Smart Things to Do While Unemployed

Smart Things to Do While Unemployed Smart Things to Do While Unemployed Maybe youre unemployed by choice. Or, perhaps you were recently laid off. Whatever the case, youre jobless, and you may be feeling a bit lost or down on yourself. But this isnt the time to give up all hope  and get lazy. In fact, its just the opposite. Its more important now than ever that you make the most of your days and be strategic about how you spend your time. For instance, youll want to focus on making as many connections as possible  and use every chance you get to network. Youll want to treat your days like you have a job to do- and once youre at your desk, begin searching for new roles, perfecting your resume, and polishing your cover letter. Here are some other smart things to do while unemployed: Find freelance work. Even if you’re gung-ho on getting a full-time remote job, there’s nothing wrong with spending a little time finding freelance work. For starters, it’ll tide you over, money-wise, until you do land the job of your dreams. And considering how expensive job searching can be (i.e., having the right business attire, commuting to and from interviews, etc.), a little extra cash can’t hurt. Plus, if you’re looking to change careers or hide an employment gap on your resume, a freelance job can do the trick to fix both of those issues! Venture out and volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to spend your time while you’re unemployed. While it might not be monetarily profitable, a volunteer gig can be great (and current) experience for your resume, help you establish new connections, and also give you an idea of what working in your field- particularly if it’s a new one- will be like. But most of all, volunteering can give you some fresh perspective on your job search, and make you realize how lucky you are as you help those who are less fortunate. Take a class. Learning a new skill is never a bad idea, especially one that you might need for a future job. So seizing the opportunity to take a class while you’re job searching can aid you to stay the course as you continue to look for work, and remind you of why you love your career in the first place. Plus, you’ll probably meet like-minded individuals in your class, which can open up fresh new networking opportunities for you. Itll also serve as a great new addition to your resume. As a member, you have access to discounts or free trials  on dozens of online courses through platforms  like General Assembly, SkillShare, Lynda.com, and The YOU Plan. Brush up on current industry events. You never know what a potential employer might ask you during a job interview. That’s why it’s important to have a working knowledge of current news in your field. Being informed about your industry, from top thought leaders to the latest breaking news, can be an asset as you answer interview questions. It shows a dedication to your field and initiative to learn more, both of which are desirable traits to employers. Get social- professionally. Sure, you love to post political rants on FB, but use your job searching time to spruce up your social media channels. Make sure that your existing profiles are private, delete anything that could be viewed in a negative light, and then start creating professional profiles instead. You might want to have a Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google+, or even a Pinterest account that are all professional and show off your skills and qualifications. Seeing as how the vast majority of recruiters and employers do an online check of job candidates, it makes sense to put your best foot forward on all of your social media channels. Create a website. Back in the day, job seekers would show up at job interviews, armed with their portfolios showcasing their work. Today, you might have a remote job interview with an employer who is thousands of miles away. How are you going to show off your achievements? With a website. Even if you’re not tech savvy, there are easy-to-use website builders (and also companies that can build one for you on the cheap), that can showcase your previous work, awards, and accomplishments. Opt for a website that also has a blog built in so you can write daily (or even weekly) posts that can show off your expertise in your field. Network, network, network. We know, networking just isn’t your thing. But, as we mentioned earlier, networking is one of the smartest things you can do while youre unemployed, as its still one of the best-proven methods for finding work. Here’s the kicker: it’s all about the attitude- and we mean yours. If you half-heartedly go to a networking event, well, you’re bound to walk out of there with nary a contact. But if you go in with a can-do attitude and are open to the experience, you never know whom you might meet who can help you down the line in finding a job. And remember: networking isn’t just relegated to networking events. Every time you step outside your front door, it’s an opportunity to network. So be prepared by carrying a business card and be ready to make a connection- anywhere. When you’re unemployed, job searching can be like having a full-time job. Don’t forget to incorporate some of these tips so that you can have a fuller job search experience and find a job faster! Looking for more things to do while unemployed? Check out these companies hiring for part-time work-from-home jobs.