Job Seeker Blog - Spark Hire

Don’t Care About Your Job Search (It Will Make You a Better Candidate)

It seems counter-intuitive, but in order to land a job you have to stop caring about your job search. This doesn’t mean you can shut down your computer, watch reruns all day, and magically be offered a job. “Not caring about your job search,” means understanding that job searching is more than resume writing and online applications. In today’s post we’ll discuss the non-job search related activities you should be doing that could land you a job.

5. Attend events. Part of your job search should involve attending events. This is your best opportunity to network and meet professionals in your field face-to-face. If you’re not sure where to start, search on Eventbrite for events in your area.

4. Read something. Make it a habit to pick up a book, e-reader, newspaper or read your favorite blog. The benefits of reading are endless. To name just a few of the benefits that reading can provide in your job search: improved memory, vocabulary expansion and improved focus and concentration.

3. Join a group. Job searching can be a lonely and tough road to travel. Joining a group is a great way to connect with a community and boost morale. Just because you don’t have a job, doesn’t mean you’ve lost your community. For a listing of groups to join check out Meetup.

2. Learn a new skill. Employers are looking for a well-rounded candidate. Learning any skill, whether it’s directly related to your industry or a passion you’ve always wanted to pursue, will show you’re a curious and driven person. Check out Dabble, for a list of one-night classes in your area.

1. Exercise. Studies have shown that exercise reduces stress, something you’re going to have a lot of during your job search. Exercise can come in many forms but it should be something that gets your heart rate going and has a meditative quality like yoga, running, dancing, etc.

Expanding your job search to include these 5 activities will make you an overall stronger candidate. Keeping an open mind, joining a community, and staying mentally and physically healthy will increase your chances of landing a job.

How else do you stay sharp during your job search? Let us know in the comments below!

IMAGE: Courtesy of Flickr by Zach Klein

Ali Kelley

Ali is a freelance writer who blogs about nonprofits, tech and social media for Chicago startups, Zealous Good, Dabble, and Eventbrite. Since graduating college in 2009, she has learned a ton about job searching in a recession, and is excited to share her experiences. In addition to writing, Ali enjoys the finer things in life like pajamas that double as jeans.

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