5 Things to do When You’re Unemployed

Unemployed? Here's what you can do!

As a wise man once said, ‘If you don’t live through a bad day, you never know what a good day was’. Although being unemployed can sometimes extend over a longer period of time, and hence, the ‘good days’ may seem to be over and done with, keep in mind that this is a phase that will, with your own contribution, come to an end.

The following are some ideas that you can do if you are unemployed. One hint: Never give up.

1. Take a class. Join a class or take up a new hobby and get to know some new, interesting people who might have similar tastes to you.

2. Volunteer. Several employers give weight to voluntary work. Apart from building social skills, teamwork, and helping others, volunteering can help you in many ways. You can volunteer in an area that is directly or indirectly related to your work or line of career that you would like to pursue.

3. Make connections. A resume handed to the hiring manager directly from someone within the company gives you a heads up to other candidates. It is crucial to expand your network of contacts through social media for instance, Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter. Ask your friends, family, and ex-colleagues for references and contacts. Whatever you do however, do not hide. Almost all of us had been unemployed in some point of our life. Let everyone know that you are struggling to look for a job. Chances are that your inbox will end up flooded with tons of vacancies you could apply for.

4. Update your CV. It is imperative to keep this succinct, updated, and attractive. Flaunt your assets and make your best to stand out from the crowd.

5. If you like writing, why don’t you start a blog? You can either scribble random stuff about whatever interests you, or else (and perhaps more wisely), invent a blog about a business that you would like to set up or get into in the near future.

It would be apt to conclude on the wise words of the late, great Steve Jobs: ‘Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary’.

Nikita Pisani at Muovo

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