WorkAlpha

Career and Job Search Tips

  • HOME
  • JOB SEARCH
    • Job Search Tips
    • Dealing with Recruiters
    • Dealing with Unemployment
    • Internships
    • Job Applications
    • Job Search Mistakes
    • Job Offer
    • FAQ About Job Search
  • NETWORKING
    • Networking Basics
    • Networking Etiquette
    • Networking Possibilities
    • Networking Tips
    • Networking Mistakes
    • FAQ About Networking
  • RESUME
    • Resume Template
    • Resume Formats
    • Resume Layout
    • Resume Tips
    • Resume Samples
    • Resume Ideas
    • Resume Mistakes
    • Resume Writers
    • FAQ About Resume Writing
  • COVER LETTER
    • Cover Letter Format
    • Cover Letter Tips
    • Cover Letter Samples
    • Cover Letter Mistakes
    • FAQ About Cover Letter Writing
  • INTERVIEW
    • Interview Attire
    • Interview Preparation
    • Interview Process
    • Interview Psychology
    • Interview Types
    • Interview Tips
    • Interview Questions and Answers
    • Interview Follow-Up
    • Interview Mistakes
    • References
    • FAQ About Interviewing
  • CAREER
    • Career Path
    • Career Advancement
    • Career Insights
    • Continuing Education
    • Career Coaching
    • Freelancing
  • WORKPLACE
    • Workplace Politics
    • Workplace Insights
    • Workplace Attire
    • Work Environment
    • Performance Evaluation
    • Human Resources
  • PRODUCTIVITY
    • Productivity Tips
    • Productivity Insights
    • Productivity Mistakes
  • LIFESTYLE
    • Healthy Habits
    • Managing Stress
    • Work Life Balance
    • Retirement
  • Q&A
  • Home
  • Job Search
  • Dealing with Unemployment
  • How to Plan Your Day While Unemployed
post

How to Plan Your Day While Unemployed

I for one fully understand those in transition. I’ve been there at times myself–and for way too long. Life for the unemployed is hugely confusing. The quasi life equilibrium that used to exist before the transition period has been lost. And everybody you know seems to want to be helpful by giving you (nonprofessional) advice, which can add another layer of confusion to your bewilderment, thereby causing further disorientation. So, what’s the best thing to do to get back on track, get a job, and reach a life balance again? The answer may seem too simplistic: FOCUS.

You’ve probably heard the cliché “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’re going nowhere.” How true, so therefore you need a path, a direction, and a huge amount of mental energy to stay focused on the right things.

The following (professional!) advice is paraphrased from a recent networking presentation given by my friend Abby Kohut, who’s one of the smartest people I know in this business.

  • Thirty percent of your time should be spent in live networking. Sixty to 80 percent of people get their jobs via networking. Think about how you got your last job: probably by talking to someone who put you in touch with others, and the next thing was an interview.
  • Another 30 percent of your time should be spent on applying for jobs online, generating leads, and communicating via e-mail.
  • Twenty percent of your time should be spent on volunteering. It is critical for your mental health simply to be with people, to get involved, and to get exposure.
  • The last 20 percent of your time should be spent doing things for yourself. People are like batteries: periodically, they need to be recharged. In order to project to the hiring manager via the interview that you are the ideal candidate, you have to feel good about yourself. So, whatever makes you feel that way, do it!

By following these guidelines, staying focused, and cultivating perseverance, you’ll be handsomely rewarded with a job you deserve.

Author Iconby Alex Freund

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Job Search Center

  • Job Search
  • Job Search Tips
  • Dealing with Recruiters
  • Dealing with Unemployment
  • Internships
  • Job Applications
  • Job Search Mistakes
  • Special Circumstances (Job Search)
  • FAQ About Job Search

Search the Vast Resources on WorkAlpha About Job Search and Career Advancement

SHARE

Featured Articles on Job Search

  • Working with Search Firms and Recruiters in Your Job Search
  • Losing a Job Is About Change
  • Resume Versus Attitude
  • How to Manage Fear and Uncertainty
  • Need Experience? 4 Types of Internships You May Have Overlooked
  • The Expert Landing Principles
  • Age Discrimination Is Not Based on Age
  • You Have to Discover Yourself First Before Presenting Yourself to Others
  • 3 Tips for Building Your Personal Brand
  • Incorporate an Element of Surprise in Your Job Search Application
  • Few Things That Job Seekers Tend to Get Wrong
  • Job Search Advice for Mature Job Seekers
  • How to Get Your Dream Job After College

Interested in Becoming a Contributor?

You are a career coach, a resume writer or an HR professional looking to gain exposure and build your expertise? Become a contributor and earn your badge!

Free Job Search Ebook Featuring Contributions from Top Career Experts

Search WorkAlpha

Job Search Resources

  • Job Search Center
  • Networking Center
  • Resume Writing Center
  • Cover Letter Writing Center
  • Interview Center

Career Resources

  • Career Center
  • Workplace Center
  • Productivity Center
  • Lifestyle Center

Copyright © 2021 WorkAlpha · All Rights Reserved · About · Contributors · Contact · Privacy