In today's economy, people may hold on to jobs from a few years to just a few months on the shorter end.
The time spent in between jobs may vary and be unpredictable.
It may be possible to go several months before finding another job. This is especially the case if you happen to be collecting unemployment benefits. The benefit can provide a real disincentive to get back to work as soon as possible and losing out on government benefits.
When going to several job interviews, they may ask for an explanation for long gaps in employment history on your resume.
The gaps can be explained with a cover letter or during an interview but I may have a better solution.
Instead of having long gaps in employment history (in excess of 3 to 4 months), try to work on your own projects and list them on your resume.
If you take a class in that time period, you can include it on your resume in the education section and have an easy explanation for employment gaps. The class doesn't even have to be a college course that needs to be paid for. A lot of information is available online and there are some websites that offer classes for free (you just don't get any college credit). One such example is Khan Academy.
You can also use the time you are unemployed to try to set up a small business/hobby for yourself. Something that can make money or attempt to make money.
In December of last year, I bought some skateboards whole sale and started trying to sell them. My profit from each skateboard was only about $5 but I did make some sales. If you can find something to buy and sell whole sale, that is one possible way to generate income.
You could also try writing your own book and self publish it.
The very least thing you could do is create a blog, try to grow an audience, and monetize your blog. Affiliate marketing programs are such a way to do this.
Even if your ventures are not successful, it won't matter that much.
By filling in the gaps in your employment history, you communicate a few things to your potential employer.
1. You prevent giving off the impression of being lazy.
Even though you could be been let go of your previous job through no fault of your own; even though the job market is still hostile to recent college grads; your employer may just think you are lazy if there are gaps in your work history.
2. You make yourself a more unique person and you demon-straight that you are creative and are willing to try and learn new things.
If you can stand out and make an impression, you might stand a better chance at being remembered. Your potential employer may have several people lined up for a position. If he or she remembers you, you may have a better chance to get the position.
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