Current unemployment a dealbreaker?

[arisugawa]

Basically, I want to know if current unemployment would be a dealbreaker at a top tier school. Maybe this has a really obvious answer, but I really don't know.

Quick background: 3.2 undergrad GPA at a top-tier school, 720 GMAT, 2 years work experience (consulting). I have been unemployed now most of 2009, unfortunately without much to show for the time... I know I dropped the ball big-time here, but just wondering if it's salvageable, or if I shouldn't even bother for now. I would be looking at second-round consideration for Fall 2010. Should I go ahead and apply, or am I better off waiting another year and applying for Fall 2011, when I will (hopefully) be employed with more work experience to show?

Any thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Sean McNeil]

Hi arisugawa,

Your unemployment isn't necessarily a dealbreaker, but you will have to explain why you haven't done much since your last job. My suggestion is to clearly identify your goals so you don't look like you're applying to b-school just to have something to do.

As far as waiting until next year to apply, if you feel that you will have something significant to talk about next year then it might help you out. The worst possible scenario; however, is if you wait to apply and you still are unemployed and haven't volunteered in your community.

Good luck!
-Sean

[Sophia007]

arisugawa,

I'd highly suggest that as you apply to MBA schools, you also interview for jobs. You have almost 9-10 months before your school will start. It is perfectly normal to be laid off or not have a job, however, there is no excuse for sitting idle. Do community service or volunteer at some place to continue gaining experience so in case you do land up a b-school interview, you have something 'current' to talk about and continue meeting people to see if you can get hired for a job that aligns back with your career. Post your resume on dice.com, careerbuilder, hot jobs etc. Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn. From where I see, you've got some sleepless nights ahead. January 2010 seems to be a hot hiring season. You do have limited work experience, so make sure that you are looking out for opportunities.

On a separate note, there are always organizations and groups (local) that meet up once a week. Find the groups that belong to your profession and meet up with them. Introduce yourself, exchange b-cards and keep in touch with them. This is a serious situation. A break on your resume for a long time can be questioned. This also depends on how long have you been unemployed. So, fill that gap by joining volunteer program or service. We can talk more about this if you need to talk. Just email me directly if you need further guidance. All these actions will also show that getting laid off has not bogged you down and you are moving ahead with the storms of life - strong and confident. Good Luck!

If you need help on how to deal with the 'gap' on your resume, let me know.

-S

[arisugawa]

Thank you both for the great advice. I will start looking for volunteer opportunities ASAP, and continue to look for a job as I apply to b-school.