What are the best ways to use free time while unemployed to improve your skills?

When you're looking to boost your skills and increase your chances of landing a job, completing free online courses (such as edX, OpenLearn, LinkedIn Learning, and others) is a great option. Some of these platforms offer free certifications, providing an excellent opportunity to demonstrate to future employers your commitment to continuing professional development. Participate in webinars and online meetups to chat with other professionals and make new connections. Volunteering opportunities and freelance work can also help you gain experience and bolster your resume. Stay updated on current events in your industry by reading and engaging with people in the same field. And don't forget about finding a mentor to guide you along the way.

Don’t waste the time of unemployment on doing nothing; invest in qualifications. Consider training online to acquire additional or advanced qualifications. Attend webinars and virtual webinars that are related to your field. Volunteering for projects or organizations is another effective way to acquire these skills. Keep up with current trends by reading books, journal articles, and industry reports. Enhance your skills through a portfolio and freelance work. And further, connect online groups where experiences are shared. This will make you more prepared when job openings occur.

When you're unemployed and have free time, there are several great ways to improve your skills. You can take online courses in areas you're interested in or that are relevant to your career goals. Many platforms offer free or low-cost options. Reading books, articles, and blogs on topics you want to learn more about is also helpful. Practicing what you've learned through personal projects or volunteering can give you hands-on experience. Networking with others in your field, either online or in-person, can provide valuable insights and opportunities.

We have all seen that guy that is a tiny less prepared but highly more connected. Network is net worth... in plenty situations, who you know will open more doors than what you do. This, of course, is not an excuse to poor performance, not staying up-to-date with innovative techniques and trends.

Here's why you should blast off to your first or next networking event: 1. Expand Your Network: It's not just who you know, it's who knows you! Networking events put you face-to- face (or screen-to-screen) with potential collaborators, clients, or even future employers. 2. Stay Ahead of the Curve: Industry trends move fast. Networking events keep you in the loop on the latest developments, giving you a competitive edge. 3. Fuel Your Inspiration: Talking to passionate professionals ignites creativity and sparks new ideas.

Ever heard the saying, "A dull axe makes more work"? The same applies to your skillset in business development. Taking a critical look at your strengths and weaknesses isn't about self-flagellation, it's about strategic growth. Imagine being a master negotiator but struggling with data analysis. By identifying this gap, you can focus on relevant courses or workshops to supercharge your effectiveness. Here's the power move: 1. Self-Assess: Be honest. Where do you shine? Where could you use some polish? 2. Targeted Learning: Don't waste time on generic training. Identify specific skill gaps and find resources to address them directly. 3. Sharpen Your Axe: With honed skills, you'll close deals fast and build stronger relationships.

Starting a personal project showcases your initiative and capacity to bring ideas to fruition, demonstrating valuable skills in planning and execution. Whether it involves launching a blog focusing on business development trends or establishing a small online business, these projects serve as tangible manifestations of your capabilities. Moreover, personal projects offer concrete examples that you can leverage during interviews, providing insights into your expertise and passion for the industry. These projects can underscore your commitment to professional growth and innovation, positioning you as a proactive and resourceful individual in the eyes of potential employers or collaborators.

Forget just listing skills on your resume. People, it's time to shine with personal projects! Think beyond the traditional work experience. A passion project – a blog, a side hustle – demonstrates initiative and execution, taking you from idea to reality. Imagine a blog showcasing your insights on the latest business dev trends! These projects are more than just bragging rights. They become tangible proof of your expertise, sparking conversation during interviews and showcasing your genuine industry passion.

In the fast-paced world of business development, staying ahead of the curve is like having a superpower. But what's the secret weapon? Knowledge. And how do you acquire it? Enter the Reading FC (Football Club), a game-changing team you might be missing out on. Forget the tactics and fancy footwork – here, we're all about devouring insightful books, subscribing to industry podcasts, and staying glued to news updates. Why? Because knowledge is the beautiful game that levels up your expertise, equips you with the latest best practices, and keeps you scoring big wins for your clients. Think about it: how can you offer top-notch recommendations if you're not familiar with the hottest trends?