Volunteering

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Unemployment: It's a situation that many fear that can lead to financial hardship and high levels of stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. For anyone who has been laid off, had their employment terminated, or quit their job, facing down the barrel of unemployment is a scary prospect.

For whatever reason you are out of a job, being unemployed is no time to be complacent. Instead, look at your period of unemployment as an opportunity to reassess yourself as well as reinvent yourself. They say that as one door closes, another door opens. Use this period wisely and that other door may be a giant leap forward in your career path.

There are many strategies you can use to help you empower yourself, take control of your situation, and make the most of the time you have on your hands.

Here are four ways to take advantage of being unemployed.

1. Volunteer

Take an interest in what is happening in your community and get involved. Join one or more local community groups and volunteer some of your time and expertise. Volunteering always looks good on a resume and showing an active interest in your community will be positively viewed by employers.

In addition, volunteering gives you the opportunity to network with people from all walks of life, and this, in turn, could lead to your next job.

Good points of contact are your local Lions or Rotary clubs.

2. Learn New Skills

Keep your mind active by learning a new skill. Potential employers will look positively on the fact that you have been using your time wisely to keep up with industry changes or develop a new skill.

A great place to start is with free or low-cost online courses. If you find the courses you want to take cost a good amount of money, think of them as an investment in yourself.

In addition, pay attention to any industry developments in the news so that when it comes time to apply for that dream job, you are prepared to discuss not just your role but the industry at large and how the skills you've developed will help you succeed in that role.

3. Work Out

At such a stressful time, you need to take extra care of yourself. There's no excuse now for putting off starting an exercise regimen because you don't have the time. You have plenty of it.

You don't have to join a gym or get a personal trainer. Take up running or cycling, go on expeditions to explore your local area, or simply create your own at-home daily exercise routine and stick to it. You'll look better, feel better, and feel less stressedâall of which will boost your confidence.

4. Rework Your Resume/CV

Now is definitely the time to update and polish your resume. If you've been in the same job for a long time, it might be a good idea to research the best way to optimize your resume so it gets past the ATS.

In addition, start improving your online presence by creating or updating your LinkedIn profile and joining professional industry groups. This is all a form of networking and a great way for you to find opportunities that may not be widely advertised.

Also, sign up for daily job alerts and make your interview bucket list. The more targeted your job search, the easier it will be to find a job.

So, are you feeling a bit better about being unemployed? We hope so! If you want to take advantage of being unemployed, you just have to follow the four tips above.

Remember: Don't view unemployment as a setback. Think of it as an opportunity to improve your careerâbecause that's what it is!

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4 Ways To Take Advantage Of Being …

5 Things That Will INSTANTLY Make You More Employable

Whether you were fired, laid off, let go, want to make a career change, or just quit your job, it's important to find activities that will make you more employable when you're out of work. Otherwise, you'll have a hard time keeping up with qualified job candidates who aren't desperate for a job.

Also, you'll have a lot of explaining to do when it comes to addressing employment gaps on your resume. Your goal is to fill those employment gaps with productive activities that are relevant to your field.

So, when you're unemployed, don't waste valuable time just sitting around applying for jobs online. Instead, make yourself more employable by doing one (or more!) of these resume boosters:

Upskilling

Upskilling is one of the best ways to give your resume a boost. Think about skill sets that would give you an edge in your industry or target job. Then, determine how you can get those skill sets.

Consider certificate programs, online courses, workshops, free webinars and video tutorials, or professional clubs. Even though you're not currently working, you're proactively finding ways to stay relevant in your industry. That fact alone can give you a huge leg up in your job search.

Temp Work

Happy young man working on his laptop at work while he pets his cat on his lap

Working with temp agencies (or staffing agencies) is a great in-between-jobs option for professionals.

These agencies will match you with companies and place you in temporary jobs. This type of work can lead job seekers to some great opportunities because it allows them to get paid for their work (although minimal), network with different companies, figure out which companies could be a good fit, and potentially receive a full-time job at one of the companies.

Part-Time Work

Young woman works a part-time job while seeking a full-time position

If you can find a part-time job that allows you to hone your current skill sets or build new ones, this is another great way to get a paycheck as well as fill those pesky resume gaps.

Remember, while it would be ideal to find something in your industry, you don't always have to do that. Think about what transferable skills you can gain from a part-time opportunity. How will the skills you use in this part-time job transfer to your target job?

Volunteering

Unemployed professionals take advantage of volunteer opportunities

While it doesn't pay, volunteering is a great way to keep yourself busy, sharpen your skill sets, and network with like-minded people. Find organizations in your area that relate to your field or interests and start making a difference in your community!

Blogging

Happy young woman on her laptop writes for a blog while looking for a job

When blogging first came on the scene, people used it as a way to share their diaries, opinions, and useless knowledge with the world. While some still use blogging as a tool to share their personal lives with the world, others use it more strategicallyâand you should, too! Think about your industry. What advice, insight, ideas, or issues can you write about?

Writing about things that matter in your field can help you establish yourself as an expert in your industry. When recruiters Google you and they see that you've been actively writing about your industry, you'll score brownie points because you're taking steps to be a thought leader in your field (and most employers dig thought leaders).

Instead of spending all of your time sitting on your couch simultaneously searching for jobs while watching reruns of Friends, find ways to stay active in your field. It can really pay off!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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5 Things That Will INSTANTLY Make You …

What plans do you have for your summer vacation? Will you be working on your tan or enjoying the air conditioning at the mall? These activities might be fun, but they won't help you get ahead in your career.

Instead of the traditional summer activities, try being more proactive this season to jump-start your career. Here are some tips for kick-starting your career this summer:

1. Wake Up Early

The first rule for having a proactive summer is to get out of bed. It sounds simple, but you'll be surprised by how many hours you waste lolling about in bed in your pajamas. Setting your alarm to maintain your regular routine will ensure you don't waste time that could otherwise be used pursuing career-advancing activities and having fun.

Just think how much you'll get done with a few hours' head start on the competition!

2. Take On Volunteer Work

Unemployed woman volunteers during the summer

Taking on volunteer work is another valuable way to spend your summer while unemployed or on a break from school. Some students may find volunteer opportunities that naturally fit with their career aspirations. For example, you may like to volunteer in an old people's home or hospice if you want to become a nurse.

However, volunteering can also give you an opportunity to pursue a passion, like helping people with learning disabilities to read or tending to animals in a wildlife sanctuary. Studies suggest that no matter what volunteering position you pursue, it'll increase your chances of finding employment by 27%. That makes it much more productive than the bulk of summer activities.

3. Get A Summer Job

Even a summer job that's unrelated to your desired career can be valuable. As you look for a job, you'll gain interview skills and learn how to cope with rejection. Once you land a summer position, you'll learn how to deal with the public, take on responsibility, and be accountable to others.

A summer job will also help build up your resume. Any work experience is better than no work experience. The fewer job gaps in your resume, the easier it'll be for you to explain why you were unemployed in a job interview too.

4. Start Freelancing

Man on laptop does freelance work during the summer

Your summer vacation gives you the ideal opportunity to get a freelance business off the ground. Consider what skills you have and start marketing them to potential clients. Writing, designing, translating, and computer programming are all talents ideally suited for freelancing.

Several websites also showcase job opportunities for freelance workers. Many feature short-term opportunities that are ideal for students or unemployed professionals looking to gain work experience (and make some money) while hunting for a full-time job. Taking on these roles will help you beef up your resume and build your professional network.

5. Get An Internship

Many companies offer internships to students on their summer vacations. These positions don't often pay well, but they'll give you invaluable work experience and insight into your dream career. You might become even more passionate about your career direction or decide that your chosen career path isn't for you.

Whatever the case, you'll be able to apply what you've learned at school to real-world situations and make valuable connections. The company you're interning for will probably provide you with a reference, and you might even get a job offer out of it.

If you're not a college student, you can still get an internship! Mid-career internships, also known as "minternships," are on the rise. They're perfect for professionals considering a career change but aren't sure if they want to make that leap yet. So, if you're unemployed this summer and want to explore a new career, a minternship could be for you.

6. Shop For A Professional Wardrobe

Happy professionals go shopping for new work outfits

Even shopping at the mall can be productive if you put your time to good use. Rather than searching for another pair of jeans or a cute pair of sunglasses, keep your eyes peeled for a great professional wardrobe.

Every workplace has a different dress code. When going in for job interviews, the general rule of thumb is to dress one level above the current employees. For this reason, it's always a good idea to have a solid professional wardrobe ready. You never know when a job opportunity will pop up!

Don't let another summer pass you by! Put your free time to good use and get a jump-start on your career this season with these six tips.

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6 Tips For Kick-Starting Your Career This …

Every season is job search season if you want it bad enough. However, there are some that view summer as a time of rest and ease up on their job searches. That's the last thing you should do!

Sure, you should take time to relax and go on vacationâjust don't abandon your job search goals completely. Here are four ways to keep your job search on track, while still enjoying your summer:

Update Your Resume & LinkedIn Profile

A new season is a time for renewal, so it's important to make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are current and up to date with projects, contributions, and achievements. Summer is a great time for reflecting on the work you have done over recent months and leveraging those accomplishments to have a results-driven resume and LinkedIn profile.

While your resume takes precedence, you should still give your LinkedIn profile a good look because it's public and is viewable by a greater geographic population. Do not underestimate the power of LinkedIn for your job search potential.

Attend Networking Events

Summer is a great time to be more social. Attend professional events, go to business happy hours, and ramp up your networking opportunities. Connect with old colleagues over lunch outdoors in casual attire, and seek out the potential for informational interviews at companies. Since things are more casual and laid back in the summertime, ramp up the opportunities and seize them.

If you can't attend any in-person networking events, there are still ample opportunities to network online!

Refocus Your Strategy By Volunteering

The beautiful summer weather is great motivation for engaging in new volunteer and community service opportunities. Consider the potential for making new connections and adding volunteer projects to your resume and LinkedIn profile that you are already updating during the summertime.

Remember, summer days are longer. Use your time wisely, and to your benefit!

Re-Evaluate And Reach Out

Spend the summer re-evaluating your current role. What skills are you developing in your current role? What skills do you want to build upon? Consider reaching out to recruiters or your professional network, people who can help bring your next role to fruition. LinkedIn is a great resource for connecting with recruiters and seeing if new projects or opportunities are available to expand your skills.

Don't let the summer weather be a distraction or setback for you. Focus on reclaiming your brand, take a break or a vacation, and regroup on where you would like to go next in your career. Remember one important thing: the year is already halfway over, so it's important to seize the moment and the opportunity.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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4 Ways To Keep Your Job Search …

As you scroll through your social media feeds, it's not uncommon to see the businesses that you follow post pictures from various community service projects that they participate in. It can sometimes be easy to quickly look at these posts, say, "Oh, that's nice," and move on. But the importance of what these businesses are doing can't be overstated.

The importance of workplace community service projects goes far beyond the good deed itself. Here are three reasons why every company should consider taking part in community service:

It's Important To Make A Difference

Businesses that have the means usually try to give back through a variety of channels. Sometimes it takes the form of backing an initiative such as environmental sustainability, or it could be backing multiple philanthropic efforts, including donating to or having partnerships with multiple charities.

Volunteering and community service tend to be two of the most popular charitable activities because they allow the workforce to get out of the office and build bonds between the business and the community.

If everyone with the means to do so was able to help out, it would solve a lot of problems in the world. That's why any effort taken by a business to give back is important. No effort is too small!

It's Good For The Workforce

There's something about changing up the daily routine that can really invigorate a workforce.

Leaving the office for a day outside cleaning up the community, building something, or volunteering can really benefit employees. For one, it gives employees a chance to work together and interact outside of the office, allowing them to get to know each other better in a somewhat more relaxed setting.

In addition, working together with co-workers on different tasks outside of the office is great team building and could potentially lead to better work performance and pride in the workplace.

According to a 2017 Deloitte Volunteerism Survey, 89% of those surveyed believe that companies that organize volunteer and charitable activities offer better work environments than those that don't, and 70% agree that companies that sponsor such activities have a much more pleasant work environment.

Some companies are unable to commit their entire workforce to a full day of community service and will instead offer their employees paid time off, also known as volunteer time off (VTO), to pursue community service endeavors on their own time.

For some employees, workplace community service may be their first experience with community service and it could encourage them to take part in other efforts outside of work.

Taking part in community service not only teaches employees good philanthropic efforts, but it brings the office together.

It's An Important Part Of Your Employer Brand

Imagine this situation! You're heavily recruiting a potential new employee and it's down to your company and a rival company. The pay and benefits are similar but, ultimately, the employee chooses your company because they're impressed with your community service efforts.

This isn't a far-fetched scenario!

Community service is an essential part of a company's employer branding efforts. According to a 2017 Glassdoor survey, 75% of U.S. workers surveyed said they expect their employer to support community service/volunteer efforts. It's also an essential part of a company's culture, as 70% of employees surveyed by Deloitte said volunteer activities are more likely to boost employee morale than company-sponsored happy hours.

Job seekers want to know what type of charitable efforts your company is involved in and those efforts should be featured prominently on your company's website under your company culture section and on social media. Knowing that a company is socially aware and that they have an opportunity to do some good is an attractive perk for job seekers looking for their next career opportunity.

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3 Reasons Why Your Company Should Participate …

As a lifelong member of Greenpeace, an avid recycler, owner of two EVs, and a solar-powered home, I do all I can to make the planet a better place. As a recruiter, I enjoy engaging with companies who also are improving our Mother Earth. With Earth Day coming up on April 22nd, I am sharing my top four favorite ways to engage my team and show respect to the planet we call home.

Volunteer Work

Companies can organize volunteer events to clean litter in a park, beach, or any other public placeâeven sponsor a roadway litter collection and be recognized with a municipal sign. They can encourage their employees, customers, and communities to participate in these events. The EPA also has a âhow-to guideâ on its website.

Some employers choose to pay their employees a few hours to one day a year to volunteer for their community. Most employees would love to step outside in the sunshine and spruce up their community.

Education

Woman learns about eco-friendly and sustainable practices at work

Companies can educate their employees, customers, and communities about the importance of environmental sustainability, climate change, and how they can reduce their ecological footprint.

Before you start educating your employees, it's important to assess the current level of sustainability and recycling. Armed with this information, you will know what to teach your employees.

Create a sustainability policy with details of your goals, expectations, and procedures. Possible topics to cover could include reducing waste, conserving energy, and using eco-friendly products.

Provide employees with training and resources on sustainability. This can include workshops, presentations, videos, and handouts. You can also create an online Earth-friendly resource center with information on best practices, recycling guidelines, and eco-friendly products.

Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability, Earth Day, eco-friendly concept

Encourage your employees to participate in sustainability and recycling efforts. You can do this by setting up recycling bins, providing incentives for eco-friendly behavior, and recognizing employees who make an effort to reduce waste.

Companies can provide incentives for their employees to use public transportation, carpool, or bike to work, reduce the use of paper, energy, and water in their facilities, and implement recycling programs.

Publicly reward one employee per quarter or month for their recycling effortsâa social media shout-out, a reusable water thermos, or a gift card to a garden center.

Partnerships

Companies can partner with other organizations that share their environmental values, such as non-profit groups, local universities, and other businesses, to promote environmental conservation. Some non-profit partners could include Habitat for Humanity using recycled building materials, a Goodwill clothing drive, and a Soles4Souls shoe donation.

Many universities have already embraced recycling and sustainable use policies. You might be able to support their recycling drives or fundraising events to support their colleges that are making technological advances in these areas.

Finally, youâve likely heard of the World Wildlife Fund, Oceana, and the Nature Conservancy. Conservation groups can use business partners to spread their message and encourage sustainable and respectful use of our planetâs resources.

I hope these few ideas spark some Earth-friendly, employer-sponsored initiatives for your team!

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Recognizing Earth Day From A Recruiting Perspective

Whether you've just graduated from college, you're in the middle of your career, or you're in your 60s, competition for jobs is fierce. So, how can you stay relevant in today's job market?

Here are six ways to stay on top of your game...

1. Brand Up

If you want to market yourself effectively, you need to clearly understand how and where you add value. What skill sets and strengths do you have? What's the problem you solve? How do you solve it? Get very clear on what you have to offer and then start building your brand.

Once you understand how and where you add value, you need to build your brandâa marketing strategy for your business-of-one. Start building up your online presence, establish yourself as an expert in your field, and get your name out there. If people can't find you easily, it will be hard to stand out in a sea of talent.

2. Learn New Technology

This is one of the most important things you can do to stay relevant in today's job market. We live in a very tech-savvy world, and if you can't keep up, you risk falling behind the competition. Think about what technologies are used in your industry and take steps to familiarize yourself with them and learn how they work.

3. Look At Industry Trends

What's happening in your industry? What needs aren't being fulfilled? Look at industry news and developments so you can get a clear idea of what areas will need talent. Then, set yourself up to fill those needs using your skill sets.

4. Grow Your Network

If you don't get yourself out there, no one will be able to recognize your value. Join professional groups, attend industry-related events, meet people working in your dream companies, find a mentor, and so on. Grow your network early and establish those relationships. They will help you if you need to find something new down the road.

5. Take Classes, Courses, And Workshops

The secret to staying relevant? Upskilling. You must constantly gain new, relevant skills in order to stay ahead of the curve. Look for weak areas in your skill sets and find ways to get educated or experienced. You can take classes online or on campus, attend workshops, volunteer, or even take on part-time jobs.

6. Think About Your Next Step

Even if you're in a job you absolutely love right now and have been there for years, you always want to be prepared. Things can change with the flip of the switch and you might be out of a job tomorrow. So, think about your next step. Even if you don't plan on leaving your current job right now, the earlier you get started, the easier it will be to get your foot in the door at another company if/when it comes time.

The key to staying relevant in an ever-changing job market (and in a recession!) is to always look for ways to improve your skills. Learn to embrace new experiences as opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally. By doing the above six things, you'll stay relevant in any industry, no matter how competitive.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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