Buzz
Unemployment can be a challenging and demoralizing situation to be in. However, there are a variety of effective strategies you can use to help get back on track, learn new skills, and eventually secure employment. Maintaining a positive mindset and exploring new training opportunities or networking avenues, regardless of whether you've been without a job for a few days or several months, is key to moving forward.
Steps
Leverage Your Existing Skills in the Job Market
Visit your local job services center to inquire about available work opportunities. These centers often provide free resume-building services, job listings, and additional resources. Job services centers can also assist you with filing for unemployment benefits, if needed. It's best to reach out to them as soon as you lose your job to take advantage of coaching and support services.
- To locate a job services center near you, search for “jobs services office near me.”
Enhance your professional skills by pursuing educational opportunities. Investing in your education while unemployed is an excellent use of time and will significantly improve your chances of landing a new job. This could be the perfect moment to earn certifications or expand your computer skills.
- Reach out to your local Lifelong Learning Center, Job Services office, or community college to enroll in courses that can help you become more proficient with the tools you use in your field.
- For example, if you were a teacher who learned most of your skills on the job, consider taking a few educational courses to broaden your understanding of teaching methodologies.
- By viewing your unemployment as a time for personal development, you’ll turn it into an opportunity rather than a setback.
Search for a new job that aligns with your skills through online job platforms. Don’t feel pressured to find the same type of job you had before. If your previous position became obsolete, it’s unlikely you’ll return to that exact role. If it’s hard to find employment in your former field, consider exploring a new career direction.
- Browse websites like Monster, LinkedIn, or Indeed to find job opportunities that are different from your previous work. Think about how the skills you’ve acquired could be applied in a new area of employment.
- For instance, if you worked in a factory and your role was automated, but you gained administrative experience, you might use those skills to pursue a job in a different industry.
Volunteer to gain skills and build connections that will make you more marketable. The best volunteer opportunities are those that enable you to network and engage with the community. Volunteering can enhance your resume and improve your chances in job interviews.
- To find volunteer opportunities, contact organizations you're interested in or search online for “volunteer opportunities near me.”
- For example, if you're interested in a career in veterinary care, consider volunteering at a local animal shelter. Or if you're a teacher, inquire about volunteering at a local school or community college.
- While it's important to stay active, be mindful that too much unpaid work could take time away from your job search.
If you have a disability, consider enrolling in a disability-services program in your area. If you’re unemployed and have health issues or a disability, local disability-services programs may offer vocational rehabilitation, which could help you retrain for a new career at no cost.
- Many online resources are available to assist individuals with disabilities in finding employment. For more information, visit the U.S. Government’s disability employment page at https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/disability.htm.
Dealing with the Emotional Impact of Unemployment
Give yourself time to process the emotions that come with losing your job. Whether you were fired, laid off, quit, or the company went out of business, it's normal to feel a range of negative emotions. You may experience shame, grief, frustration, or even anger.
- Rather than suppressing these emotions, allow yourself to feel them. Recognize that these feelings are common and natural during this time and will fade as time passes.
- If you're struggling to manage these emotions or feel like you're slipping into depression, consider reaching out to a therapist. You can find a therapist to help guide you through this process.
Reduce stress by expressing your emotions and staying active. Losing your job can bring immense stress. To relieve some of this tension, write down your thoughts and feelings, whether it’s in a journal, a list, or even a poem or two.
- Putting your feelings on paper can help alleviate stress. Regular physical exercise is another powerful way to reduce stress. Try to engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.
- Activities like jogging, swimming, dancing, weightlifting, or martial arts can help you manage stress and feel more balanced.
Build a support system with friends and family. It's essential to share your emotional challenges with loved ones after losing a job. Unemployment can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety, so leaning on friends and family is important.
- For instance, you might ask a friend to meet up regularly so you don’t feel isolated.
- Or talk to a family member about your job search frustrations, so they can help you work through your feelings and offer advice.
Stay active by job hunting online and in person. When you’re unemployed, it’s crucial to stay occupied and productive. Dedicate your time to searching for jobs on websites like LinkedIn and Monster, and check local print job listings too.
- Think of job searching as your full-time job. If you don't stay proactive, your chances of finding a new job may decrease.
- That said, remember to balance your job search with some enjoyment. After applying and interviewing during the day, take time for something fun in the evening.
- Keeping yourself busy will help you avoid negative emotions and maintain momentum in your job search.
Building a Network to Unlock New Job Opportunities
Reach out to employed friends to see if they know of job openings. Many people hear about job opportunities through their personal network. Take advantage of this by asking your employed friends if they’re aware of any positions you could explore. Friends and family should be happy to assist when you ask.
- For instance, you could say, “Are you still working at that publishing company? I’ve been struggling a bit since I lost my job. Is there any chance you’re hiring, or could you put in a good word with your manager for me?”
Join a local business organization or job club to learn about new job openings. Many towns have local business networks, sustainability groups, or Chamber of Commerce chapters. Becoming a member of these organizations can help you meet potential employers and get access to job listings. These clubs often provide valuable job information and might even offer resume assistance.
- Churches and other religious organizations sometimes host business groups as well.
Attend job fairs to meet future employers in person. Before attending, take the time to update your resume, dress professionally, and be ready to present your qualifications at these events. Some job fairs may allow you to submit your resume online, so take advantage of that option as well. You could also inquire about joining local business groups, such as the Rotary Club or Chamber of Commerce.
- If you know friends who attend networking events with clients or colleagues, ask if you can tag along. This can be a great opportunity to meet new people and spread the word about your job search.
Stay in touch with former colleagues and managers. They may have knowledge of job openings that aren’t advertised yet. If you parted on good terms, consider them as valuable networking contacts.
- Although it doesn’t mean you’ll be able to reclaim your old position, you can ask your previous coworkers or supervisors if they know of any job opportunities elsewhere.
- If you left the company on bad terms, however, it may be best to avoid reaching out to former colleagues about job leads.
- Don’t fabricate your employment history. Lying about past jobs, salaries, or your current employment status can backfire when potential employers check your references.
- Instead, fill any gaps in your employment with relevant training, volunteering, or freelance work to maintain a transparent and positive resume.
