Maximising Opportunities: 7 strategies for freshers landing a job while in transition

In the pursuit of a new career path, balancing a current job while searching for another can prove advantageous on multiple fronts. Employed candidates exhibit responsibility and reliability, alleviating potential employer concerns about employment gaps. This dual-track approach ensures that skills remain sharp and applicable, enhancing overall candidacy.

Moreover, being employed during the job search signals desirability to other potential employers, bolstering negotiating power. However, for those in their first job, the temptation to quit before securing another role may arise. Having a job while searching for another can offer several significant advantages, making it an important strategy for several reasons.

First, being employed shows potential employers you’re a responsible and reliable worker, lessening concerns about gaps in employment. Second, maintaining employment keeps your skills and experience fresh and relevant, making you a more attractive candidate than someone unemployed. Third, if you’re employed while searching, it implies you’re a valuable asset that other companies want, potentially raising your negotiating power.

However, as a newbie and in your first job, the current job may not be your cup of tea and you may want to quit even if you don’t have another job in hand. But before you quit there are a few things that the fresher must consider before quitting since there can be many negative fallouts from not having a job while looking for a new one. Financial strain is the most common fallout. Employers may be less likely to hire someone with a gap in their employment history. They may worry that you were unemployed for a negative reason, such as poor performance or being laid off.

So how to land a job while unemployed? Landing a job while unemployed can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are some effective strategies you can use to increase your chances of success.

Revamp your resume and cover letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter to each specific job you apply for. Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position. Use strong action verbs and quantifiable results to describe your accomplishments. For example, instead of saying “responsible for customer service,” say “increased customer satisfaction by 20% through implementing a new feedback system.” Proofread your resume and cover letter carefully before submitting them. Typos and grammatical errors can make you look unprofessional.

Network like crazy: Reach out to your former colleagues, classmates, and friends. Let them know that you’re looking for a job and ask them to keep an eye out for any openings. Attend industry events and conferences. This is a great way to meet new people and make connections. Join online professional groups and forums. This is a great way to learn about new job opportunities and get advice from other job seekers.

Utilise online resources: There are many great online job boards and career websites that can help you find job openings. Some popular options include Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Monster. You can also use social media to your advantage. Follow companies that you’re interested in working for and connect with their employees on LinkedIn.

Highlight your transferable skills: Even if you’re not in the same field as your previous job, you likely have transferable skills that can be applied to other positions. For example, if you were a customer service representative, you might have strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. Be creative and think about how your skills can be used in different ways.

Stay positive and motivated: Looking for a job can be frustrating, but it’s important to stay positive and motivated. Don’t give up on your job search! Set realistic goals and track your progress. This will help you stay on track and motivated.

Volunteer your time: Volunteering is a great way to gain new skills and experience, and it can also help you build your network.

Take online courses or workshops: This is a great way to learn new skills or brush up on your existing ones.

According to Divya Singh, an alumna of Apeejay School of Management, who is at present, working as HR (Corporate Trainer) with GMR DIAL, along with networking, tailor your resume for each application to highlight relevant skills and achievements. “Actively participate in online communities related to your field, showcasing your passion and knowledge. Additionally, seek internships or entry-level positions to gain practical experience and make yourself more attractive to employers. Consider volunteering or freelancing to gain experience and fill gaps in your resume. Also, utilize online platforms like GitHub or Behance to showcase personal projects related to your field, demonstrating practical skills to potential employers,” Singh advised.

Remember, the key to landing a job while unemployed is to be proactive, persistent, and positive. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success and land your dream job sooner rather than later.