(J: may want to use this for pullout quote: “The stand out resume is one which clearly specifies how the applicant meets each of the minimum requirements of the job. So if the job asks for a qualification, make sure that qualification is plain and obvious.”It’s hard enough to get a job in this economy, but for those who have been out of work for several months, it gets even tougher.You not only have to compete with a large number of applicants some of whom already have jobs, but you may find yourself having to explain the growing gap in your resume.It’s becoming such a major issue in the US that President Barack Obama’s jobs bill has a provision to allow unsuccessful job applicants to sue if they think a company denied them a job because they were unemployed. The provision would ban a rising number of employment ads that explicitly declare the unemployed ineligible, with phrases like “Jobless need not apply”.So how should you handle gaps in employment and sticky personal situations?And how can you increase your chances of finding employment, other than reading the job ads in the paper every day?The Department of Labour and Training is a good resource for anyone who is out of work. They not only provide counselling and advise on training, but they have their own jobs data base and work with various employers to match job seekers with jobs.We also asked recruitment consultants on the Island for their advice.1. Other than reading the job ads in the paper, what can you do in Bermuda to find a job?Laura Jackson, vice president/director of Island Employment Partners urged the unemployed to register with an employment firm that can potentially help you regain employment on a temporary basis while you are seeking a permanent job.“Also network and seek volunteer roles in the community,” she said, “many of these organisations interact with local and international businesses and this also provides good exposure.”She added, “A professional recruitment firm can provide you with important guidance and personal career development. They can also open the door for potential job opportunities both temporary and permanent that can greatly assist you in a challenging job market. Utilising a recruitment firm is usually free of charge and a valuable resource to many.”Melody Smith, assistant general manager of Recruitment and Immigration for Expertise Ltd. urged the unemployed to go ahead and send their resumes to the various employment agencies on the Island. (See list in resources below).“Recruitment agencies earn a fee if they find you a job - they serve as your agent,” she said. “So they want your resume and should help you. Expertise is different because we are the agent of the employer. Many companies engage Expertise to conduct recruitment campaigns. So they will not work on your behalf to find you a job, but registering your resume with Expertise on www.bermudajobs.com is advantageous because you will be contacted if you match current or future vacancies of any of the 100+ organisations that they recruit for.2. How can you make your resume stand out?Ms Smith advised: “The stand out resume is one which clearly specifies how the applicant meets each of the minimum requirements of the job. So if the job asks for a qualification, make sure that qualification is plain and obvious. Applicants should customise each resume they submit (for a position) to highlight how their qualifications, skills and experience compare favourably to the published requirements of the job.Ms Jackson suggested: “Keep your resume succinct highlighting key functions and responsibilities held in each position. Your resume needs to be a clear, concise, with a chronological record of your work history. We also recommend a career objective, skills summary section or professional profile at the top of your resume which greatly helps in making your resume stand out to a potential employer as well as targeting your resume to suit the position you are applying for.She said most importantly, there must be no spelling or grammatical errors in your resume and it must be in a clear, easy to read format.3. How should you explain gaps in employment, getting fired or other personal issues?The consensus was be honest.Ms Jackson said: “Always handle any holes or employment gaps that might exist in your employment history in an open and honest way ... Never mislead or stretch the truth about your employment history or dates of employment.“If you have remained unemployed during your search explain what your search method has been to date and outline any volunteer work you have been involved in or temporary roles you have completed. Be honest with your skill set, your abilities and flexibility in attitude.”Ms Jackson said if you have past issues with substance abuse seek help immediately, stick with a programme that helps you, and seek to find a mentor who can provide you with guidance to move forward in a positive way.She added, “Keep a positive attitude and surround yourself with people who have a strong work ethic and are positive influences in your life.Ms Smith offered: “Gaps in work experience due to redundancy or any other reason should not be left unexplained. Just be honest. To leave an unexplained gap on your resume only begs a question which you will not be able to answer unless you are granted an interview. “She added: “Employers understand redundancy is a reflection of the economy, not your performance. So that is the easiest of gaps to explain succinctly.“But gaps due to being terminated for cause are harder to explain. Again, honesty is the best policy, but so is brevity. Employers often give second chances to those that have been terminated but not if they find out that you are being dishonest about your track record. So it’s best to briefly explain the termination in the resume and perhaps use the cover letter and interview to explain more fully.”Resources for Job Seekers:National Training Board 292-3700Department of Labour and Training 297-7716 (The Department has its own jobs data base and works with employers to match job seekers with them)www.bermudajobs.comwww.theladder.bmwww.gov.bm (click on Careers & Employment)Some of Bermuda’s Employment Agencies:Bermuda Executive Services www.bermudaemployment.comIsland Employment Partners www.iep.bmSOS Ltd. www.sos.bmExpertise Ltd. www.expertise.bmOther Resources for the Unemployed:Labour Relations 297-7650Immigration Hotline 296-5202 or e-mail adaniels[AT]gov.bm or cperinchief[AT]gov.bmFree 15-minutes of legal advice: The Center on Angle Street, every Thursday from 5.30pm to 7.30 on a first come basis.Legal Aid, 129 Front Street, by appointmentHuman Rights Commission 295-5859.(Please note the HRC comes under the Department of Human Affairs within the Ministry of Youth, Families and Sports. They do not provide general advice regarding a complaint, but can refer the person to alternative services that could potentially provide appropriate support.)