About a year ago I was separated from my job as an assembler due to a violation of the company smoking policy. Since then, I have been unable to find a suitable job. I am considering a career change because I found a job position online for a dental laboratory support technician that interests me and I am considering applying for it.  My question is, now that I've been unemployed for a year, should I address this in my cover letter? I feel that I should explain the gap, but I don't have any real experience in between the time that I was fired and now. I have been constantly looking for a job, helping my mom who was diagnosed with COPD, and taking care of my kids but I feel there should be more substance. Please advise me on this. Thank you!

Hi sunmoonstars,

I wouldn't mention that you were fired in your cover letter. It's actually not that unusual to be out of work for a year or more. The best strategy is to keep your cover letter positive, include your qualifications that are most relevant to the lab support tech position, and explain why this position/employer interests you so much.

I hope this helps. Good luck with this opportunity and let us know how it goes!