Unemployed and Broke: Tips to Help Land a Career and Not Just a Job

Unemployment never seems to come at the right time whether you have lost a long-term job or are a fresh college graduate in the real world for the first time. A great career path is not going to come easily as the job market is incredibly competitive. Many of those who are unemployed can start to think negatively and like the right job is never going to offer them an opportunity. Taking a proactive approach to getting a job is important as companies are looking to fill positions ASAP. The following are ways that will help you in your quest to land job leading to a career rather than a job just to fill the time until the next opportunity arises. 

Take a Job to Support Yourself Financially

The financial stress of being unemployed can be too much for many people to deal with. Taking a serving, bartending, or retail job can help provide financially while job searching. This will give a job seeker the ability to turn down offers if they do not seem like a good fit. Jobs like bartender are perfect for those looking for jobs as they can show up for interviews without any conflict. Those doing the interviews do not want a person that seems desperate for a job but rather a confident individual. Leverage any connections that you make at this job to try to find superior employment. With the number of people that frequent most bars or restaurants, a great job offer might be closer than it seems.

Work On Your Resume

Without a full-time job, there is plenty of time to perfect your resume as this is the first impression a company is going to get of your professional skills. Looking up resume pointers and tips for cover letter writing to make sure all of your bases are covered. Reach out to some people that you have worked with in the past to get references as well. The right reference can be just as important as job experience. Invest in a professional to write your resume if grammar and formatting simply are not for you. There are also resources online that can help an applicant put together a perfect looking resume.

Call in Those Favors

The problem with some job seekers is that they can be too proud to call in favors. There is not much of a difference between getting a job due to a favor versus on your own. You will still be held to the same standard and will be able to excel if a productive effort is put forth. Personal favors can be asked for from friends as well as family as they can vouch for you. Professional favors are gathered from hitting deadlines, giving discounts, and simply helping those that you do business with out in times of need. LinkedIn is a good place to ask for these favors as you can see openings in jobs then check to see if any connections work at the company. At the very least a small name drop to an HR professional can help you receive an interview.

Set Time Aside Daily to Apply for Jobs

Setting a few hours aside per day to apply for jobs can help reduce the chances of burnout. Sending out resumes and applying to jobs is a numbers game so applying to a decent number of jobs daily is imperative. Use a variety of job seeking websites and get into contact with a recruiter if necessary. Avoiding getting a negative attitude or feeling hopeless is essential during this part of the search. Do not forget to take a look at social media for job openings or people announcing their new jobs. Those who announce their new jobs can indicate a job opening at their former company. If this person is a close friend asking for a recommendation can help attain a job offer in a matter of days.

Finding a job is a tough process, but the payoff is worth it. Find a career rather than a job that you work at just to pass the time and support you financially. Once you have a career opportunity, then you can flourish in your new role.