Unemployed for over 800 days: Why you may be overlooked for jobs

HR professional and content creator Francis "Tank" Rhodes shares the reality of being unemployed for over two years.

In this vulnerable and unfiltered episode, HR professional and content creator Francis “Tank” Rhodes shares the reality of being unemployed for over 800 days. This conversation goes far beyond resume tips, we’re talking grief, bias, identity, and what it really takes to survive when the system keeps shutting you out.

800 Days Without a Job

Most people panic after a few months without work. Tank has been unemployed full-time for over two years, despite years of experience in operations and HR. This isn’t a story about someone not trying, it’s a reflection of a broken hiring system and a brutally tough job market.

The Grief No One Talks About

Days after being laid off, Tank lost his cat. That might sound small to some, but if you’ve ever lost a companion during a time of instability, you understand the emotional spiral. Layoffs aren’t just professional, they’re deeply personal. And grief compounds.

“Is It Me?”

At what point does unemployment start to feel like a reflection of your worth? Tank opens up about the internal battles that come with rejection, especially when you've done everything “right.” He speaks for so many people who feel invisible and exhausted by the search.

Discrimination in Real Time

In one of the episode’s most jaw-dropping moments, Tank shares how he made it to the final round of interviews, only to receive feedback about his appearance. Yes, in 2025. What happened next is a lesson in bias, professionalism, and how to respond with clarity and conviction.

The Problem With HR Leading DEI

As a Black man in HR, Tank pulls back the curtain on how the industry often fails to represent the very values it claims to uphold. From the lack of inclusion within HR itself to the way DEI has become performative, this part of the conversation is eye-opening and uncomfortable in the best way.

What Hiring Managers Get Wrong About Gaps

Spoiler: a gap on a resume doesn't mean someone gave up. Tank breaks down how survival mode looks different for everyone and how hiring teams need to stop asking “what were you doing?” and start asking “how can we support?”

Why He Still Shows Up

Despite the rejection, despite the bias, despite the exhaustion, Tank is still here. Still educating. Still helping others. Still telling the truth. And through it all, he's offering support to job seekers through a pay-what-you-can model.

Connect with Tank on LinkedIn HERE.

Follow him on TikTok: @hrsagentofchaos

Since the recording of this episode, Tank has started his own consulting venture! Message him on LinkedIn for more information if you’re looking for a HR consultant.

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