Let’s explore hacks that can help you break out of long-term unemployment and achieve career success.
If you're caught in long-term unemployment, it can seem like a never-ending downward spiral. The job landscape can be daunting and the competition fierce. It's easy to become overwhelmed by all the applications you have to submit and interviews without obtaining the desired outcome.
However, there are steps you can take to break out of your unemployment rut and get your career moving in the right direction. With some creative thinking and willingness to try something new, you can make yourself more valuable in the job market and find potential avenues for employment that may have previously been overlooked.
This guide will provide you with some tips on how to make yourself more employable during long-term unemployment so that you can find success in whatever career path you choose for yourself.
Understand the job market and current trends
Unemployment can be a difficult situation to navigate, but understanding the job market and staying aware of current trends can help you break out of long-term unemployment. It’s important to understand the needs of employers today and how your skills can meet them.
Here are a few tips on getting up to date with the job market:
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Research industry insights: Develop an understanding of what employers in your industry want, such as specific qualifications and abilities. Read industry websites, look for reports and analyses, and talk to professionals in the field.
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Stay up to date with technology: Technology has changed how we do many things, from communication to research. Familiarize yourself with emerging technologies related to your field or profession and keep learning new skills related to them.
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Take online courses: You can increase your education in your field or learn a new one with online courses covering a wide range of topics. Not only will this show employers that you’re committed to professional development, but it’ll also give you access to expert information and resources.
Tap into your network
When you’ve been out of work for a while, it can be hard to know where to start. One of the best places to turn when you’re looking for new job opportunities is your network. Refreshing relationships with your contacts – past and present – is an important part of the job search process and can be done in many ways, including:
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Connecting with people you know on social media sites like LinkedIn or Twitter
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Attending virtual or in-person networking events
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Setting up informational interviews with contacts and industry professionals
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Asking people within your network if they know anyone who might be interested in hiring
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Reaching out to your former classmates, colleagues, and friends for potential job leads
Making an effort to connect with people from your professional circle can have a powerful impact on your job search. Not only does it help you stay abreast of industry trends, but it also opens the door for potential job leads. Plus, it shows potential employers that you have a vibrant network that believes in you and is willing to vouch for your skills.
Read also: These 3 sample emails have proved to work when asking friends for job referrals
Upgrade your job search tools
The job search process is constantly evolving, and it is important that you stay ahead of the curve by upgrading your job search tools.
Marketing yourself for a job today requires more than just having a great resume or a portfolio full of work samples. You need to be able to find opportunities in the vast array of online platforms and make sure that your profile stands out from the competition. Here are some tools you can use to upgrade your job search:
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An online portfolio
Having an online portfolio allows you to showcase your work and skills to potential employers without having to meet with them face-to-face. There are several platforms available for creating an online portfolio, you can check them out here.
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Recorded interviews
Recorded interviews allow potential employers to see how you respond in real-life situations, which is invaluable in helping them decide if they want to hire you. Tools like HireVue offer recorded video interviews that allow employers to assess candidates remotely.
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Professional networking sites
Joining platforms such as Fuzu allows you to expand your network and stay informed about the latest industry news and opportunities. Taking some time out for self-reflection can help you identify what needs improvement in your job search process—and from there you can get creative with how you target potential employers.
Get creative with new ideas
If you've been out of work for a while, it can be hard to come up with fresh ideas to get hired. But don't give up hope – there are still ways to stand out from the crowd and get noticed.
Start by taking stock of your skills and qualifications – what can you offer that sets you apart from other job seekers? Brainstorm creative ways to showcase your abilities, whether it's through a portfolio or an online presence. Try to identify gaps in the market that you could fill with your unique skillset, then explore opportunities in those areas.
Prioritize self-care and motivation
When you're stuck in a cycle of long-term unemployment, it can feel hard to get back up again and start the job-seeking process. But it's important not to let yourself slip into a mindset of apathy and give up. To fuel your job search, prioritize self-care and motivation.
It is normal to experience doubts and anxiety during your search for work. To combat this, taking care of yourself physically and mentally is key. Try to:
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Exercise on a regular basis - even something small like going for a walk - to boost your mood
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Limit time spent on social media, as too much exposure can lead to comparisonitis
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Connect with friends and family who will support you in the difficult times
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Invest in learning new skills that may help land you a job
Taking these steps to look after yourself, it'll help motivate you in breaking out of long-term unemployment, as well as equip you with the necessary tools needed in order to succeed.
Read also: Great CV but no interview? This could be why
Conclusion
Finding meaningful work when you’ve been unemployed for a long period of time can be a challenge, but it’s far from impossible. By taking advantage of the various hacks outlined in this article, you can turn long-term unemployment into a distant memory and start enjoying the satisfaction of meaningful work. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help, because having someone else to turn to can be an invaluable asset. So, if you’ve been struggling with long-term unemployment, these hacks can be your ticket to finding the job of your dreams.
