101 Ideas to Improve Your Career When No One Will Hire You
A great compilation courtesy of Anna Miller from Online Degree
Even the most educated, experienced individuals run into roadblocks when it comes to scoring a rewarding career. No matter the economy, snags crop up along the way, self-esteems sustain damage and Hope appears to have taken an extended tropical vacation with Opportunity. Fortunately, enterprising individuals know that venues exist to make their job search that much easier to deal with – and the following few exist as some of the more common strategies they attempt.
Blog
Thanks to the internet, establishing one’s reputation as a solid figure in a chosen career path has never been easier. Opening up a blog makes for one of the best ways to show an understanding of a given field and stay up-to-date with all the latest developments. Best of all, most places charge absolutely nothing for their blogging services – making this option a rather attractive prospect for anyone hoping to make him or herself seem far more enticing to employers.
1. Wordpress
One of the most prominent blog hosts on the internet, Wordpress boasts an easy-to-use interface with numerous features – no development experience necessary!
2. Blogger
Like Wordpress, Blogger/Blogspot also provides those trying to bolster their career through an internet presences with a free resource to express ideas.
3. Tumblr
For more multimedia-oriented bloggers, Tumblr offers up one of the best blogging platforms available.
Contrary to popular belief, LiveJournal actually has uses beyond posting Kirk/Spock furry lemon slash fanfiction.
5. TypePad
No matter one’s blogging needs, TypePad has resources available to make sure as many of them are met as possible.
6. YouTube
It may be one of the internet’s largest repositories of utter idiocy, but YouTube also serves as a popular and amazing conduit for vloggers to share genuine ideas and insights into their chosen fields as well.
7. flickr
Not all blogging sites come with free media hosting, so store those images through flickr – a great tool for anyone who also needs a visual portfolio to show off his or her work.
8. Photobucket
Another resource that any new blogger should check out as a means of hosting picture offsite in order to save space.
9. FreeVlog
When YouTube comments begin dissolving brain cells in mass quantities, try the more obscure FreeVlog to meet any video blogging needs.
10. Blog.com
Self-publish a grand resource for potential employers to admire by becoming one of the millions of users taking advantage of everything Blog.com has to share.
11. Webmonkey
Bloggers with a computer science bent who want to strut their stuff online without spending any money will greatly appreciate this refresher course on web development.
12. Blogr
This simple blog host targets visitors new to the social media phenomenon, with plenty of support for multimedia.
13. Technorati
Get noticed by hooking up a relevant career blog to the Technorati and following all of the latest trends and innovations in getting the most out of one’s own webspace.
14. Twitter
Twitter, the world’s most ubiquitous microblog, serves as an excellent source of supplementary material for a larger online presence. Be sure to follow and retweet relevant content from contemporaries to increase the chance of getting noticed.
15. Edublogs
With several different free or paid plans to choose from, Edublogs specifically caters to the needs of bloggers from educational backgrounds.
16. Netcipia
Show off real proficiency in a field by taking advantage of Netcipia, which offers up a wiki in addition to a blog – and all for free!
17. Terapad
Open up a blog and flex those entrepreneurial arms with the Terapad platform that allows users to open up their own accompanying shop alongside their regular writings.
18. Weebly
Weebly boasts a simple interface suitable for newcomers to the blogging scene and allows them to whip up several different kinds of websites for free.
19. tBlog
Because tBlog heavily emphasizes advertising and promotions, it may certainly pique the curiosity of professionals eager to show off their knowledge on a given topic.
20. Bravenet
The free website service eventually graduated to meet the demands of the blogging generation, with plenty of tools for the novice to get him or herself started.
Network
21. LinkedIn
Post up a resume and meet up with industry professionals who may very well hold the key to a more lucrative, productive position using this social networking site specifically targeting businesspeople.
22. Facebook
For a more casual means of networking with potentially valuable contemporaries, join up with Facebook and show off and knowledge or experience that may interest employers. Just be sure to avoid getting too personal or unprofessional.
23. A Dedicated Social Network
The internet overflows with social networks and forums that specifically allow for discussions of the different ideas and movements present in different industries. Seek them out. Better yet, find one that corresponds to the desired areas of residence to discover more opportunities.
24. Fast Pitch
As with LinkedIn, Fast Pitch also offers up a social network that revolves around different businesses and opens up opportunities to meet up with new colleagues who may hold job leads of their own.
25. Attend Lectures
Take the initiative to look up any professionally relevant lectures that may be occurring in the area, usually at universities or through various organizations. Even if no networking opportunities immediately crop up, they still offer up some great learning experiences that may come in handy during a particularly challenging interview!
26. Attend Workshops
Regardless of whether or not they involve specifically professional or broadly personal development, workshops pull double duty as a conduit for mingling as well as making one seem like a go-getting, attractive option to potential employers.
27. Attend Conferences and Conventions
When affordable, take as many opportunities as possible to hit up conventions and conferences as a means of learning more about a subject and meeting like-minded professionals with whom to exchange ideas and opinions.
28. Be Bold
Never solicit job offers or application reviews directly from employers, of course. But suck up the shyness and (VERY!) politely e-mail bloggers, managers of local businesses and others in the field and ask for advice on certain professional areas that may need some improvement. Some may not respond at all, but others may open up doors that may otherwise have remained shut had shyness reigned.
29. Volunteer
No ill comes of volunteering, and even if none of the connections that crop up yield career paths then one can still walk away knowing that their actions still sent positive reverberations throughout society.
30. Go to the Library
Most public libraries now host free classes and job fairs for employment seekers to increase their chances of finding success in their given fields – so be sure to drop by and check out any offerings!
31. Join a Club
Professional organizations in almost every field imaginable abound, and joining up with them whenever possible does nothing but increase the chances of networking into a shiny new job.
32. Take a Class
If financially feasible, attend a mainstream or continuing education course offered through a local community college or adult education center to simultaneously connect with contemporaries in a given career path and learn a few nifty things along the way.
33. Go to a Job Fair
Attending a job fair may seem like an incredibly obvious way to chat it up with fellow businesspeople, but many sadly do not always take advantage of the amazing opportunities they provide.
34. Hit Up the Ol’ Alma Mater
Most colleges and universities allow their alumni access to their career services center, and the ardent job seeker can talk shop with counselors regarding any relevant job offers that pass through the office.
35. Religious Organizations
For the spiritually inclined, their chosen houses of worship frequently yield some excellent ways to meet new people and potentially garner valuable professional connections.
36. Meetup.com
Use Meetup.com to search for any career-related events occurring in a given area – or take the initiative to start one up and create networking opportunities for numerous individuals!
37. PartnerUp
PartnerUp specifically targets businesspeople looking to network, providing them with a way to connect with one another using the internet and learn more about anything and everything that may be available for their own professional development.
38. Monster
The job search juggernaut provides users with more than just application advice and leads. It also hosts a number of different forums that allow them to connect with one another and learn more about what is and is not available in their area.
Like Monster, CareerBuilder.com blends together job postings and different forums for individuals to meet their contemporaries and exchange connections as well as ideas.
40. Stay Active
Everything from taking the scraggly old cat to the vet to picking up Grandma’s hemorrhoid cream can result in an extremely lucky networking opportunity. The more one gets out and about in the real world, the more likely he or she is to run into something very, very lucrative.
Self-Improvement
41. Learn a Foreign Language
Do some research into which foreign languages many employers in a given area prefer and put some honest time and effort into learning as much as possible through classes, books, audio or software.
42. Study
Dedicate an hour or so a day to reading up on all the latest news and developments in the fields in question and drink up information that may come in handy during an unexpected interview.
43. Work Out
Unemployment or job dissatisfaction certainly leads to considerable stress and anxiety, and exercising regularly keeps a body healthy while alleviating much of the mental tension.
44. Be Social
Nothing kicks one’s self-esteem through the dirt quite like knowing that employers do not want the skills and experiences being offered. Get out of the house for a while and spend time amongst peers – or make some new ones! – in a setting that has little to do with professional interests. Doing so serves as a great palate cleanser and emotional boost.
45. Join a Sports Team
Better yet, combine socializing with physical activity and join up with an adult sporting team or league for a double dose of self-improvement. 46. Get Therapy
Obviously, potential employers need not know about any psychological assistance being sought. However, setting up a few rap session with a counselor can help work out any mental or emotional blocks that hinder career success.
47. Explore the City
Even people who have never left their home city still discover new things when they get to really exploring. Doing so bolsters one’s sense of space and belonging while simultaneously opening up new opportunities, professional or not. It also serves as a source of excellent conversation topics with potential employers!
48. Travel
If finances allow, take a cue from Mick Jones and “rush for a change of atmosphere.” Travel broadens horizons, builds character and provides numerous valuable learning opportunities.
49. Visit a Museum
Keeping the mind as active as possible staves off boredom and complacency, and museums teach lessons that may very well come in handy some day!
50. Pick up a New Hobby
Channel some of the nervous energy that goes into worrying about the job search and pick up a new hobby, preferably one that occupies the mind as well as the hands.
51. Start Journaling
At the conclusion of a day, jot down any stresses and anxieties as a means of working out any mental and emotional kinks, look for patterns and generally grow as a person.
52. Visit an Art Gallery
Like museums, art galleries stimulate the mind and act as an excellent conduit for stimulating creativity and inspiration. 53. Hone a
New Skill
Use any afforded time off to either start learning and perfecting a new skill – preferably one with professional applications – or improving upon ones that need a tune-up.
54. Get Personal Finances in Order
Set aside time to peruse personal finances, tightening budgets, analyzing investments and other necessities to ensure as comfortable a nest egg as possible.
55. Make Something
Crafting the smallest of projects, such as a small card for a loved one, imbues the maker with a sense of pride and accomplishment that carries over into other facets of their lives.
56. Take in a Play, Opera, Symphony or Ballet
Attend a showing of the performing arts that seems particularly fascinating as a way to nurture cultural literacy and learn more about the world.
57. Face a Fear
Go skydiving! Ride a horse! Eat durian! Facing one’s fears inspires confidence and exhilaration that can greatly impact one’s professional pursuits.
58. Do the Crosswords
Crossword puzzles are fun, educational and have been known to keep the brain stimulated to the point it greatly reduces one’s risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related illnesses.
59. Meditate
The secular and spiritual alike can certainly benefit from finding the best way to clear the head and relax the body in a healthy, productive manner.
60. Stay Open
Try to keep an open mind when it comes to trying new things and forging life experiences, as doing so will certainly improve one’s overall outlook and hopefully provide a few professional possibilities along the way.
Freelance and Create Opportunities
61. The Freelance Writing Network
Writing may not be everyone’s calling, but this website provides opportunities for professionals to pen articles on their respective fields for money, experience and application fodder.
62. Craigslist
Obviously, one must practice discretion when dealing with Craigslist. However, it does make for a great way to advertise professional skills – web development, for example – and earn a bit of experience and money.
63. Tutor
Advertise locally as a tutor who specializes in a certain field and coach students of all ages in how to succeed at their homework and assignments.
64. Mechanical Turk
Amazon.com’s Mechanical Turk connects freelancers with businesses as a way of networking, making money and staying active in a given field.
65. Freelancer.com
Browse and bid on freelancing opportunities posted by businesses in need of persons boasting a broad spectrum of skills and qualifications.
66. Start a Small Business
Easier said than done, of course, but the unemployed with an entrepreneurial streak can impress potential employers by taking the initiative of starting up a small business of their very own.
67. iFreelance
Meet up with businesses all over the world searching for freelancers to do a plethora of jobs for both experience and a bit of money.
68. Sell Ad Space
Bloggers who generate a goodly amount of content may want to flex their enterprising abilities and sell some relevant, tastefully incorporated ad space to earn some extra cash – maybe even network along the way!
69. Sortfolio
Designed predominantly for web developers, Sortfolio allows users to post their portfolios for potential employers to peruse and perhaps offer a freelance gig.
70. Write Guest Posts
Check various industry blogs for guest posting opportunities – or even politely e-mail the owners – and write up an article or 2 to show off proficiencies to potential employers.
71. FreelanceSwitch
Beyond the expected job listings and postings, FreelanceSwitch also provides a forum for the open exchange of ideas and trends that can do nothing but help further one’s career.
72. Submit to Journals
Bold professionals may want to compile some research together and submit the final papers to industry journals for an excellent way to make an application seem far more attractive.
73. Etsy
For those with a creative bent, opening up a shop on Etsy shows initiative and provides opportunities to make money and learn more about how businesses operate.
74. Barter
Money may not necessarily change hands, but bartering for products or other services still yields experience and helps strengthen skills.
75. Get Certified
Look through the most commonly recommended certifications for a specific position and take the time to fill in any holes, schedule and budget permitting.
76. Open a Booth at a Convention
If finances allow, try to open up a booth at a relevant professional convention and sell any products or services in order to garner some attention.
77. Lecture
For those who do not fear public speaking and feel comfortable within their particular area of expertise, offering lecture services can result in some professionally lucrative opportunities.
78. Host a Workshop
Beyond lectures, the particularly confident may want to cobble together a very organized workshop to share their knowledge and experience in addition to greatly boosting their applications.
79. Start an Organization
Don’t sit around waiting for a relevant organization to roll along! Take the initiative to start one that brings together like-minded individuals for networking and other professional and social benefits.
80. Get Creative
Self-starting opportunities are only as limited as one’s creativity and resourcefulness, so sit down and start thinking about enterprising ways to impress those seemingly unimpressible employers!
Read
81. The News
Be sure to keep up with current events – most especially any that may come to impact employment in a particular. For good or for ill, it pays to understand the current climate.
82. Rebound: A Proven Plan for Starting Over After a Job Loss Author: Martha I. Finney
For the unemployed, this guide can serve as a comforting resource in how to seize control of the sad situation at hand and create new opportunities.
83. The Classics
Pick up some novels from the established literary canon that seem interesting as a means of broadening the horizons, thinking new thoughts and providing conversation topics for tough interviews.
84. Relevant Books
Use the free time to catch up on any books that have changed the course of any given field, receiving a solid foundation in its history, peoples and perspectives.
85. Get the Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring Author: Ford R. Myers
Check out Ford R. Myers’s well-received book on succeeding in the business world by trying really, really hard and working within the confines of a down economy.
86. Religious Texts
The business world requires individuals of varying religious backgrounds to work together harmoniously. Facilitate a tolerant and loving environment by becoming familiar with where others may be coming from philosophically.
87. Something Inspiring
Everyone finds something inspiring, and tough times involving un- or underemployment especially call for a hot drink paired with a favored tome that uplifts the spirits.
88. Unlock the Hidden Job Market: 6 Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times are Tough Authors: Martha I. Finney & Duncan Mathison
This book specifically addresses the unique needs of those struggling for honest employment when few companies have the resources to hire new people.
89. Freakonomics Authors: Stephen J. Dubner & Steven D. Levitt
The 2 Steves illustrate the basics of economics in a way that general audiences can understand – definitely a subject that any job hunter needs to read about!
90. Influential Historical Documents
Become a more well-rounded employee by devouring the speeches, essays and other written works that have shaped human history for better or worse.
91. Influential Political Documents
As with religion, it pays to understand – though, of course, not always agree – the political perspectives of others for the sake of a more harmonious and tolerant work environment. Pick up popular political works from all perspectives to gain a broad look at the different ideologies at play.
92. Influential Philosophical Documents
Blend indulgence in influential works of literature with the idea of fostering a more loving workplace by catching up on philosophical works from many different time periods and political leanings.
93. Guerilla Marketing for Job Hunters 2.0 Authors: Jay Conrad Livingston & David E. Perry
Read up on a thousand creative ways to network, create a personal brand, establish new opportunities and more with this very useful book suitable for the un- and underemployed alike.
94. Trade Journals and Periodicals
Browse the internet, library holdings and other sources to find the best, most informative trade journals and related periodicals. Keeping up with them will certainly yield positive results!
95. Organization Newsletters
Another way to stay on top of all the latest developments is to read updated newsletters by organizations that specifically cater to the needs of those working in a given industry.
96. Blogs
Subscribe to the feeds of any and every leading blog in the field at hand, reading through them every day for all the latest news and perspectives that are shaping it in the months or years to come.
97. Your Own Application
Sit down with résumé and cover letter (or letters!) in hand and genuinely analyze what works, what doesn’t work, what needs refining and what needs to simply end up deleted. An impressive application obviously makes or breaks one’s job prospects.
98. Other People’s Applications
Run an internet query or ask a headhunter for copies of what the industry in question considers a viable application, and tailor personal résumés and cover letters accordingly.
99. How to Find a Job on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and Other Social Networks Authors: Brad Schepp & Debra Schepp
Everything potential readers need to know is right there in the title. With this book, they can learn how to effectively use online networking tools to their professional advantage.
100. A Favored Financial Journal
Pick a financial news source. Any financial news source. Whichever one piques particular fancy, follow it for all the stories and trends that impact the job market and overall economic climate.
101. Crack the Hidden Job Market: How to Find Opportunity in Any Economy Author: Donald Asher
Every economic situation carries with it a unique set of struggles and triumphs, and Donald Asher outlines how one can productively utilize resourcefulness no matter the external circumstances.
As stressful as unemployment, underemployment and entrenchment in a despised position can get, they do challenge one’s stamina and creativity like few other situations. Try a few of these suggestions when times seem bleak in order to hopefully encourage a few new, unexpected opportunities to reveal themselves.
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