With the economic crisis and the rise in unemployment, a lot of people have inadvertently found themselves with a lot of extra time on their hands. Naturally, you should be making every effort to get out there, network, and gathering the resources and tools you will need for your next career challenge. Of course, there are any many ways to tackle self-improvement. I was heartened to run across a blog post on OnlineDegreePrograms.org touting “100 Skills You Should Learn (for Free) While You’re Unemployed.” Here are some thoughts about programs that would benefit executive job seekers:
- Improve your interpersonal and networking skills. We all could use a little help when working with others (or working the room). Some of the skills that we all can work on include building your portfolio, learning how to share a conversation, working on your interview skills, build your network, and improve the quality of your current connections. You can also work on your personal interaction skills, such as giving a strong handshake, listening, and remembering names.
- Master your technical skills. This is a great time to work on your computer and Internet skills. Learn how to do online research. Consider building a website and learning about search engine optimization and related techniques. Start a blog, create a podcast, and learn all of those practical skills that will make you more valuable in the marketplace.
- Learn organization. Start working on getting yourself organized in both your personal and professional lives. Be on time for appointments. Start using spreadsheets. Organize your e-mail. Improve your memory. You might even consider organizing your closet or your garage.
- Work on your self-confidence. It’s tough to work on self-confidence when you are in the midst of a career change, but it’s a good time to work on your self confidence. Try working on your soft skills; those skills that make you a good employee like leadership, dedication, and the ability to motivate. Work on your body language, how to handle an interview, and how to handle rejection.
- Promotion and branding. Personal branding is crucial, so work on promoting yourself. Develop a brand message. Identify your target market. Learn how to use Twitter to promote yourself.
- Effective communication. Work on your presentation skills. Learn effective storytelling. Practice skills such as making transitions, delivering bad news, giving a compliment, and negotiation. You also might think about tackling a foreign language.
- Financial planning. This is a great time to revisit money-saving tips and financial planning. Open an IRA, make a budget, and look for bargains. Look for ways to reduce expenses like reducing your cell phone bill or haggling for purchases. Or look for money-making scheme, like eBay.
There are any number of things you can think of to improve yourself, and your chances of landing your next job. Any positive step toward self-improvement will boost your confidence and help you find what you need to get to the next level and improve your life.c
