Unfortunately, the global pandemic has had a dramatic impact on the unemployment rates. Companies all around the world have been shut down or have significantly cut the number of workers. They were unable to adapt to the new environment and the need to go online. Some services even became “unnecessary” or impossible to provide due to quarantine regulations.
Most of us were forced to stay and work from our houses. But what should yesterday’s employees do now? How to not lose time while looking for a job? Search no more, as we made a list of 7 useful tips for job seekers to help survive unemployment and eventually land a job.
Take unemployment seriously
First of all, don’t think about this time as a vacation. Because it’s not. It’s just a temporary state before starting a new career path. Of course, now, you have all the free time you’ve always dreamed about. That’s why it’s the perfect opportunity to learn and develop new skills. With all the online courses, platforms, and other services available, it’s possible to even get a new qualification. Suggested – How Can I Fit In College?
Or maybe try something you’ve always desired to do. For example, join a gym or attend programming courses. It will help to develop and grow as a person and keep the progress going. Just make sure to remember the main priority and keep a mindful approach to time management.
Routine is a must
Take the unemployment period as a job in terms of time management. Set up a schedule for each day and follow it like you would do with a job routine. Some must-have points in the plan are:
- Wake up at the same time every day. The earlier the better, as it will keep you productive and ready to start working.
- Devote at least 2-3 hours to job search regularly. Search through job postings from companies and contact them. Post your resume on different resources, employers may see it and contact you, but don’t count on that and simply wait.
- Correct the resume according to the job you’re applying for. Different companies may value work experience and accomplishments differently. Learn which points and key skills are the most important and emphasize on them.
- Have multiple 15 minute breaks through the day. Listen to a few songs or go outside to breathe some fresh air.
- Exercise. Keeping the body fit and blood flowing is important not only for the body itself but also for the brain.
Get Professional Help
Most people think: “I’m sure I can do everything myself. Why should I ever trust anyone else to write my resume?”. There’s nothing wrong with being confident. But the trick is that many companies and especially big corporations use ATS – Applicant Tracking Systems.
This is an automated resume-scanning software that uses ATS bots to scan through countless applications.
The truth is that due to the ATS systems’ algorithms, most resumes don’t even reach a hiring manager. The system automatically filters them to meet the requirements and ignores from 50% to 75% of applications. That’s why it’s a good idea to ask a resume writing service for help. The professionals will ensure to make a bot-beating resume that will get into the hands of employers.
Reflect
Take time to find your strong and weak points. Knowing what skills one has and what’s lacking can help to determine a suitable career. Also, don’t forget about personal interests and desirable career paths. Of course, it’s not always possible to get a dream job, but balancing between desires and capabilities will certainly lead you the right way.
Also, while writing the resume or giving information to professional writing services, try to think from the recruiter’s perspective. What experiences and accomplishments could be useful for the company and what is less relevant. That way recruiters will more probably see that you meet the requirements and employ you.
Talk to people
Go out at least 1-2 times weekly. Meet friends, visit family members or network. Different people may provide some great pieces of advice or reveal some tricks. Some people you know may work in the companies that are currently hiring and it could be a great chance.
Moreover, attending different events or group activities will provide you with even more opportunities. Discussions and new acquaintances can even lead to the creation of great ideas that can be turned into income sources. Don’t expect it to come on its own, the opportunities need to be created.
Keep fit
While unemployed, people usually make a huge mistake of being physically inactive. They become too lazy and unmotivated to do anything. Physical activity is highly important, especially in times when you have no certain occupation. Let the workout occupy at least an hour of your time regularly. It will provide one with a great way to release stress, stretch the muscles, improve the blood flow. It will also help you sleep better.
Staying healthy boosts your self-esteem, which is very important. It keeps you motivated, ready to work and increases confidence in your strength. The best idea is, of course, to attend a gym, but it’s possible to work out at home by doing sit-ups, pull-ups, push-ups, and countless other exercises. Jogging or hiking is also a great way to keep fit.
Don’t lose your mind
Having no job is exhausting both physically and mentally. We’ve already talked about the physical part, so let’s help you to get into the right mindset. First of all, as mentioned in the very beginning, take it not as being “unemployed” but rather as a transition from the previous career to another. That will keep your mind with a more positive approach to it.
Consider it as a huge field of new opportunities, from developing new skills to finding the perfect career path. Or as an ideal time to focus more on the things you didn’t pay enough attention to before. Having the right mindset will save one from becoming depressed and uninterested. Being confident and ready to fight is something recruiters pay close attention to and will eventually help you land an interview.
Final words
Working on improving yourself and not giving up is important at all times. But especially when unemployed. Stay strong, grow, keep searching, maintain a daily routine and everything will become possible.
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