Enhance Your Job Skills While Looking for a Job

Go Beyond the Resume

Finding a new job takes a while.  Usually longer than any of us would like.  But if you're out of work, for whatever reason, you have a great opportunity to gain some new skills.  Looking for a job shouldn't take all day, every day. That's draining and will most likely kill you.  Ok, maybe not literally.  But you'll wish you were dead.  Besides, when you do get an interview and you're asked what you've been up to since you got laid off, you'd better have an answer other than "Just looking for another job".  

Related:  The Miracle of a Positive Attitude

What you do with yourself during this time you're not working can have a huge impact on you.  If you focus on some type of job training or certification that enhances your skill set, you make yourself more hire-able.  If you focus on a hobby or sport, you'll have something to talk about during your next interview making you much more interesting than the next guy.  And when you're involved in an activity that improves you in some way, you feel better about life all around.  And when you feel good, everything around you improves.

The first thing you can do with all your extra time is look into a certification or training that will compliment your current skill set.  Or find one that will help you move into a different, but similar area. Some highly sought after certifications are in Project Management and Regulatory Affairs. You can find courses for both online. Both have course options that are held entirely online or locally, in person.  Most certifications require you sit for an exam at the end, but the courses are designed to give you the best probability of passing.  The down side is that they do cost money.  But it's an investment in your career.  Besides, educating yourself is always worth it.  No matter what happens, no one can take what you learn away from you.

Related:  Get the Attention of Hiring Managers

Another great way to spend this time you have is to pursue a hobby you didn't have time for when you were working all the time.  It could be working on something artistic or musical that you'd like to create.  Or you could set a goal to compete in a sports event like a run or triathlon. You have the time it takes to train, use it. Once you reach your goal you'll feel accomplished and more confident.  Not only is this going to come across in your interviews, but talking about it makes you more interesting and demonstrates your ability to set and accomplish goals. And that's always impressive.

You may be out of work and looking for a job but this is a great opportunity for you, too.  While you're looking for a job take advantage of being able to make your own schedule.  Take this time to work on yourself both personally and professionally.  This time between jobs is going to pass, either way.  You may as well make the most of it and do something positive for yourself.