The inside tips and tricks to filling in gaps between jobs to land your dream job.
If you have found yourself in the middle of an employment gap, it is easy to get discouraged, but there are several thing you can do during this time to accelerate your career by gaining the experience and skills to help you land your dream job sooner than you might think. Stay positive and proactive with the top five tips to fill in the gaps between jobs.
1. Gain Experience. Whether it is volunteering, working with an organization, or any other activity, find ways to gain experience in your field of work. Hiring managers not only look for community service in candidates, but this will also give you the opportunity to develop skills that are useful in the workplace. In addition, volunteering is an excellent way to network with individuals, which can eventually lead to job offers. You can search the internet for non-profit organizations that are inline with your interest and career goals.
2. Focus On Your Education. If you have wanted to finish that master’s degree you have been putting off, this is the perfect time to achieve it. There are also several opportunities to participate in free classes or workshops in your community. Visit the public library for information on free computer classes and the workforce investment board to search for workforce development and a variety of other resources throughout the state, including a course database to find a course that will benefit your career. Expanding your education will give you something to do during your time between jobs, as well as make your resume more marketable when applying for jobs.
3. Expand Your Network. Joining new groups and networking with individuals is one of the most effective ways of job searching, and will also give you an opportunity to socialize while you are in this employment gap. There are several job searching groups, which will help you set personal goals, learn job searching strategies, and networking with individuals in the same situation as you. Your local Chamber of Commerce is a great resource to find local groups that meet your interest and professional specialties. When attending seminars, events, and other networking opportunities, make sure you always have a professional appearance and copies of your resume, as you never know when you might meet someone who can help you find your next job.
4. Reach Out To Professionals. If there is a company that interests you or a professional that has reached a position that is similar to your career goal, reach out to them for advice. Ask to meet for coffee or lunch to learn more about the company, industry, and the individual’s career path. These informational interviews will provide you with insight on how to achieve you career goals and will also give you an opportunity to expand your professional network.
5. Take Some Time For You. Use this time off to try things you have always wanted to do, whether it is starting a new hobby, playing a sport, or starting your own business. You have the opportunity to pursue a personal endeavor that you have been putting off due to work. You will learn things about yourself, which will make you more confident in both your work and personal life. And who knows, you might just discover a way to get paid for the things you enjoy, turning this new endeavor into your dream job.
While you are in an employment gap, remember to stay positive, despite any discouragement you may experience. Remind yourself that this is just one part of your career path, and that it will not last forever. It is a great time to develop on both a professional and personal level to make you the best employee you can be when you start your next job.
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