Quote from TGregg:
If you have two candidates for one job, which do you think is better? The guy who's been sitting on the couch in front of the TV for 2 years or the guy who already has a job and wants to move up?
Some jobs (not many) actually have a test or two to determine which candidate earns the job. Simply, in those small situations, even a couch potato has an equal chance assuming he has stayed in touch with his profession and network.
Also, not too smart for someone with a technology background to not do some sort'uv consultation work on the side (self-employed) at extremely cheap rates to remain active...making themselves look just as attractive as someone else that already has a job working for someone else.
Mark