Searching for work can sometimes feel like a waiting game.

You submit an application, check your emails, refresh your inbox and hope for an update. 

When you don’t hear anything straight away, it’s easy to feel like there isn’t much you can do except wait. 

In reality, there are several ways you can use that time to improve your chances and prepare for future opportunities. 

 

Keep Your CV Up To Date 

Many people only update their CV when they’re actively applying for jobs. The problem with doing this is that any important experience, training or achievements you have gained in the meantime can easily be forgotten over time. Even if you’re not applying for a role today, it’s worth regularly reviewing your CV and adding: 

• Recent work experience 

• New responsibilities 

• Training courses 

• Qualifications 

• Volunteer work 

• Relevant achievements 

That way, you’re always ready when an opportunity comes along. 

 

Think About The Skills You’ve Developed 

Not every valuable skill comes from a job title. 

You may have developed useful experience through: 

• Caring responsibilities 

• Volunteering 

• Education 

• Previous employment 

• Community activities 

Taking time to recognise these skills can help you present yourself more confidently when opportunities arise. 

 

Check Your Availability 

This is particularly important if you’re registered with an agency. 

Has your availability changed? 

Are there additional days you could work? 

Would you be willing to travel slightly further for the right opportunity? 

Making sure your availability is accurate helps agencies and employers identify suitable work more quickly. 

 

Stay On Top Of Training 

Training requirements vary between roles and organisations, but keeping your knowledge up to date can only help. If opportunities are available to refresh your training or develop new skills, they may strengthen future applications and help you feel more confident when starting work. Don’t forget to also add any training achievements to your CV or ensure you speak about them during interviews. 

To keep your skills and knowledge up to date click the button below.

 

Don’t Take Silence Personally 

One of the biggest challenges during a job search is maintaining confidence. It’s easy to assume that a lack of response means you’ve done something wrong. However, recruitment processes can take time for many reasons. Such as:

• Applications may still be under review
• Managers may be interviewing candidates
• Compliance checks may still be taking place. 

A delay doesn’t automatically reflect your suitability for a role. However, make sure you continue to actively apply for other jobs and if possible, apply for any job that interests you in the surrounding areas of where you are based.

Use The Time Productively 

Rather than focusing on what you can’t control, try focusing on what you can. 

For example: 

• Review your CV 

• Update your availability 

• Organise important documents 

• Refresh your training records 

• Continue applying for suitable opportunities 

These are all things that can help you feel more prepared and improve your chances when opportunities become available. 

 

How Halo Staffing Can Help 

At Halo Staffing, we understand that searching for work can sometimes feel frustrating. That’s why we encourage candidates to stay in touch, keep their information updated and make use of the support available. 

We also offer a free CV Builder to help candidates present their skills and experience professionally. To create your new CV using our FREE CV builder, click the button below and get started today!