Job Searching While Unemployed: How to Get Hired Faster

Are you looking for work? You’re not alone! Over 12.5 million Americans are unemployed right now. 

Don’t fret if you’re a part of this staggering statistic. All you may need to find your next gig is tips on how to do job hunting efficiently. Keep reading to find four tips to make job searching an easier task. 

1. Fine Tune Your Resume

Your resume creates the first impression any employer will have of you. If you put yours together in haste or haven’t updated it in years, you’re doing yourself a great disservice. 

Use a professional font that’s clear and easy to read. Choose a font size between 10 and 12 points. 

Take a look at resume examples from your industry. See what other people are putting on their resume to gather inspiration for yours.

Fine-tune your resume for each job you’re applying to. Include all your achievements that are relevant to the job opening. You want the recruiter to know within seconds of looking at your resume that you’re worthy of a callback. 

If you’re still struggling, click here to see if using a professional resume writer will help.  

2. Network

Networking is key to securing jobs in today’s tech-centric world. As the adage goes, “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” Around 70% of job listings aren’t published, so if you’re only looking for jobs online, you’re missing out.

Social media is a great tool for networking. Use LinkedIn to find key contacts that can prove to be indispensable in your job hunt. Start a conversation with them and provide value in return.

3. Use Your Talents 

It might be difficult to peg down a full-time job in the current economy. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look for work to fill the gap, however. If you have talents or expertise to provide employers, show them what you can do.

Apply for part-time or temporary jobs. Not only will they help pay the bills, but they’ll provide more job experience for your resume. 

Consider freelance work. There are thousands of freelance jobs you can do from the comfort of your home if you have experience or talent. Become a copy editor, branding consultant, or social media manager to help you make ends meet.

Volunteering is another way to put yourself out there. While it won’t pay the bills, it can get you out of the house and help you build your network. 

4. Don’t Rely on the Internet

As you already know, many job postings don’t get posted online before they’re filled. Other times jobs may already be in the final interview stage by the time you submit your application. 

If you hope to secure a position with a specific company, reach out to them directly. Doing so may put you in touch with the hiring manager.

Applying to jobs online is so easy that many people apply to handfuls a day and never get a callback. Many job seekers applicants don’t take time to reach out to the company or their hiring manager since they feel applying online is enough. Don’t be like the other applicants; put yourself out there!

Job Searching Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

Job searching will be easier with our tips at your disposal. Remember to have patience, and don’t be afraid to reach out to potential employers. 

Keep reading our Career blogs to find more advice to further your career this year.