Unemployment has become a common problem in today’s society. Many struggles to return to the workforce after years of being out of work. What should they do?

Unemployed job seekers often face challenges finding new jobs. They might lack experience or skills or don’t know where to start looking. If you’ve been unemployed for several years, you may even wonder whether you’re qualified for certain positions.

There are ways to improve your chances of landing a new job. The key is to focus on building relationships with potential employers. This means networking, volunteering, and taking part in professional development programs. Read on for some helpful tips.

1. Believe in yourself

We often doubt ourselves being unemployed for a long time. We don’t believe we are capable of achieving our goals. Perhaps we feel like we’ve failed in some way. Or maybe we think it’s too hard. Whatever the reason, many people let doubt creep into their minds and prevent them from taking action.

But there is one thing that never changes. Every day, you can take steps towards success. You can start today. And over time, those small actions add up to big things. So whatever you do, don’t give up. Instead, work harder and dream bigger. Because believing in yourself doesn’t mean you’ll always be where you want to go. It simply means you’ll never stop trying.

2. Get a mentor

Mentorships are a wonderful thing. They give you someone to bounce ideas off, help you develop new skills, offer advice and guidance, and generally make life easier. But how do you find one? And what does it cost?

There are many schemes around, particularly to support young people whose parents have been out of work for longer than usual due to the recession. There are even mentorship programs aimed specifically at helping those who have recently lost their job.

3. Make new contacts

Traditional job fairs are great ways to network and connect with prospective employers, but there are many opportunities outside those events. For example, you can look for volunteer positions within your area of expertise. If you want to expand your network, consider joining a nonprofit organization.

They often have local business leaders on their board of directors, so volunteering with them could open up doors to other people who might hire you. Volunteering also adds value to your résumé because it allows you to show off your skills and experience.

4. Invest in education

The best way to prepare yourself for a career change is to learn what it is you really want to do. This includes learning about the industry itself, as well as taking some courses that can help you develop skills related to your future profession.

Learning more about your field and getting formal training can be important to becoming a successful job candidate. However, many people don’t realize how much they’ll spend on professional development.

Professional certifications can also boost job seekers’ visibility in the job market, especially if they’re related to the field they hope to enter.

5. Develop your skills

Develop your skills. Many think finding a good job requires having certain knowledge, such as a college degree. However, there are plenty of opportunities for those who don’t have a bachelor’s degree. You might find work as a cashier or as a receptionist answering phones. Or maybe you’ll become a home health aide helping older adults.

Consider the abilities required for the positions you’d like to have. Some companies require specific technical skills, such as proficiency in Microsoft Office programs. Others look for available skill sets, such as communicating effectively. Still, others prefer candidates with leadership qualities. Whatever your talents, try to identify the things you enjoy doing and learn how to perform them well.

6. Have your job materials ready

A resume and cover letter often serve as your first introduction to prospective employers, so you will benefit by preparing both documents ahead of time. You’ll want to craft cover letters tailored to specific job openings, so you will have several templates available when similar jobs come up.

In addition to highlighting your relevant experience, your cover letter can address how your current situation has prepared you for the position. For example, you could discuss how your previous role has helped you understand the responsibilities of the new one. Or you could highlight that you have taken advantage of the learning opportunities during your break.

If you’re concerned about a significant gap in the work history sections of your resume, you could structure it to illustrate the quality of your experiences. For instance, you might use the “functional resume” format to emphasize qualities like leadership skills, analytical abilities, project management ability, communication skills, etc., rather than simply listing dates of employment.

7. Volunteer at a Nonprofit

If you are looking for ways to volunteer, consider joining a local nonprofit organization. You might work alongside people with similar interests and goals and likely develop friendships.

There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer locally, including tutoring programs, senior centers, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, animal shelters, and even churches and synagogues.

If you want to work with kids, check out some youth organizations, such as Boys & Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, 4H clubs, YMCA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and school-based sports leagues.

You don’t have to wait for a formal invitation; start talking to people around you and see where it leads. You never know who you might meet. And remember, giving back doesn’t mean you’re less deserving of a job. It makes you more attractive to potential employers.

8. Start Your Own Business

Starting your own business is a fantastic career choice for those looking to advance in their careers. Not only does it allow you to work independently, but it also gives you the chance to learn new things about yourself and how to improve your professional life.

In addition, there are several advantages to working for yourself, such as setting your hours and schedule, creating a flexible lifestyle, and earning money without needing to report to anyone else.

However, starting your own business isn’t always easy. You’ll face several obstacles along the way, including finding clients, developing a marketing strategy, and managing finances. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome these challenges and ensure that you successfully start your own business.

9. Start a Business Blog

The internet has changed everything about how we do business. From sales to marketing to customer support – it’s all done differently today. But one thing hasn’t changed: the importance of building relationships.

A blog lets you showcase your expertise and provide useful information to your target audience. You can write about topics related to your niche, including tips and tricks for running a successful business or offer advice on improving your customers’ lives. If you know what you’re doing, a blog can be just as effective as a traditional advertising campaign.

10. Get Ideas Ready to Present to Your Potential Future Employer

When employers ask candidates about their experience, they want something specific. They want to know how well you think on your feet, how good you are at solving problems, and whether you can see yourself working for the organization long term. In short, they want to know if you’ll be a fit.

But while we’ve discussed the qualities employers look for, we haven’t discussed what makes a great employee. So let’s start there.

Employers like people who take ownership of their careers. People who don’t just accept jobs seek out opportunities and actively pursue them. And people who aren’t afraid to try new things, even if those things seem risky.

11. Keep in Touch After Sending Your Resume

If you apply for a job online and submit your resume, it could take weeks or months for someone to respond. This seems like an eternity when you’re trying to land a dream job. But, there are ways to ensure your resume doesn’t go unnoticed.

Follow up on your resume submission with a personalized email. Include your name, phone number, and the date you applied. You never know what will come across the desk next.

Even though you’ve sent your resume, keep your eye on the ball. Don’t stop following up just because you haven’t heard anything back.

Your resume needs to stand out among the thousands of others that are submitted every day. Make sure you include keywords in your cover letter and resume. This helps recruiters find your application quickly.

12. Get networking

Networking is one of those things we are told we must do but never really understand what it entails. But here are some tips to help you make the most of it.

• Start with the basics – LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.

• Make sure you’re active on social media.

• Join groups relevant to your industry.

• Attend events where people in your field gather.

• Keep trying. Don’t give up.

• Networking doesn’t happen overnight.

• Be prepared to ask for introductions.

• Ask someone how they found their current position.

• Remember to thank everyone you meet.

Conclusion

So, you’ve been unemployed for a while and are now ready to start your job search. Congratulations! The first step is to assess what you have to offer potential employers. Review your skills, strengths, and experiences, and list everything that makes you an excellent candidate.

Next, it’s time to brush up on your interviewing skills. Be prepared to answer questions about why you were unemployed for so long and discuss your qualifications in detail.

Finally, connect with professionals who can help you land the job of your dreams. Contact our expert resume writers today for assistance crafting an attention-grabbing resume that will get you noticed by hiring managers.

We also provide career advice and interview coaching services to help ensure your success throughout the job application process.