Go From Out-of-Work to Full-of-Perks

6 Tips for Making the Most of Unemployment

Nov 15, 2009 Sophia Russell

Stressed about unemployment? Don't fear. Stay positive, get organized and restrategize to come out on top after a job loss.

Many Americans are experiencing the negative effects of the worst economic crisis in years. As the job market continues to take a spiral downfall many people are left feeling hopeless as they seek to find employment. Follow these six tips to deal with unemployment and come out on top after a job loss.

A Positive Attitude Helps With Focus During a Job Hunt

Job seekers should not allow negative thoughts to consume them. Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD of the Cleveland Clinic promotes exercise and healthy diet on WebMD to battle stress, anxiety and depression. Find ways to uphold an optimistic attitude. Even though focus should be on finding a job, find time to relax and exercise. This will also help with keeping a positive attitude and boost morale providing time to return to the job search encouraged and invigorated.

Organize Employment Paperwork

The next employment call is unknown so stay organized. Keep resumes, jobs applied to, and information on each company within reach. Keep records of money spent for mileage to and from job interviews, copies made of resumes, and items fax or mail to a potential employer as a result of job searches for tax purposes. Review the numerous job sites such as Careerbuilder.com that offer employment advice.

This is the time to focus on strengths and weaknesses to be better prepared for that next career role. Job seekers should identify their top five accomplishments. Employers need to know that candidates have what they need and can successfully take a project from beginning to end.

Reconnect With Past Contacts

Networking is critical to anyone who is looking for employment. Job seekers don’t always know which of their contacts is in a position to hire or knows someone who can. Contact former coworkers, colleagues and bosses and set up a time to meet for lunch. Talk with church members about job leads. Call sorority sisters or fraternity brothers and make them aware of the job situation.

Keep in mind that networking sources may be busy, so offer to treat them to a cup of coffee. Always remember to thank them for their time. A few extra calories could lead to a new job or even a new career. Also, contact former colleges and make use of the college’s job placement assistance program, or speak to someone in alumni affairs who can make contact with alumni who are hiring. Follow up is also important to seal the deal.

Become a Volunteer

Volunteering is important for obvious philanthropic reasons, but it also allows the unemployed key opportunities to network. Never mind that money is scarce and volunteering is working for free. While volunteering, learn as much as possible about the company and work hard to stand out. Join trade groups, and participate in local chamber of commerce chapters. Perhaps, even offer to give a presentation on a topic of expertise at a learning annex.

Employers are more likely to hire someone who dedicates their time and resources as a volunteer, before they hire someone who is not familiar with the company or organization. Being around people that have common interests or career goals can lead to more information and connections to employment in a targeted line of work. Networking is systematic and requires a solid game plan.

Seek Entrepreneurship

The unemployed may find that despite all efforts there are no jobs available in their field. Do not give up! Instead, take this time to hone in on skills and strengths and become an Entrepreneur! Everyone has some skill where they may excel. Begin charging people for services of expertise so that money can be earned as the job search continues. This entrepreneurial endeavor could prove to be a potential lifesaver.

Go Back to School

It’s never to late to learn something new. Going back to school can afford opportunities to job seekers that they may not have thought about and possibly make life better than it was before unemployment. Student loan money will help students stay afloat while in school or until a job offer comes along. Be careful not to use abuse student loan money as debt can pile up quickly.

Losing employment may appear to be tantamount to a death sentence at first, but it can become a blessing in disguise if handled correctly. Take this opportunity to get records in order, go back to school or even start a new business. Using common sense and tact to handle the tragedy of unemployment will prove to be time spent wisely.

The copyright of the article Go From Out-of-Work to Full-of-Perks in Career Advice is owned by Sophia Russell. Permission to republish Go From Out-of-Work to Full-of-Perks in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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