Being out of work for a long time can be challenging and frustrating, especially in a competitive job market. However, you can still find opportunities and land your dream job if you use your time wisely and strategically. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your job search when you've been out of work for a while.
Your resume and online profile are your first impressions to potential employers, so make sure they are up to date and relevant. Highlight your skills, achievements, and projects that match the job requirements and the industry trends. Use keywords and phrases that are commonly used in your field and by the companies you are targeting. Also, include any volunteer work, online courses, or certifications that you have completed during your unemployment period to show that you are proactive and eager to learn.
Actually I think this is trying to do too much. If you're stuck. Work on your resume OR your Linkedin Profile. Because if your stuck it is easier to get unstuck doing one or the other. I've seen people procrastinate for years "trying" to update both. If you focus on a great Linkedin.com Profile you will be 80% of the way to a resume, so then one feeds the other. But, if you try to work on both at the same time you have a higher chance of getting stuck. So play the percentages and work on one and complete it. Linkedin Profile first. But then do delay because once you get Linkedin right guess what some will be asking for you for your resume.
With a Billion+ Profiles on [In] and Jobs receiving 1000's of applications, resumes and online profiles may not be your first or even your best impressions to potential employers. Your Activity, Networking and Thought Leadership can make the difference. Go Grand, Never Bland, Brand to Land & #KeepRockingLinkedIn! Kevin On a Mission to Eliminate Organizational & Personal Blanding?
Ive been laid off twice. My new practice is ....always update resume and Linkedin when EMPLOYED. Less stress later if job searching needed.
As an unemployed person, updating my resume and online profile is crucial. I understand the value of making a good first impression on potential employers, therefore I work hard to make sure my documents reflect my skills, experiences, and aspirations. I intend to demonstrate my value and suitability for the positions I'm interested in by stressing relevant achievements, projects, and talents. Using industry-specific keywords and phrases will also help recruiters and hiring managers find my profile. Highlighting my volunteer work, online courses, and credentials shows my commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. Overall, I'm committed to presenting myself in the best light to attract professional opportunities.
Personal Branding is important. Make sure that your online presence is up-to-date and so is your profile as that is the first impression that you are going to give to any potential employer. If you can sell you profile through your content, then the next step of selling your expertise physically becomes easy.
Networking is one of the most effective ways to find hidden job opportunities and get referrals. You can expand your network by attending online or in-person events, joining professional associations, or reaching out to your existing contacts. Don't be afraid to ask for advice, feedback, or introductions from people who work in your desired industry or company. Be polite, respectful, and genuine in your communication and follow up with a thank-you note or a relevant update.
It is important to talk to a lot of different people. This includes those who may not be industries you are interested in joining. This helps do a few of things: 1) Gets you outside of your known space - in other words you can see what others are doing (or not doing) and understand what that means for you in the career you want to go after. I often try to talk to people I respect who are not necessarily in my "target" industry. 2) Talking with people who are not in your industry can really help you polish your story. This is critical when you are interviewing for a new position. So, use this no-stakes tactic to learn something new and understand where your story falls short.
One of the things I've found most helpful in finding a job is expanding my network. Thisnis one of the reasons staffing companies are so helpful is that they have huge longstanding networks. Having a large network helps a job seeker to have as many options as possible but also to educate themselves in the job market and companies they are considering for employment. Attending networking events, utilizing mainstream social media as well as LinkedIn and asking for referrals are also great networking tools.
“Networking Always Beats Not Working!” ~ Kevin D. Turner, Managing Partner, TNT Brand Strategist LLC Go Grand, Never Bland, Brand to Land & #KeepRockingLinkedIn! Kevin On a Mission to Eliminate Organizational & Personal Blanding?
I'm delighted to network and establish new contacts during my job search. Networking is part of my job search approach because it might disclose hidden job opportunities and provide essential references. I'm expanding my network via attending online or in-person events, joining professional associations, and using existing relationships. I recognize the need of being honest and respectful in these interactions and will communicate accordingly. A thank-you note or pertinent updates reminds my network that I appreciate their time and assistance. I am delighted to discover new prospects and advance my job goals by networking.
Out of work, means a lot has changed. If you want to be in the same industry then make sure that you have caught up with the changes, and the best way to do so is with your network.
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially if you haven't done one for a long time. To boost your confidence and performance, you need to practice your interview skills and prepare your stories. You can use online platforms, mock interviews, or role-playing with a friend or a mentor to practice answering common and behavioral questions. You should also prepare your stories using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate how you handled specific challenges, achieved results, or learned from failures in your previous roles.
My job hunt includes interview preparation, so I'm working on my skills and writing interesting stories. I use online platforms and fake interviews to practice answering common and behavioral questions. I can also rehearse real-life interview scenarios and get feedback by role-playing with a friend or coach. I'm using the STAR method to tell my stories to show how I solved challenges, completed tasks, and delivered results in previous jobs. I've worked hard to improve my interview and storytelling abilities, so I'm confident I can express my qualifications and stand out in interviews.
Story-telling is one of the ways you can generate interest. Be authentic and honest. Don't try to give Beauty pageant answers.
5 - 6 strong stories are all that you need. Think of achievements, challenges you overcame, examples of your unique leadership style, how you managed failure, and how you succeeded in implementing your initiative.
Job hunting can be exhausting and time-consuming, especially if you don't have a clear plan or a routine. To avoid burnout and frustration, you need to manage your time and energy effectively . You can do this by setting realistic and specific goals, prioritizing your tasks, tracking your progress, and rewarding yourself for your achievements. You should also schedule some breaks, exercise, hobbies, or social activities to maintain your physical and mental health and well-being.
getting your dream job is all about being patient as it is an exhaustive task. You would be lucky to land up in a job in your first interview, but that is a rare case. So, do things that brighten your mood while you look for your dream job!
I must manage my time and energy during the job search to be productive and healthy. I understand the importance of setting achievable goals and prioritizing my tasks. I stay focused and motivated by separating my job hunt into small segments and tracking my progress. Regular breaks and rejuvenating activities like exercise and hobbies help me avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Maintaining my energy and resilience on this path requires physical and emotional wellness.
One of the most important aspects of job searching is to stay positive and resilient. You may face many rejections, setbacks, or uncertainties along the way, but you should not give up or lose hope. Instead, you should focus on the positive aspects of your situation, such as the opportunity to learn new skills, explore new options, or grow as a person. You should also seek support from your family, friends, mentors, or coaches who can encourage you, motivate you, or offer you constructive feedback.
Despite inevitable challenges and uncertainties, a cheerful and resilient mindset is essential during the job search. I keep my hopes alive despite failures. I learn and ponder from each rejection, improving my approach and aligning with my goals. I get encouragement and perspective from family, friends, and mentors, who remind me that failures are transitory hurdles to success. I pursue my goals with determination and take risks with enthusiasm.
Create a process and trust it. Implement a strategy for job search per online platform. Example: Use the following keywords for Indeed; while, searching the following for job titles on LinkedIn. Look weekly for matching skills across different platforms.
The job market is constantly changing and evolving, so you need to keep learning and improving your skills and knowledge to stay relevant and competitive. You can do this by reading books, articles, blogs, or podcasts related to your field or industry, taking online courses, webinars, or workshops, or obtaining new certifications or credentials. You can also seek feedback from your network, mentors, or coaches on how to improve your resume, profile, or interview skills. By doing this, you will not only enhance your chances of getting hired, but also demonstrate your value, passion, and commitment to your potential employers.
This is definitely something I've learnt helps a lot while you are job searching. I received my degree the year before Covid and due to lockdown could not pursue many positions (due to my lack of experience in my field at the time), I took to learning new skills and doing online courses to broaden my skillset and knowledge, therefore increase my contribution to a company/ role
Understand the technologies being implemented in organizations and upskill. Power BI is really hot right now in business intelligence; so I'm taking it upon myself to upskill in this area.
Unfortunately, I've been here all too often. Have an eye for continuous improvement. Ask yourself: Is there a smarter way to apply for jobs? Am I being exhaustive in my search for jobs? Is my resume the best it can be? Have I implemented a process to apply and am I sticking to it? Can I upskill to make my resume more relevant to the jobs I'm applying to?