Top Tips for the Unemployed

So ladies and gentlemen, as you all may or may not be aware, I recently lost my job, very unexpectedly might I add, and had to do my best to get myself out of the situation.

Losing my job wasn’t my fault, not in the slightest. To be quite honest, I and many other people agree that it was unfair dismissal but lets not get into that. I’m now in a job that I absolutely love, in a very well respected company and I’m happier than ever when it comes to my career. This therefore makes me an expert (Even if I do say so myself) so I’m here to give all of you unemployed folks some tips and tricks to get you back on the employment train.

 

1. Keep your LinkedIn profile updated.

Your LinkedIn profile can be one of the most influential social media platforms if you’re currently looking for a job. Its incredibly easy for an employer to search your name and see what you have written about yourself after applying for a job.
Now that doesn’t mean you have to obviously state you’re unemployed, most people stick with the golden phrase of “currently between opportunities / searching for a rewarding opportunity”.
Add your employment history, including all of your roles and responsibilities within each job. You’ll find that a lot of the jobs you’ve done may sound very simple, but when you start to discuss what it is you did, you’ll realise that there is a lot more to you.
Having a detailed profile is sure to make you look like a more ideal candidate.

 

2. Keep all your social media platforms clean and/or private.

In the current day and age, a lot of employers will do a search through different social media platforms, especially if you’re applying for jobs in the public sector such as education, NHS etc.
If you’re Facebook/Instagram/Twitter is filled with posts of you swearing, slagging of previous employers, photos of you drinking and smoking etc, surprise surprise, you’re less likely to be considered.
It’s easy enough to solve this. Either delete the photos and posts that you know are inappropriate or just make your profile extra private. It’s up to you if you want to leave it how it is, but know that you’re probably going to have a bit of a wait before anyone hires you.

 

3. Apply, Apply, Apply!

It may seem obvious, very obvious in fact, but you’re going to get turned down from some jobs. As long as you keep applying every day, something will come eventually.

 

4. Don’t apply for things you know you wouldn’t be able to do.

This seems super obvious as well but the amount of people who actually do it will shock you.
On sites such as Indeed, Reed, Total Jobs etc, it’s so easy to go into auto pilot and just apply for everything that pops up, but you’re not helping yourself by doing so.
Rejection is bound to happen, but if you’re being rejected by 90% of the jobs you apply for, it’s only going to have a massive knock to your confidence.
Apply for things you have the skills/qualifications for and you’re less likely to be rejected. Don’t get me wrong, you’ll still get some rejections, but it definitely won’t be as many.

 

5. Don’t let rejection stop you from trying.

As stated in the previous point, you’re always going to get rejected from some jobs. Whether that be straight after applying, after an interview or just not hearing back at all, it’s bound to happen. Don’t let the rejection stop you from applying for more.
There will be times when there is somebody more ideal for the role, and that’s okay, it’s bound to happen. The right job will come along eventually so be calm, be patient and keep trying.

 

6. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help.

It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. My first full-time ‘proper’ job, my dad got me. Yeah, it may seem like an easy way out, but sometimes it’s the only option. Ask your family and friends if there are any jobs going that they know of in the places they work. If they trust you to do a good job (this is important as you don’t want to tarnish their reputation/name at their job) then they will be more than happy to pass your details over and help you out.
If you don’t ask, you won’t get.

 

7. Be proactive and professional.

Put yourself out there, go around town with your CV. If you’re not bothered about what you do, then hand your CV in to every shop, office block etc. That’s how I got my first job. Turn up to every interview looking smart, well presented and acting professional. First impressions count so make it a good one.

 

8. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

Seriously. It happens to everyone. At some point in your life, unless you’re the luckiest person on the planet, you’re probably going to end up in this situation, whether it be redundancy, the company going under, staffing problems etc etc, it could happen to anyone at any time. Be honest about it, people are more likely to help you if you’re honest.

 

Top Tip: Learn from my mistake…

Something I’ve taken from this experience is that you never know when you’re going to be left without a job and therefore a steady income. I’ve seen it happen, not only to myself, but to friends and family throughout the years.
The worst thing in this situation is knowing the struggles you’re going to have with money.
I’m sure you’ve all heard the saying “saving for a rainy day” well, turn that’s just a nicer way of saying save it for when you need it most. That money could be your saving grace. It could be what keeps a roof over your head, food on your table, fuel in your car to get you to interviews. Save, Save, Save.
Don’t make the mistake I did, yeah it’s fun to spend your money and it is your money at the end of the day, nobody can tell you what to do with it, but be a little wise. Please!!!!

 

Well that’s all from me. If I help just one person I’ll be a happy bunny.

Much Love