What to Do When Unemployed: Strategies for Job Seekers
Published: | Last Updated:
If you’re currently in the market for a new job, then you may have realized that this process can take longer than you expected. Whether you are urgently looking for a new job or you have a little bit of time to spare, searching for a job while you are unemployed can be stressful.
That being said, there are a lot of ways to make the most of your time while you’re unemployed. These strategies can better prepare you for your next job, help set you apart from the competition, and may even reduce the time it takes to land a job.
If you’re unemployed and looking for your next job, then take a breath, budget wisely, and follow these steps.
Don’t Give Up—What to Do When Jobless
Although you may be worried that your job hunt is taking too long, it’s important that you don’t get discouraged. Finding the right job is a lengthy process, and it’s common for it to take months before you land your first interview.
Unemployment is often a temporary setback that you face while you’re working towards your long-term career goals. As you prepare yourself for your next job, focus on the improvements that you’re making rather than the temporary circumstances that you’re in.
5 Efficient Strategies for Urgent Job Seekers
It is important to make the most of your time while you are unemployed, especially if you’re urgently looking for a job. Even if you don’t have a lot of time to spare, there are still plenty of opportunities for you to prepare yourself for your next job and help set yourself apart from the competition.
Here are five strategies that can quickly help job seekers while they are on the hunt for a job.
1. Update Your Old Resume
Updating your resume will not only identify your professional qualifications, but it can also make a lasting impression on potential employers. The key components of a strong resume include:
-
Your contact information
-
A brief professional summary, tailored to the job you’re applying for
-
Relevant work experience
-
Education history
-
Degrees, certifications, and professional licenses
-
Professional development achievements
There are also ways that you can leverage gaps in your resume to work in your favor. If a potential employer asks about the gaps in your resume, this is a great time to discuss how you used your downtime effectively to make yourself a more qualified candidate.
For more information, check out our article on navigating resume gaps. The REDC at Yavapai College also has resume experts to help you create the perfect resume to get hired fast. Check out our career resources to get started.
2. Create a Personal Brand Statement
A personal brand statement lets the professional world know who you are, what you do, and what you stand for. Aligning your online platforms with your personal brand statement will help you stand out from the crowd, network with other professionals, and maybe even catch the attention of potential employers.
Professional online platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed are popular avenues for employment. By establishing your personal brand statement on these platforms, you can increase your visibility and decide how you want the professional world to perceive you.
Want to turn out a great statement? Check out our article about how to write a personal brand statement and why it is important.
3. Research Your Future Career
You should use the time that you’re unemployed to get a firm understanding of what your future career entails. Researching your future career can help you identify additional steps that can better qualify you for employment and also get you up to speed for when you finally land the job.
4. Research Potential Employers
While online platforms can be a great way to look for job opportunities, know that not all companies use them. By researching and reaching out to different companies, you can gain valuable insights into who may be hiring and what it may take to get hired.
Researching potential employers will also prevent you from getting scammed. Unfortunately, online scammers take advantage of job seekers with fake job postings and job offers.
Read our related article to learn how to verify the credibility of companies and avoid job offer scams.
5. Use Career Resources Provided by REDC
REDC at Yavapai College offers a long list of career resources to help you establish yourself professionally and make you a qualified candidate for hire. These valuable career resources are completely free, and they are easily accessible online.
Whether you need help preparing for an interview, writing a professional resume, or connecting with potential employers, REDC has the resources you need to take the next step in your career. Learn more about how we can help job seekers.
Set Yourself Apart With Education and Upskilling
Learning new skills through formal education is a uniquely beneficial strategy that can help you land a job in your dream career. Upskilling your current knowledge will help qualify you for additional jobs and teach you information that can’t be learned anywhere else.
Not only will you gain knowledge through upskilling, but you’ll earn certifications that will strengthen your resume and make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers. Upskilling is a key component of professional development that is worth the time and effort that you put into it.
Read our related article to learn what micro-credentials are and how they can help you land your dream job.
Take Online Courses at REDC
With the help of REDC’s online courses, upskilling has never been easier. These online courses are self-paced, meaning you can take as long as you need to get the education you require.
Whether you want to learn additional skills for your current career path or learn the skills that can propel you into a new career field, REDC offers the courses that can help you land your dream job.
Read our related article to discover the many benefits of online courses.