Why am i unemployed Archives

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 …

"Why am I still unemployed?"

At Work It Daily, we're asked this question a lot. The reality is, the reason is different for everyone. The good news? You can overcome whatever is holding you back from getting hired.

Here are five reasons you're still unemployed:

1. Your Resume Isnât Job Specific

While it's good to have a strong resume with all of your professional skill sets, your resume can become generic when all you do is send the same resume to every open position you find.

The Solution: Customize your resume for each job you apply for. By taking the time to customize your resume with relevant skill sets and specific keywords that are in the job description, you'll be more likely to land an interview and, therefore, will have more viable job opportunities.

2. Youâre Overqualified

This problem is common among older workers looking for a career change. But this can happen to anyone who has a lot of experience and is trying to get their foot in the door at another company.

The Solution: During an interview, make it your mission to connect with the employer. Tell a story. Let them know you aren't just running out the clock. If they ask about your 5-year plan, don't mention retirement. Your career isn't over yet.

3. Youâre Underqualified (Or Lack Exposure To The Professional World)

Young woman looks for a job while unemployed

On the flip side, you could be unemployed because you don't have enough experience or the right skill sets to do the jobs you've been applying for. Maybe you're a recent college grad, and at this point, you're just begging someone to give you a chance. Whatever your situation, employers are making it very clear you aren't qualified.

The Solution: Take classes or earn certificates to try to develop new skills. Volunteer or intern to get the type of professional experience employers are looking for. Focus on the skill sets you do have and learn how to quantify those skills on your resume to stand out to hiring managers.

4. You've Stopped Being Proactive In Your Job Search

Unemployed man loses motivation in his job search

If you really want a job, your actions have to reflect your attitude. As the weeks (or maybe months) drag on and you still haven't found a job, you may find yourself getting into a dangerous job search routine. You apply for half a dozen jobs every day and hope for the best. This strategy rarely works. If you want quality job opportunities, you need to be proactive.

The Solution: Make networking a priority. Go to job fairs. Reach out to employees at companies you'd love to work for on LinkedIn. Start compelling, professional conversations with them. Remember: you're a business-of-one. The better you actively market yourself to employers, the more job opportunities you'll likely receive.

5. You've Lost All Urgency

Unemployed woman stressed about finding a job

It can be easy to get into a job search rut. Time goes by differently when you don't have a set routine. The longer it takes for you to find a job, the harder it is find the motivation to get a job. You may begin to lose confidence in yourself and your skills as a professional. When your career is suddenly on hold, your life can feel like it is without purpose or direction.

The Solution: Set goals and work towards themâeven if they're just small goals. They could be career-related goals, or not. Maybe you want to get in better shape. Maybe you want to learn a new skill. If you set goals for yourself, you'll regain that sense of purposeâand better yourself in the process.

Being unemployed is tough. If you follow these tips, you'll have the tools to overcome the challenges you face in the job search process.

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