Unemployment has many drawbacks. Besides the fact that you no longer have an income, you may experience poverty, debt, and even homelessness. You could also experience things like family tension, boredom, and feelings of shame, low-esteem, or lack of self-confidence. Another issue is that your abilities may degrade. This is why it’s vitally important that you keep your skills current while unemployed. It’s critical that you do this, and if you’re wondering how, here are some ideas to get you started:
Continue networking
You need to preserve your network during periods of unemployment, and stay in contact with the social circle you’ve developed at work. This includes keeping in touch with old contacts and forming new ones. Start by making contact with everyone you know. This could include former colleagues, bosses, or people you know in the industry. Let them know that you’ve been fired and are desperately seeking new employment.
You should also make new contacts by attending networking events, job fairs, association meetings, and industry events. Also attend social events where you may be able to network. You never know who you might meet and how they could help you. Last but not least, your family and friends are also part of your network, and may know of opportunities.
Start freelancing
Just because you’re unemployed, doesn’t mean you have to stop working. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t freelance or develop a side hustle. Many people who are looking for a job don’t like the idea of freelancing. They would prefer to look for a job full time. But freelancing is a great way to earn money and keep your skills sharp. It also gives you an opportunity to learn new skills, build your portfolio and resume, network, and rebuild your self-esteem. In fact, you may prefer freelancing and it could even turn into a brand new career.
Build your online resume
The days of submitting your resume and waiting for a call back are gone. Today, many people are hired due to their online presence. You need to build this presence. There are many ways to do this. You can start a blog and should also build up your social media accounts. Most important amongst these is LinkedIn. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, then you need to get one now. If you do have a profile then now is the time to update it. This social media platform is a great way to get your name out, it’s also one of the best networking tools we have today. Building your online profile may also help when applying to job sites. Also, if you’re a creative professional, then it’s critically important that you build your online portfolio.
Volunteer at local charities and organizations
Very few people think of volunteering as a way to find a new job or keep their skills sharp. But this is a great way to network and meet people who can help your career. It’s also a great way to boost your skills and abilities. Not only that, you can include this work on your resume or LinkedIn profile, and this can increase your chances of getting a new job. Finally, volunteering can do wonders to boost your self-esteem and confidence. It will also help you avoid the negative feelings associated with unemployment, boost your mood, and stay optimistic.
Join a temp agency
Temp agencies should be included when applying for new jobs. Temporary work will help to maintain your skills. You’ll also earn money, get out of the house, and could meet someone who helps you get a permanent job. Applying for internships is also something you might want to do.
Boost your skills
The most obvious way to maintain your skills (and build new skills) is to get new training. There are dozens of ways to do this. If you can afford it, you may consider going back to college. Certifications, part time courses, seminars, and workshops are also a great way to boost your skills. You may also want to study at your local library. After all, reading books is one of the best ways to improve your skills. Another way to do this is by applying for an entry level position which offers on the job training. You might also want to learn new skills which have nothing to do with your job. For example, learning a new language or how to code may help with your career path. Also, finding a coach, mentor, or role model may help you learn valuable skills.
Stay in the loop
It’s vital that you keep up with industry specific news and developments. You need to know what’s going on in your industry, including current issues and hot topics. This is important because this stuff may come up in interviews. Staying informed about industry trends helps demonstrate to hiring managers that your skills are also up to date. You should also follow current events so that you know what’s going on in the world.
Practice interviewing with friends and family
One of the best skills you can develop when unemployed is interviewing. Being able to handle interviews is of utmost importance if you’re going to get a new job. Research this as much as possible, and learn about the skills needed for successful interviews. It’s also a good idea to practice your interview skills with friends and family. They should pretend to be an employer and ask you questions. Doing something like this can boost your skills, self-confidence, and increase your chances of landing a job.
Continue developing as a person
The reason why skills degrade during unemployment is because people degrade during unemployment. To prevent this you need to continue developing as a person. There are dozens of ways to do this, and also skills you can learn. This can include things like improving your time management abilities, becoming more disciplined, or finding ways to increase your social skills, self-confidence. You should also focus on breaking the negative habits which hold you back.
