Being out of work for longer than expected can be a frustrating and confusing time for you. There might be several reasons why you aren’t working currently but no matter what they are your focus should be on landing a new job.
Here’s what to do when you’ve been out of work for an extended period so you can feel hopeful and have a plan of action in place for going forward. What you don’t want to do is give up or stop trying because soon enough the right role or position will pop up and you’ll be on your way to thriving in your career.
Volunteer
If you’ve been out of work for an extended period then start by volunteering your time and giving back to those in need. Find opportunities that interest you and are in the line of work you do or that you have experience with. You never know who you’ll meet or what skills you’ll pick up along the way. It’ll look good on a resume and you’ll be helping someone out who needs it as you keep busy and remain involved in the world around you. Potential employers will want to know how you’ve been spending your time and you’ll have this to show for it.
Consider A New Path
You might also want to consider taking a new path or looking into starting a new career in your situation. Take into account your skills, talents, and interests, and then start seeing and researching what’s out there for you. For instance, you can go online and take a business course if you’re thinking about starting your own company or gaining experience in a particular field or trade when you apply for carpentry apprenticeships here. It may be just what you need to start fresh and gain your motivation back.
Develop Your Skills
If you’ve been out of work for an extended period then you may be getting rusty in certain areas. Therefore, it’s essential that you develop your skills and work on yourself during this off period. You want to make sure you’re keeping up with the latest advancements in technology and software and are gaining new knowledge daily. There are many free classes and courses or resources in your local community that you can take advantage of so you can remain an attractive candidate for a new job and eventually excel in your career.
Network
It might also help if you reach out and ask others about their experience and for advice and tips. When you’ve been out of work for some time you should get out there and network with other professionals and meet new people. Set up your online profile and go out and attend in-person events and conferences or seminars. There may be someone you meet who can enlighten you about new experiences or help you get your foot in the door at a company you want to work for. Keep networking and building your relationships and deepening your connections which will only help you in the long run.
