Career Strategies When Youre Between Jobs

Career Strategies When Youre Between Jobs Career Strategies When Youre Between JobsCareer strategies to keep your career moving forward between jobs, even if your job search is put on hold.While most career experts warn professionals to think twice before taking a break between jobs, there are many job seekers who take some time off before starting their job search in earnest. These people usually fall into one of these categories(1) Recent college graduates who decide to take one last summer or winter break off before they enter the real world(2) Experienced professionals who feel the need to take some time off after leaving or getting laid off from a stressful work environment(3) Professionals who are facing a crisis in another parte of their lives and feel compelled to leave their job while they handle the matter, with no designs of finding another position right away and(4) Unemployed professionals who were searching for a new job for a while, to no avail, and decide they need a break from the stress of the job search.If youve decided to put your job search on hold for awhile, it may be tempting to forget about your career altogether during that period. Resist that urge Its in your best interest to take small steps during your sabbatical from the job search to keep your career moving in the right direction.Work on your personal brandUse this time to work on the different pieces of your personal brand, such as your professional resume and cover letter and your online presence. Submit your resume for a free review so you get a handle on how much time youll need to dedicate to getting your resume in good shape before your job search. Also, run a Google search on your name, as it appears on your resume, to see what information employers will find when they search for you.If you have any personal social media accounts you dont want employers to associate with your candidacy, nows the time to increase the security settings and change the usernames to a nickname s o youre confident your private accounts are well-hidden from recruiters.Click on the following link to download my free personal branding checklist.Turn parties into networking goldminesYou dont have to attend formal business networking events and industry conferences to build a valuable network of connections. While youre officially out of the job search, take advantage of your social activities to work on your networking skills. Remember, every block party, wedding reception, and holiday get-together is a networking opportunity in the making.Use these events to practice delivering your elevator pitch and connect with new people. You never know, the guy dating your sisters best friend could be the key to landing your new job position in the future. You may not be in an active job-search mode right now, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt lay the groundwork for informational interviews down the road.RelatedHow to Turn Holiday Parties into Networking GoldminesLearn a new job skillWhen you find yourself back in the job market, employers will want to know what you were doing with your time between jobs. Thats why its in your best interest to find ways to sharpen your current job skills or learn something new. For instance, you may decide to volunteer for an organization that is near and dear to your heart and allows you to leverage your soft and hard skills. You can find these skill-based volunteer opportunities on sites like Catchafire.Even if youre planning the ultimate post-college vacation, you can leise brush up on a skill through a self-paced online course offered on platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, and Lynda.com, or pick up one of these highly-recommended career development books to read during your travels.Get a jobYes, I know. If youre reading this article, its because you already decided to pause your job search for the time being. I get it. However, theres a difference between pursuing a job thats important for your long-term career path and landing a s hort-term gig that will provide some income while your career is on cruise control.For a recent college grad, it may mean going back to that sweet lifeguarding gig youve had for the past few summer breaks or some other temporary job that isnt related to your career goals. For other professionals, it may translate to a volunteer position or a freelance opportunity.In an ideal world, your position would still help you gain relevant industry experience or build skills that are considered important for the next role you pursue in your career. Regardless, its easier to explain to employers what youve been doing during your time between jobs when you can show youve been working, even if its not relevant to your current job search.Recharge your batteriesIf youre going to take some time off, make sure youre getting the RR you need. Take time during this break to relax, get plenty of rest, and indulge in some pampering so youre reenergized when its time to get back into the job market.Take t hese little steps while your job search is on hold and youll be sure to keep your career on track while between jobs.And, when youre ready to jumpstart your job search again, download my free job-search action plan to get started.Want to see how your resume stacks up? Request a free review todayRecommended ReadingHow Does Money Come in During a Career Change?How to Get in the Right Mindset for the Remote Job SearchUnemployment Guide 9 Ways to Make the Most of ItRelated Articles