Enduring a long-stretch of unemployment isn't fun. So here are 10 steps to take to find a job that may just help you if you are receiving never-ending employer rejections.
1) Make a LinkedIn
The CV writing process is no fun. So you can build a LinkedIn profile first and then migrate it to a document.
It is also handy for writing down skills you have and thinking about what skills you need for the working world.
Keeping this organised and regularly updated can be easy as you can see it as replacing meaningless Facebook browsing, with meaningful LinkedIn browsing.
2) Acquire Skills for Employability
Now that you know the skills you need based on LinkedIn research, you can get a free trial of something like Skillshare to learn digital skills that interest you…and essential ones such as Excel. Or you can simply use YouTube to find tutorials.
An example could be to learn everything you can about lower end office job processes so that you are completely covered for any situation.
Here's a free trial of Skillshare.
3) Start a project with existing skills to keep them sharp
For example, you may be an English graduate, therefore grammar and communication may be your unique selling point.
So perhaps a writing project may be good so your acquired skills don't fade.
So have a think about what you enjoy doing that uses your existing skills. It may not be a writing project, but any project is worthwhile as it will keep your sense of achievement flowing.
Also, you can get an online education, further develop your skills, and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends. There are many online courses and resources available, making it easier than ever to continue learning and advancing your skills.
So think about what you enjoy doing that uses your existing and new skills. This will not only keep you occupied but also help you stand out to potential employers.
4) Start a project to improve skills you lack
Let's say you have a passion for cooking. Now you can use this passion to start a cooking YouTube channel or even create a niche website about cooking. This will help you to develop marketing, video creation or web design skills.
So combining educational tutorials from Skillshare or Youtube with having fun creating something you are passionate about – you will pick up so many crucial skills that will improve your applications in future.
The only thing that's a waste of time is doing nothing as they say!
Here is a guide on how to create a website:
5) List your skills and scan realistic jobs
Now that you know which skills you have and which ones you enjoy, the job search will bevome so much easier.
You may start looking at digital marketing jobs for example, with more confidence that you can impress with your newly acquired digital skills and basic skills like excel.
This is all about getting out pen and paper and just scanning through Indeed or any other job site and finding a list to apply for.
Because of course, spamming out applications is a crucial step in applying for jobs…but it really helps to get a solid idea of what jobs your skills are relevant for.
6) Ask for work experience after every rejection
You may get rejected a lot. It is tough. But I make sure to turn every rejection into a gift. For example…
You may have put all your hopes into a restaurant review content writing job interview…and then got rejected.
You had the writing skills, the digital skills and the passion for food – as proven by your new food related YouTube channel. So how can this rejection be turned into a good thing?
Show don't tell – golden rule
Rather than telling the interviewer that you have all these skills, show them the evidence – such as your YouTube channel, your social media channels or your website. If, however the rejection came from not having enough working experience – you could ask them if you can do a work experience placement instead.
If they agree, then you finally have some experience to put on your LinkedIn for the line of work you want to be in.
7) Expand geographical options and learn from every experience
It might be the case that you have to apply for jobs outside of your current city. When doing so you may earn valuable experience going all over the country to various interviews to give you experience at the ability tests they give you.
For example… if you are applying to jobs relevant to your newly acquired digital skills, each new interview will motivate you to sharpen them even more.
You will find yourself improving with every rejection. You may fail a lot, but you will now have heavily research and practiced that new skill. It may get depressing at times, but you have to learn from every experience and see it as climbing each step upwards.
8) Network in person
You can allow yourself ten minutes to sit in a dark room after each rejection feeling sorry for yourself.
But then you have to get back up, go on websites like Meetup.com or EventBrite and go to networking events.
Here you can tell people all about your projects and make connections and you may even meet people that could offer you unpaid work to build your resumé, or find a job, or just meet people in the same boat as you.
You could even make friends with freelancers and attend co-working sessions. This will feel like actually being part of a workplace. Despite still being unemployed, you will now have a much more employable mentality.
9) Find ways to keep your spirits high
Along with your projects and networking, exercise is a great way to keep spirits high.
The endorphins from regular exercise will make the whole experience of searching for jobs much more vibrant, rather than feeling low energy with the world against you.
The added confidence from exercise is something that will help a lot in interview situations to counteract the nerves!
10) Explore out of the box options
If it seems your current pursuit for a particular line of work isn't bringing success…you could start considering other alternatives.
There are opportunities to teach English abroad in China, Japan or all over the world. If you're in a situation where you are able to move abroad for an extended period of time, then gaining this kind of experience in work might be something to help you realise that there are many different routes you can take in life.
However, if moving abroad doesn't appeal to you, but the idea of teaching English from your laptop while earning an income does, then keep reading for another solution…
Earn from Online Teaching While You Search for Jobs
Teach from home jobs are a great way to earn an income and work part-time as a freelancer while you continue your job search. You can teach classes to students all over the world from your laptop in between interviews and applications for the line of work you wish to be in.
Read the Online Teaching FAQ for a full-guide, or view some examples of online teaching platforms below:
Throughout the whole unemployment experience, regardless of what path you take, just know that you are good enough, and don't take it personally when you don't get selected for a job.
Eventually you will succeed, as long as you keep trying.
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