I just don't want to reveal I've been wrestling with an anxiety disorder, because I don't want the co-workers to know if I get the job.

Answer 1

Your asking a question that depends on the person doing the hireing.. Me myself (YES) if at the interview the person came acrossed as reliable, and worth taking a chance on..Every one has some reason for not working and also a reason that they must work.. It all depends on you and how you persent your self.. But my answeer would be YES SURE.... LOL ROB

Answer 2

The real question to an employer is whether or not you're qualified and can do the job. Someone who's been out for 15 years may still be qualified, while others might need some retraining in order to get back up to speed.

The question of whether I'll provide that training on the job or want you to get it in advance depends on the company and the field. For example, if you haven't used a computer and you're going for jobs that need computer skills, then perhaps you want to take some classes before applying for jobs. This way, you'll walk in with the necessary skills.

The KEY thing is your reason for the gap in employment. If an employer says "I can relate to your taking time off," then that's a positive sign. For example, a woman to quits work to be a full-time mom is perfectly understandable and won't be taken as a negative.

But if you took time off for no other reason that you just didn't feel like working anymore and wanted to travel, then that's a big negative! There's a time for play and a time for work.

So the answer to your question is YES, an employer would consider hiring you with a gap in employment provided you can provide a good reason for it.

As far as your anxiety disability goes, it all depends on what kind of accommodation if any your furture employer may have to make. For example, if you cannot deal with pressure than you probably don't want a very hectic job with lots of problems and deadlines.

And if your're on some sort of medication, that's definitely something an employer needs to know about. Some may drug test and depending on the meds, it might test positive. But knowing in advance that you're taking doctor prescribed meds prepares me for this and doesn't indicate anything bad.

I also need to know how your disability will effect my office. How will it impact your ability to do the job? How will you effect your being able to interact with your boss, coworkers, staff, and customers?

Answer 3

You may have to interview a number of times, but for entry level you will find something. You didn't say what kind of entry level, manufacturing or clerical, but if you have good phone skills that is a plus for entry level. If you don't know already, try to brush up on Microsoft Word and Excel - the two main programs you work with in an office.

Something you can also consider is signing up with several temp agencies. People don't usually expect much from a temp, especially in the beginning, and it is a good way to ease back into the working world without having to commit fully. Most of the temp agencies also have free tutoring for computer software and don't mind your coming in to increase your skills. Additionally, they have computerized tests that will assess your level of skills.
I have had temp jobs that last from a few days to several months.

Since you suffer from anxiety I would also like to give this advice. Don't sweat the interviews too much. Accept that it may take several to find a job and don't take it personally when you don't get hired. Look at every interview as a chance to learn how to do these interviews because interviewing is a skill. And since it has been several years since you worked, there are a number of books that have common interview questions - it wouldn't hurt to read one of these books and give some thought to how you would answer.

Lastly, you are under no obligation to disclose your medical history. You can tell them you were disabled if you like and let them think that you had perhaps a back injury that has healed or that you cared for a family member or child.

Good luck and go back to work with confidence. It will probably make you feel much better!

Answer 4

Everyone is reluctant in bringing new hands onboard, even those deemed "experienced". This is especially so for one who has an apparently been on a hiatus for such a long time, as there are fears u may not be current with local market conditions, or may not be able to adjust from a sedentary lifestyle back into the cutthroat world of work, or (hopefully not) a sign of being incapable to work consistently, thus the long hiatus.

Being decent is good, but its worth nothing if it is not backed up by the willingness to work, take neccessary initiative and the capability to upgrade constantly.

Still, pls dun lie about your lack of experience or long "break" from the working world. Tell the truth of your situation and show that u have the drive and passion for the work. Do research from sources, ie frens currently working in the line, articles etc to show prospective employers you have an idea what u are getting into, and that you can hack it in your job. In short make up your shortfalls of experience with that of diligence and the never say die spirit. Learn from the mistake and try not to commit them again. Employers (well most of them) will appreciate and value this values.

Finally, dun get too high hopes with pay or conditions of work. You'll most likely start from the very bottom, where lfe sux... Take it as a learning experience to season yourself and as a chance to shine as a more mature individual in the workforce for promotions that u hopefully earn.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

Hi "Sue" I am in a unique position here to discuss this.. I think. I have been in a managerial/owner position several times in my career and have done many hirings and interviews. I reviewed each application thoroughly, regardless of the age, experience, and current employment status of the individual. There are many reasons why somebody may or may not be currently working and that is something that can be discussed and taken into consideration during the hiring process and in further discussions with the potential employee.
Having said that, I wouldn't hesitate to hire somebody who is disabled... or not. However, I am probably somewhat biased because I am now in the same position you are.
I worked full time for many years and then lost my job through attrition and the economy. I returned to school to learn a new 'trade' and worked in that industry for a couple of years before my contract ended and I gave up a lucrative position due to geography... I was a 2.5 hour drive each way to work. It was too much. I tried to find work in my 'home' town but couldn't. During that time, a back injury sustained in the mid 80s worsened and I now find myself in a position where I have not worked full time in 6 years, and haven't worked at all for about 2 years.
Although I have looked for some part time work (I am not sure if I could work full time due to my pain/disability) I haven't been able to find anything suitable or that pays well enough to warrant me taking the job. Further, I am actually terrified of getting back into the work force. I'm 42... and I know it's going to be tough to get back into it.
So, if I were in a hiring position once again, I would weigh the information and make my decision based on that knowledge as well as the individual themselves. There are reasons why people are in the positions they are in when it comes to their work situation... and one must be open-minded and consider all the reasons and options.
I wish you success in your search and hope that this information offers you some insight into what a former managerial/business owner would do.
Cheers!

Answer 6

I would hire and have recommended applicants be hired that have little or no work experience, or you have not been working for some time.
I would not tell them it was due to anxiety. Because the first thing an employer will think is "Oh, this one can't handle stress". I would just say I decided to stay at home with my family or take a sabbatical.

Answer 7

If it's an entry-level position, I'd surely give you a try. A lot of people enter the work force with little-to-no experience, and there's always jobs for those just starting out. Your older, more mature age should work in your favor over a young, perhaps very immature 20-something year old.

Good Luck to you!

Answer 8

All depends. It would depend on how the person carried themselves during the interview. I would probably like to have references that I could contact.

You should be really prepared to give a great answer to the question of what have you been doing with yourself since your last position? You will get this question and how you answer it will make or break you. They want to be confident that you can and will do the job. They don't want things to not work out and then have to repost an ad in the paper and reinterview for this position in 3 weeks.

Answer 9

It has been my experience that it is better to hire an adult who wants to learn, than to hire a 20 yr old that thinks they know everything, then doesn't show up for work half the time.
You should go for it if you feel ready! Maybe you wont et hired to the first job you interview for, but don't give up if it is something you really want to do.
Good lluck!

Answer 10

IF I was you; I would go to every temp employment agency in town! Take the tests they offer. They can tell what jobs you are qualified for. Then go to every job they offer to you. Eventually an employer who is looking for someone full-time, will like your work, and offer you a full-time job.

Walking off the streets, looking for a full-time job with a long past history of no work?, good luck! Most employers will say NO THANKS!