The Voice of Job Seekers

Mark Anthony Dyson ★ Career Writer ★ Speaker ★ Thinker ★ Award-winning Blog & Podcast! ★ "The Job Scam Report" on Substack! ★ I hack and reimagine the modern job search!

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8 More Ways to Stay Sharp During Unemployment

8 More Ways to Stay Sharp During Unemployment

I am following up on my article from last week on staying sharp during extended unemployment. Staying sharp is strategic and intentional if you consider job competition to appear insurmountable. Much of it is due to the conundrum employers are in when thousands of applicants are posted per position.

Easy apply buttons on job sites, in addition to job seekers mass applying to jobs, slows the process down with minutia. Not to mention, many jobs are posted by companies with no intention of filling the position. It is an understatement to say many job seekers are losing faith in finding a job or even the right one.

I’ve come away with two words for job seekers to remain competitive in this job market:

Sharp.
Adaptable.

While the previous article provided tips on keeping your mind active and engaged, there are additional strategies you can implement to enhance your skills and stay relevant in your industry. I’ll explore more ways to present a sharpness and preparedness to impress employers and for more opportunities to come your way.

1. Join Professional Groups or Associations

Engaging with professional groups or associations in your field can be incredibly beneficial, regardless of age or industry experience. These organizations often host workshops, seminars, and networking events that allow you to learn from industry leaders and peers. Participating in these communities expands your knowledge and enhances your network, helping you stay informed about industry trends and job opportunities. It’s an investment and, many times, a tax-deductible one. If you can’t, there may be little to no barrier to entry to join LinkedIn groups.

2. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Practicing mindfulness can significantly improve your focus and cognitive abilities in a world of distractions. Mindfulness exercises and meditation can help you clear your mind, reduce stress, and improve decision-making skills. A few minutes daily can improve mental clarity and performance in high-pressure situations, such as interviews and presentations. Schedule this time so it becomes a daily priority. Your state of mind is vital to job search success.

3. Volunteer for Projects or Causes

Volunteering your time and skills helps others and allows you to learn and grow. Could you consider offering your expertise for community-based projects or organizations? Hands-on experience will allow you to apply what you know, expand your skill set, and connect with like-minded individuals while contributing to a good cause. You’ll find it rewarding if you align your volunteer work with your career goals.

4. Set Personal Development Goals

Establishing personal development goals can provide you with a framework for continuous improvement. Whether acquiring a new language, mastering a software tool, or improving your public speaking, setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals will keep you motivated and focused. Tracking your progress can also offer a sense of accomplishment and momentum as you work towards these objectives.

5. Attend Conferences and Industry Events

Conferences are invaluable for those looking to expand their knowledge and network. Attending industry events offers the chance to learn about cutting-edge developments, meet influencers, and exchange ideas. Make it a point to ask questions, engage in discussions, and follow up with individuals you meet, which can lead to lasting professional relationships.

6. Create and Share Content

Sharing your knowledge through writing articles, blogging, or creating videos can solidify your expertise in your field. As you create content, you reinforce your understanding and position yourself as a thought leader. Engaging with your audience through social media platforms can further expand your reach and create opportunities for collaboration.

7. Embrace Lifelong Learning

Cultivating a mindset of lifelong learning is fundamental to staying sharp. The professional skills and knowledge landscape is ever-changing, so remaining curious and open to learning is key. Use Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and edX to access thousands of courses across various fields. You can find organizations like Harvard, MIT, Google, and others with generous offers for free courses. Continuous education allows you to adapt and thrive amidst changes in your industry.

8. Utilize Technology to Your Advantage

With technological advancements, numerous tools are available to enhance productivity and efficiency. Explore apps that facilitate organization, time management, and project tracking. Additionally, familiarize yourself with industry-specific technologies to help you stand out in job interviews or networking.

Staying sharp and engaged is an ongoing process that requires intention and effort. Incorporating these strategies into your routine can elevate your skills and mindset, making you a competitive candidate in any job market. Remember, the effort you put into sharpening your mind today will pay dividends in future opportunities. Stay proactive, embrace challenges, and continue on the path to personal and professional growth.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.

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8 Ways to Sharpen Your Mind During Unemployment

8 Ways to Sharpen Your Mind During Unemployment

 

 

You’re dull if your mind is not sharp for job interviews and meeting important people. There is no excuse.

Many people go to the job interview unprepared, and others are just not ready to respond directly to areas of competency. I’ve seen it happen too often. Long-term unemployment can make you dull. So can lots of free time. You don’t need to drag a dragging mind to an interview or meet someone who can introduce you to key people. 

Here are suggestions to keep your mind active and engaged:

1. Read articles, blogs, and tweets related to your industry

If you do not target a career and are just looking for a job, you are missing an opportunity to expand your perspective, know the latest technology, and engage in industry-related hot topics.

2. Read books, I mean the 200-400 pages or more books!

We become pretty dull keeping up with the latest television show or catching up on seasons missed of our favorite show. It’s an excellent time to read 200-400-page books that go into depth. You choose the subject, but read something you can implement immediately and often.

3. Hit the Gym/Catch up on health-related appointments/Take care of health

Improving your health will constantly shift your mind and heart. Memory retention and cognitive reasoning.  More importantly, stay healthy for the right reasons. If you are unemployed and extra income opportunities are sparse, then it is best to take care of yourself first.

4. Update certifications and computer skills

There is no excuse for failing to find courses (even college level) to take (wait for it, wait for it) for free. MIT and Cambridge are just two universities offering free college courses. If you look around enough, city and community colleges offer evening classes worth $70 for introductions to new skills. But for industry-related skills, you’ll need much more. Research how vital they are within the industry before spending the money. Go as far as thinking critically about getting the credentials. If you’re following others in the field, they are your best resource.

5. Iron sharpens iron relationship

It helps when there is a professional relationship that will help you become sharper, more innovative, stronger, and better all the way around. Partner with someone you consider to be on the same professional track, and help each other with your goals and aspirations.

6. Networking

Everything is networking at this point. You turn to the person behind you in line and start talking. That may mean dressing like you will not vegetate on the couch for the rest of the day when running to the store for milk. Yes, holiday parties can suck, but they can be the way to be generous with your time as others do the same. 

7. Listen to podcasts, use YouTube

Good podcasts in the unemployed phase in your job search seem like classes or webinars.  That is what my podcast attempts to do–educate. Good podcasts engage your thoughts and drive you to improvement and empowerment.

8. Spend time with Artificial Intelligence (AI software)

How are your peers using it in the industry? How will it improve your productivity? It seems as essential as knowing how to use search engines and keywords and broaden your learning. 

Suggestions? How are you staying sharp during your job search? Let us know.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.

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LinkedIn Recommendations Are The Ultimate References in 2025

LinkedIn Recommendations Are The Ultimate References in 2025

Up to ten references showing on your LinkedIn profile will be very valuable. Right now, it’s good enough for transactions and contracts, and doggone it, good enough for permanent hiring. Five well-written, detailed recommendations or more will increase your interest and visibility if you don’t have that many now.

Hiring could be quicker.

Hiring would be efficient.

Hiring would take a common-sense approach. Well, maybe.

We can debate what permanent hiring will look like later. Let’s say employment with benefits.

Consider the person who wrote the recommendation:
The reference credentials as a direct boss
Maybe they wrote it as a mentor or sponsor.
If they worked closely as a teammate
If they can speak to skill, character, or were providing fluff

If they are exchanging recommendations (there are good and not-so-good)
The employer interested in interviewing and hiring you may have standard connections with your reference(s). Forget six degrees of separation as relevant for employment’s sake. Second connections and weak ties will be more significant than ever. They’ve been notable for a while, but a deeper dive will occur once employers realize recommendations don’t grow on trees.

It will be worth going back and connecting with your reference long before needing them or realizing they no longer have relevance as a reference. In other words, the supervisor who permitted you to do projects on Lotus in 1992 is not helpful to the employer who needs an Excel ninja. The social media director who allowed you to master Google Plus in 2014 will not serve you in 2025.

I was not arguing about Oxford Commas in 2024. I’m claiming a refresh on your references from the last five years will matter more than 15 or more years ago. We can argue that there are no broad strokes depending on the position’s market, C-Suite or mid-professional. What you’ve accomplished in the last year to three years will matter more.

Your references should change. Relationship building is a necessary strategy as a job search is a lifestyle. Your knowledge and skills applied with various degrees of difficulty matter. Your ability to demonstrate them in front of employers and embody the articulation of their value shines more as someone witnesses them rather than you bragging about them.

A good example is how you have repositioned your skills to increase their value during the pandemic and work remotely. If you have bosses and former bosses who can positively speak to how quickly and adeptly you adapted to the completion of work in this time of a worldwide crisis, it is something employers will want to see. Resilience and perseverance always have value, no matter the job.

An employer or recruiter may also check the validity or substance of the person recommending you. In fact, with the current reference check process, they could do that. I told a story about a former client who was disqualified as a job candidate during a reference check.

Although this happens more often than most people think, this should give you more reasons to keep relevant references as part of your tools to close the deal, secure your reputation, and give employers great reasons to hire you as a valuable asset.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development.

Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!"

You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.