Job Seekers: 7 Tips Toward Maximizing Unwanted Free Time
Below is a post from one of our active job seeking members & occasional blog contributor:
With the national unemployment rate pushing 10% according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics many people are sitting at home with plenty of unwanted free time. Seems a little backwards doesn’t it? Isn’t that why we work so that we can maximize the fun of our free time or have more of it in the future?’ Unfortunately many people, especially recent graduates, are faced with the problem of finding a job, even one they don’t like. I suppose’McDonald’s is always hiring.*
One often overlooked issue during a long job search is what to do with the overabundance of free time. You can’t spend you’re entire day sending out resumes, calling recruiters, hitting the pavement, scouring job boards or waiting for your government bailout. Unfortunately you are not too big to fail.
You, Inc.
You could travel the world or backpack through Europe. But those activities cost lots of greenbacks, which you probably don’t have, hence the intense job search. However there are other things that can be productive and even enjoyable that don’t have to cost anything.
- Work on your skill set. Improve your interviewing skills. Sharpen whatever skills you already have so that when you finally get the coveted interview with ‘The Best Company Ever’ you are prepared and blow the interviewers away.
- Reach out to other job seekers. Form networks. Join social networking sites that work for you, such as MyWorkster. These organizations will give you a maximum return for your time investment instead of searching jobsites ad nauseam.
- Network. Like it or not many jobs are given to people because of some kind of personal connection. Oftentimes it is not what you know but who you know.
- Volunteer. When else will you have this much time to work for a cause that matters to you?
- Part-time or temporary work. Make some money while still job searching.
- Read. A lot. You probably have never put down a book and said, ‘Wow I am now dumber having read that.’ Especially if it’s in your field. Or this blog.
- Relax. Many people under 25 are unemployed or recently laid off. Cheesy clichés aside, we are all in this together.
‘
A MyWorkster Member Memior:
By Dan Vander Bloomen
Follow us‘on Twitter.’Watch‘our funny videos on YouTube.’Connect‘with us on Linkedin.’Join‘our Page on Facebook.Register‘for MyW.
*I am not suggesting that McDonald’s is a bad place to work. I simply use it as an easy and relatable punch line
(Via Blog Posts for All Users on ERE.net.)
You only look for a job a few times in your life. Compared with the amount of time you spend actually doing it, investing time and energy in an effective job search repays the effort many times over. Studies show that people who understand and do well at the job search process enjoy substantially more job satisfaction and higher earnings over the course of their careers.
Those who put extra effort into the job search can bring not just a more satisfying life but extra salary.
We are here to help. ItsNotYouItsYourResume.com has compiled an impressive list of contributors including writers from 10BiggestInterviewMistakes, 10BiggestResumeMistakes, MyOnlineCareerCoach and MyOnlineCareerSpace, who have written the following:
Job and Career Books:
101 Tips Every Job Seeker Should Know
Ultimate Online Job Search EBook
Additional Articles
How Personal Branding Works And Its Affect On Your Job Search
Why Get Personal, How Your Online Personal Brand Can Help Your Job Search
Personal marketing and job search: Make an emotional connection.
Stand Up to Stand Out. How Personal Marketing Can Land You Your Dream Career
Oprah Winfrey and Job Search
How to Network
Video Resumes
5 Interview Questions You May Be Asked
