The job market can be challenging, but a job search can also be a time of growth and prosperity. When you are doing a job search it is easy to get caught up in the struggles of not finding a job, finances, gaps in employment, and trying to stay productive when you aren’t working. But there are ways to beat the employment search struggle and stay competitive and productive while you are searching for your next role.
Personal Development
Read books, the library and Amazon have a wide variety of books to choose from that can help you build your skills. Reading about subjects related to your field, networking, communication, health, or anything else that is related to your field is always beneficial. It will feed your mind and help you to feel more productive. Other things you can focus on are taking care of your health through eating healthy and exercising. Keeping healthy helps to reduce stress and can help to keep your mind clear.
Volunteering
Seek out volunteer opportunities. Volunteering can help to bridge the gap in your resume by keeping you busy and committed to something in the community, and it is also a great opportunity to network. Another bonus of volunteering is that you will meet new people and if the organization you are volunteering with will have job opportunities that can come up and you can always apply for those.
Entrepreneurship
Ever thought about starting a side gig or working for yourself? Having time off from work can be a great time to explore self-employment. Whether you are good at writing, crafts, have skills in trades, or anything else there is always a gap to fill in the job market. Doing some research and networking can help you to figure out if being self-employed is suitable for you. You can also always start small and continue to look for a job while keeping your small business as a side gig.
Freelancing
There are a lot of opportunities out there for people who are looking for help with projects that might require a person to do side work. If you have skills in business, writing, art, design, technology, etc. you can always try to gain clients to get some work. This is also a great way to build up your resume.
Work with a professional
Consider working with a career coach or a career development practitioner to allow them to guide you through the job search process. Working with a career coach can help you to determine where you have skills and experiences that you might not have realized that are useful in the job market. They can also help you with interview coaching, resume, and cover letter writing, and just finding an overall direction in the job market.
When you are in between jobs it is important to remember that you will find employment again. It is important to stay positive and keep progressing. Use it as a time of self-discovery, take courses, and build your skills for your next role.
Jennifer Bouley is a Career Development Practitioner located in St Stephen. She has a passion for helping others find wellness in their careers, while finding fulfilling jobs. Jennifer can be reached at blissplusyou@gmail.com.
