How to Stay Productive While Unemployed

What to do:

1. Set up a workspace, and get organized
2. Take time to determine your job or career goals for the next 1, 2, and 5 years
3. Make priorities, and evaluate your day
4. Make a routine, and stick to it
5. Try to avoid wasting time when you are trying to be productive
6. Keep track of everything
7. Prepare your "Job Search Portfolio"
8. Work on self-assessments, to help you get to know yourself and what you could put into your resume or use in a job interview.
9. Draft a resume, and tweak it based on what type of jobs you apply to
10. Be ready to type up a cover letter to go with a resume when the time comes. I spend time browsing books and looking online to view different formats of letters, and to give me ideas on how to put together a professional-looking cover letter
11. I like to be prepared for a job interview, so I start going through a list of possible questions before I even get the call, and answering them the best I can. I like to keep a typed copy of the basic questions and answers, so that when I do get the opportunity to go on an interview, I have something portable to look over beforehand. Another clever suggestion that was made to me was to actually practice answering the questions- either to a friend or family member, or in front of a mirror
12. Aside from preparing an interview list, it is helpful to prepare for an interview in other ways. Make sure you have clothes that are appropriate. For other tips, check out my article, "Interview Preparation"
13. You may want to spend time building profiles on job or career sites. Some employment agencies also have sites you can build a profile, including your resume, onto
14. Spend time hunting for jobs
15. Research companies that interest you
16. For a more in-depth look into a certain company or type of job, go on an informational interview
17. Research salaries or hourly pays for different jobs you are interested in
18. Always be prepared for a phone call, and stay organized so that you will have the information you need
19. Turn every job or task into a learning opportunity