How to Sharpen Your Skills While Unemployed

01/10/2014 | 

Regardless of your employment status, if you are a contractor or even have a part-time or full-time position it is important to keep your skills sharp for the next job opportunity. Many think that while being unemployed, it is perfectly acceptable to sit back and relax until the next job prospect comes. However, too much relaxation can lead to skills dwindling and becoming less refined over time. Therefore, it is important to hone in on the skills that you will deem necessary for the rest of your life and continue to improve them.

The longer a worker remains unemployed, the higher the risk of losing imperative skills. Therefore, what are some things that can be done to avoid this? Here are some suggestions:

  • Blog about Your Interests: One of the best ways to keep your writing skills up-to-date is to put all of your energy into blogging about your favorite topics. This will keep you reading and researching; it will also aid you in possible job opportunities, as you can send your possible employer some of your blog posts to show your recent work. Not only does it prove to them that you can write creatively, but it also shows them that you took initiative to keep working during the unemployment status.
  • Join A Group: This may seem vague, but joining an organization (such as a book club) or going to meetings (such as town meetings) can help your verbal skills as well as increase your networking circle. Who knows, you may even find a group that you love and continue to attend after you’re employed!
  • Take a Class (Or Two!): This is the perfect time for you to learn any skills that you have always wanted to learn or to refine the skills that you already have. Take this opportunity to take a few classes that will interest you and also give you a more well-rounded set of skills.
  • Research on Your Favorite Industry: Being knowledgeable about the industry that you wish to have a job in is essential. Not only will you be discussing what you know in an interview, but anything you read will only help you in the long run. Besides, there are things that some companies might not even know.

The point of these tips is to keep learning and to show your potential employers that you care about work even in the midst of unemployment. Engaging in any of these activities shows commitment and dedication, which will greatly impress some companies. Using your professional skills these ways not only help the economy, but you as an individual.

Looking for Raleigh Staffing Services?

If you are looking for a temporary staffing or part-time staffing position in Raleigh, NC, contact Seymour Staffing today. Our Raleigh staffing agency is fully qualified to aid you in finding full-time, part-time, and temporary placement for workers across Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Sanford, and Durham. For more information about our staffing services, please call 1-800-915-8597 or fill out the submission form.

Tracy Seymour is a qualified HR staffing specialist with over 10 years of experience, helping both big and small businesses succeed.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn