5 Things to do while Waiting for a Job

Finding a job can take time, not to talk of the process to it. In fact, it can often take about 3-9 months to land your dream job. Whether you’ve just started your search, you’ve been submitting applications for a while, preparing for interviews or waiting for an offer letter, here are some things to do while waiting for a job, to stay competitive and motivated while waiting to hear back from employers.

1. Apply for other jobs

Applying for jobs can be a really strenuous process, so you likely want to do anything you can to increase your chances of success and not sit around just for a particular offer. You have to make your resume, cover letter, and application stand out from the other candidates. While you might have to send out several applications before you find the right job for you, try not to lose hope because there are new jobs uploading from different companies, brands and individuals every day. With your hard work and dedication, you can get an employer’s attention and secure an exciting job opportunity.  While waiting and expecting an offer letter, it is advisable to still continue applying to other places to have a wide chance of being called for interviews in case the offer you are expecting is not forthcoming. It reduces your chances putting all your hopes on just a particular offer and being disappointed.

2. Do freelance work

Instead of sitting around waiting to be called for interviews and called to resume a new job, you can do freelance work. This is a kind of contract work on a term agreed by you and your client for a particular time. A freelancer is not an employee of a firm and may therefore be at liberty to complete different jobs concurrently by various individuals or firms unless contractually committed to working exclusively until a particular project is completed. Whether your interviewer asks or not, s/he will be wondering what you’ve been doing, and freelance work puts you ahead of those who’ve been simply loafing for three months. And your freelance work may be relevant to the position you’re interviewing you. The company may be looking for freelancers, giving you another possible avenue into the company

3. Volunteer or Intern

Volunteering is a voluntary act of an individual or group freely giving time and labor for community service. An internship is a professional learning experience that offers meaningful, practical work related to a your field of study or career interest. An internship program gives a student the opportunity for career exploration and development, and to learn new skills. As an intern, you has a specific person within the company you are interning for who they can shadow and will act as your mentor. While waiting to be gainfully employed, you can volunteers your time to increase your knowledge and skills through hands-on training when a part-time paid position or independent study (for credit) are not options.

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4. Take a class or learn a skill

One advantage of learning a skill is how your employers view you in a positive light, especially if it is a skill relating to the job. They prefer applicants who are willing to learn new skills. You’ll feel more confident during interviews. Your resumes, cover letters, and job applications will be stronger. The skills gap has been a hot topic among business leaders, educators, and politicians over the last several years. Taking a class gives your recruiter a view about you that oozes confidence and credibility that helps improves efficiency.

5. Networking

Networking is the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts. This mostly happens among people with common profession or special interest, usually in an informal social setting. As an individual waiting to be employed, use networking to expand your circles of acquaintances, find out about job opportunities in your fields, and increase your awareness of news and trends in their fields or the greater world.