out-of-work, how long is too long?

[papa bear]

would the chance of getting a new job diminish as the time goes by?

[asamd]

Your skills deteriorate relative to the market need if you're out of the workforce.

Depends on how much experience you have and if there is a specific reason (sabatical, medical concerns, maternity/paternity leave, going back to school, etc). If you had 20 yrs exp and were out of work for 1 yr, I'd be less concerned than if you had 2 yrs exp and were out of work for 1 year.

[dumber]

The reason for being out of work is important. Were you fired and can't find another job? Or, did you take time off to help your ailing mother?

Also, come up with a good line about how you improved yourself while unemployed. If you were fired and have been sitting around for 6 months watching Oprah and interviewing without success, cast it in a better light. Apply for grad school or take some other type of classes. You could tell prospective employers that you lost your job in Dec and decided to take some time and focus on passing two exams in one sitting. Just make sure you start the job before results come out.

[Wigmeister General]

The worst possible excuse is you were a "guest" in the County Jail.

[WinnieThePooh]

The reason is important. Raising kids is usually a good one.

In this market it would be harder to negotiate a high salary for the next job since the company would not really have to entice you to get off the couch.