5 ways job hunters can make use of their time while unemployed.

Over a year and a half ago when I completed graduate school and received my master's I had the naive assumption that recruiters would be jumping down my neck to hire me.

Unfortunately, that expectation didn't pan out the way I thought it would. It took me about 7–8 months of constant applying and various strategies to ultimately land my first job out of school. At that time I did all that I could to find a career that suited me, manage my mental health, and still enjoy life.

• I did as much research as possible into the strategies others took to land their jobs.

• networked with people who could potentially help me in my journey.

• worked on any skills possible that could make me a better candidate.

• found hobbies that helped me take my mind off of the stress of the job search.

• spent time with my family and friends.

In this new day and age, we are overloaded with tons of information all the time.

To aid me in the logistics of finding a job I used all the resources I could to make the process as smooth as possible. I would read articles and watch YouTube videos on ways to improve my resume. I came across TikToks that provided a myriad of information from expert recruiters with advice on what they usually look for in potential candidates or advice on being intentional about the jobs you're applying to. In these videos and these articles, there were always some kind of tips for ways anyone can stand out in applicant pools. I did my best to implement the information I received into my strategy for filling out applications.

My ability to find and utilize this advice ultimately improved my confidence in what I've accomplished up until that point and provided me with a clear sense of how to convey my expertise to potential employers in the most effective way.

Another significant confidence builder was developed in me when I realized that there were people out in the world who were open and willing to help me along this journey.

Initially, it was nerve-wracking to reach out to people for advice on my journey towards employment. However, When I started to live by the motto “the worst they could say was no or nothing at all” I was able to meticulously call on family friends, and even strangers as references for interviews and applications you would be surprised how many people are genuinely enthusiastic about being a support for you during this time.

So, I would say never be afraid to ask for help at this time, it shouldn't be embarrassing even if it is scary for some especially introverted people, I would use it as an exercise to work through that anxiety remembering the worst they could say is no or nothing at all.

Another useful way to spend your time is in developing new skills or furthering existing skills.

Being that my educational and career focus is scientific research, developing skills in that area is quite difficult if it's not hands-on. However, I could keep up with industry advancements by reading through the literature, increasing my understanding of complex scientific content, and working on different types of data analysis skills which I did. I could also work on my interpersonal skills which allow me to navigate the scientific corporate space most effectively.

Even if you can't improve skills directly related to your career of choice you can find small things that can directly improve your chances of receiving and being successful at whatever role you're interested in.

Outside of my job search strategy, I found ways and hobbies that allowed me to maintain a balanced mental clarity throughout this process.

Job searching is absolutely a full-time job in itself so having hobbies that alleviate the stress of rejection and constant interviewing during this journey is valuable. I would spend outside time writing whether that be just journaling about my day or writing poetry. I would encourage setting intentional time aside to be creative or just unwind after spending some hours job searching and working through strategies for applying to jobs.

Don't feel bad for needing downtime after inputting a significant amount of effort toward finding that job for you. Give yourself grace in navigating this time.

Finally spend as much time with your family and friends as you can.

You'll probably have more free time now than you’ve had before or will have when you do get a job so enjoy it. During my job search, I helped out family members with their real estate business creating social media posts and acting as a pseudo-assistant. I also traveled to visit other family members and friends out of state whom I hadn't been able to spend much time with due to school and overall just enjoyed that time off and took that breather as a blessing in disguise.

Having no job can be a stressful time and the search doesn't make the feeling any better but many things can be done to ensure you are taking full advantage of this time and still being calculated about improving your circumstances.