5 Ways to Self-Improve While Unemployed

About that plan to really focus on sending out applications for a week or two, then quickly land a job: It’s probably not going to work out. White-collar workers are averaging over 5 months to find a new job, while 20% of job seekers have been on the hunt for 10 to 12 months or longer, according to data from Career Group.

Job searches used to involve just that—searching for work. But with the weeks stretching into months or years, experts say job seeking requires a better tactic than just throwing oneself at open roles. Today’s applicants need to blend self-improvement with “doing all the right things for a job search,” says organizational strategist Maria Amato, senior client partner at Korn Ferry. Rather than staying stagnant for months or years, candidates who follow this strategy can grow and develop new skills; they can also collect discussion points for interviews. As an added bonus, candidates feel empowered and in control, rather than constantly rejected. Here’s how to self-improve while applying:

Get a degree.

When job searches were shorter, applying and finishing a degree, or even a certificate, wasn’t really an option. But today it is, and experts say that—finances permitting—there’s no reason not to seek out a master’s degree that might certify you for work that’s more in demand, or reroute you to a higher-paying corner of your field (accounting, anyone?).

Overprepare for interviews.

HR pros who have seen thousands of candidates note that many job applicants tend to make the same mistake: They answer questions smoothly, but don’t provide the kind of specific examples and details in their responses that can awe interviewers. “It undersells their expertise,” says Louis Montgomery Jr., principal at the HR Center of Expertise at Korn Ferry. Instead, learn and practice a repertoire of specific details, including examples of your own future plans in the job and industry-specific case studies.

Improve communication skills.

“Focus on skills that will help you in the interview,” says Amato. Think storytelling, elevator pitches, and projecting confidence. Though numerous online courses offer communication upskilling, experts say that it’s always worthwhile to hire a communication coach for a session or two.

Volunteer.

Don’t choose just any volunteer position; choose one that will help you understand your future role. For example, if you’re seeking executive roles that work closely with boards, you might volunteer on a board; if the companies you’re considering donate products to a particular charity, you might take on a volunteer supply-chain role at the organization. “Choose something with links to your professional identity,” says Amato.

Go big on LinkedIn.

All of this is useless if your LinkedIn profile is withering. “This is the first—and in some cases, only—impression candidates can make,” says Montgomery Jr. A compelling profile is essential. Experts advise excellent photos (yes, that’s plural), a paragraph about what you do and what you’re looking for, indications of a charming personality, and mention of your recent upskilling. Customize the headline and summary for the job applications you’re excited about. 

Learn more about Korn Ferry’s Leadership and Professional Development capabilities. 

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