What's the Best Way to Use Your Spare Time?

Education of course has always been the best way to advance now more than ever in these very competitive times.

You're unemployed and have lots of free time and if the unemployment statistics are to be believed you will be unemployed for 6 months or more. Some 40% of the unemployed have been out of work for 27 weeks or more. The dead six months may be a good time to acquire additional skills or build on your present expertise.

Additional education:

• is a great investment in your resume,
• will show your future employer you are motivated and have a great work ethic,
• provide great networking opportunities so citical for finding that next job
• and of course can be fun.

So what to do?

Public speaking

Whether you will be expected to speak in public or not, public speaking builds confidence and poise and helps you stand out among the crowd. Speaking classes will help you deal with anxiety when you are the focus of people's attention as in an interview, especially the dreaded group interview. And speaking class is yet another great opportuntity to network with future employers and colleagues.

Writing

Writing skills are indispensable today. How much time you spend sending e-mails? Your resume and cover letter and followup emails with your future employer should be professional and well written. We exchange e-mails with someone for months without ever meeting them in person, your writing skills are often the first and most important judge of your talents or professionalism. Again stand out from the crowd.

Accounting

Life is dealing with money, both in your personal life as well as your work.  Maybe you are doing some contract or freelance work. Accounting skills will be invaluable.

Technology

Everyone today needs to feel comfortable using a variety of technologies from the basics of Word, Excel, Powerpoint, email and chatting. Are you proficient on both PCs and Macs? Be an advanced Facebooker and Twitterer.

Marketing

Regardless of your industry and specific position, employers like everyone to stay on message and have the same goal. A marketing course can give you some insight into how the leadership at the company is thinking. Not only will it help you understand what’s going on, it will enable you to approach your job in a way that might get you noticed or at least appreciated.

Sales and Interpersonal Skills

Sales and interpersonal and persuasive skills help you relate to people on an individual level,  important in any job. And remember you and only you will be your best salesperson for that next great job.

Good luck.

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