All I have to offer is positivity and optimism. I battled my own demons recently, and being unemployed can exacerbate the problem. Stay focused, put your sobriety above all and work hard. You can do this.

Dear Confused, I dont know what state you live in, but in Florida, we have a government funded program called workfoce one. There are locations everywhere. They have paid professionals that help you with you resume, direct you to career fairs, and introduce you to a case worker that will assist you in finding a job that is perfect for you. I was having the same problem and found out that the hiring process has changed quite a bit and i was just out of the loop, as far as not really understanding what employers were looking for. If you have any other questions... email me. My name is Teresa. teenatoli@gmail.com.

Never give you my friend. I have almost gave up a few time. Call me if you need a friend who will listen at 541-745-9049.

First - never lie. That's an immediate deal killer. But - your problem is a health problem. That's how you need to frame it, plain and simple. It is easy to explain to a potential employer that you left your former company to attend to a significant personal health problem, and leave it at that. The interviewer will not pry into it any further, as it is protected information. The majority of us at one time or another will have deal with health problems and take time away from work to become healthy. Don't let it get you down. As long as you explain you left to deal with a significant health issue that has since been remedied, you should be good to go....at least on that point. Good luck!

Keep your head up.. always be honest on applications .. don't beat yourself up because of your past and don't let how you used to live be a crutch and a reason for why you can't find a job.. You are here in this day in this moment , live in it & let go of the past and don't use it as a reason for your struggle .focus on the now believe God, be HONEST ON APPLICATIONS and pray and he'll show you exactly what to do .

I'm with Pang Vang, you absolutely should not lie on anything. Why would you anyway, being a recovering addict is NOTHING to be ashamed of. Be proud of who you are not who you think these people want you to be. If your lying on your apps, they are going to find out, there have been things I didn't disclosed because I didn't think it applied been hired, started and then was let go; not good. Keep pushing, don't give up and don't lie, that's another bad habit, it turns into narcissism and nobody is going to trust you if your lying out the gate. Good luck

First off, congrats! Never quit trying to quit bad habits! Recovery is difficult and it is always when you feel the most down that things dont ever go right. Dont lie on your applications. Dont give out too much information either. Employers WILL NOT admit that they do look at certain things on an applicants application when deciding the yes candidates from theno candidates. If I were you, and I was asked to explain any gaps in employment or why I left my last position, I would say that I was involuntarily separated due to personal health problems and had to to take care of yourself. Disclosing too much info before actually getting an interview or ever meeting is probably the reason why you are not getting call backs. Go over your resume, it is ALWAYS a good investment for you, to re-vise and re-edit your resume. Overtime, contact information changes, new skills are acquired, new employment, perhaps, you are looking at a specific position so you would want to edit and polish up your resume to showcase your skills and experience aligning it with the position you are focused on.

While it says that employers cannot disqualify an applicant because of his/her race, sexual preference, gender, age and disability per EEO LAW... I am sure that employers have done this and of course they WILL NOT tell you but I believe some places take into account your age.

Do not get discouraged. Keep trying. Keep a record of the names and contacts of each company you have sent your applications or submitted your resume to. Do a little research on each and call these companies back within a working week after submitting your application and or resume to follow up. Speak with the hiring manager, express your interest abd ask if the position is still available. Record the date/time and who you spoke with so that you know which companies are still hiring and which ones are no longer hiring. Some times, you will have to do more than one follow up call. Take the initiative and chance to do so.

I can tell you that the economy has improved over the last few years, but - many employers are hiring temp agencies to fullfill their staffing needs before extending direct hire opportunities now.

Employers are looking at and focusing more on the experience and skills of an applicant - when sourcing candidates because they are looking for candidates who meet the requirements and have the skills that match what they are looking for - for a specific opening! For example, an Human Resources Specialist with five years of experience in a direct role in staffing recruitment, interviewing candidates, placement, terminations, and etc, this person has a 2 year Human Resources Management certificate or degree with experience... and he/she applies for an entry level fromt desk receptionist position. She may NOT get a call even though she is an office professional. Why? Because, she is over qualified for the position meaning her salary expectations will be much higher, and taking the chance or time to interview or hire this person may be risky for the company. They will however keep her in their files for future openings!

To sum it up, perhaps you may be applying to places which you are over qualified or under qualified for, typos on e applications, old phone numbers and addresses, or revealing too much on your initial application.

Highlight core skills that are valuable and will make you standout. Resumes should be clean, short and straight to the point. Employers DO NOT READ everything on the resume. They will skim it - specifically, looking at your objective, skills you have, how long you were employed for with each company, your position title and skim through your responsibilities at each company! Too much unnecessary information, typos and an unorganized resume will X your chances out.

Amazon hiring at 16 an hour.Will take any and all.Stay straight my friend.Thank you for your service and protection!!!!

I made a typo in my post. I am not lying on the applications. My screw up, sorry!!!!!!!!!

William - First I would suggest you don't lie on your applications. That's not a good way to get things started. Then, make sure you follow up on those applications to make sure they receive them and if they are scheduling interviews. And of course just keep going! Remember every no just gets you closer to the yes!