Learn how to find employment when you are unemployed: set a daily plan, update your CV, use job sites and your network and build new skills.
By OneCareer Editorial Team · Published
- Decide what work you want and list your strongest skills.
- Search job sites daily and set up job alerts.
- Tell your network you are available and join groups in your field.
- Use the waiting time to build one skill employers ask for.
- Track every application and proofread before you send.
Unemployment can be hard and can damage your confidence, but good work is not out of reach. If you want to find employment, a simple plan can guide each step.
First decide what kind of work you want, and list the skills and tasks you did well in earlier jobs. Then search for roles that fit. Write a short, clear CV, and make a list of companies that might need your skills. Many leads come from people you know. Set a fixed time each day for your search, and record every role and reply.
Show Your Past Work Value
Describe your past jobs and how your work produced value. Use specific facts where you can, and focus on what you did that relates to the new job.
This helps an employer see why you could be a good fit.
Keep Your CV Easy to Read
A clean CV helps an employer find the key facts quickly, and that helps you find employment sooner. Use clear headings and short sections, and avoid a cluttered layout that hides your skills and work history.
- Put your most relevant skills near the top.
- Show past experience that relates to the new role.
- Keep each section short and easy to scan.
- Give honest facts you can support.
- Keep one main CV file for all applications.
- Edit it to suit each different job.
Use Job Sites Every Day to Find Employment
Job sites let you see many roles in one place. Do not skip a good job because of a small skills gap, since you can learn some skills while you wait for a reply.
Keep a list of every job you apply for, with the company name, the job title and the date you sent your CV. This tells you when to follow up politely and stops you from applying twice.
- Job sites: visit the best job boards every day for new openings.
- Job alerts: set up alerts so you hear about jobs as they are posted.
- Skill match: compare each role with your skills.
- Job tracking: list every job you applied for.
- Daily plan: choose a fixed time each day for your search.
Use Your Network to Find Employment
Your network can help you find employment. Tell the people you know, and people you worked with, that you are looking. They may hear about jobs before they are posted online. Join groups linked to your field, because they may share openings you will not see elsewhere.
Write one sentence about the kind of job you want, and be polite and specific when you ask for leads. You do not need to ask anyone for a job directly. Just let them know you are available.
Stay in touch even when they have nothing for you, because your next job may come from a contact you made long ago. A good network also shows which skills employers want most in your field.
Advantages of a Strong Network
- It helps you learn about new roles.
- It can open doors to more work.
- You can pick up useful job tips.
- It can lead to roles that are not shown on job sites.
- It shows what employers want right now.
- It boosts your confidence during the search.
Improve Your Skills While You Look for Work
Unemployment can give you time to build skills that help you find employment. Review job adverts in your area and note which skill keeps appearing, then aim to learn it. Many free or cheap lessons are available online, such as short videos and free guides.
Set a small goal, such as one hour of learning a day, so you do not feel lost or worn out. New skills make your CV a better fit and help you stand out when many applicants look alike.
Apply With Care
Do not send the same short note for every job. A specific note shows that you read the advert. Check the company name and job title before you send, because small mistakes give a poor first impression.
Keep track of every application and every reply. If no one replies, do not treat it as proof that you lack skill. Employers can receive dozens of applications and may not answer them all. Stay calm, keep going and use each day to look for the next good role.
Match Each Job
Take each advert and pick out the main skill it asks for. Place that skill near the top of your CV.
This helps the employer see that you fit, and it shows that your application was made for the job.
Write a Short Cover Note
A brief note can explain why you want the job. Tell the employer what you can do for them and why you suit the role, and keep it short.
Leave out facts that do not relate to your qualifications.
Check Before You Send
Proofread your CV one more time. Check the company name and job title for spelling mistakes, make sure your documents open properly and use the right file names.
A final check can prevent small but important mistakes.
Prepare for Interviews
A little preparation goes a long way when an employer calls you in.
- Company study: read the company's website and learn its main work.
- Job post: re-read the advert and note each key skill.
- Past work: prepare short answers about what you did.
- Work gap: give a calm, true reply about any gap in your history.
- Interview: ask good questions and show your key skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a job hunt last?
There is no fixed time, because every situation is different. It can take longer if you need new skills or work in a narrow field.
Should I apply for every job I see?
No. Choose jobs that match your skills and goals. A good match is more likely to lead to an interview, which helps you find employment that lasts.
How do I find more jobs?
Use job boards and groups, talk to your network and set up job alerts so you hear about openings quickly.
How do I cope while unemployed?
Use the time to search, build skills employers want, update your CV and practise for interviews.
How do I stay calm during a job hunt?
Make a daily schedule, track your applications, take short breaks and focus on the next useful task.
Final thoughts
Trying to find employment after a period of unemployment is tough at first, but a plan makes each day more useful. Learn what skills you have and what work you want, and keep your CV up to date. Check job sites every day, set up alerts and do not rely on only one way to find work.
Your network can lead you to jobs that are not on job sites. Keep your plan firm, but make small changes when your search needs it. With time and care, you can move from unemployment to work that fits your skills and goals.