5 Productive Things to do While Waiting for a Job Offer
Waiting to hear back about a job that you recently interviewed for can be one of the most frustrating things to deal with. You may find it hard to concentrate on your current job, and if you are unemployed, the uncertain future looking back at you can be all the more frustrating. However, it is possible to keep yourself busy when you are waiting to hear back from your prospective employer. Here are some of the most productive things you can do while you land a job:
1.Travel
If you are not currently working, utilize the time you have in your hands to travel and unwind whenever you can find economical ways to do so. I took a trip to a vineyard and spent one week there by myself. I felt energized being away from the daily hustle and bustle and felt really up for the new job on day one.
If you are overly anxious about the waiting period, the stress can cause you to both look and feel burnt out. While traveling, though, it would be advisable to go to places which do not have phone connectivity issues, lest you miss that all-important call you’ve been waiting for. Remember though, while you may not be able to totally unplug, it’s perfectly acceptable to only check your phone at designated times.
2.Read
One thing that I did a lot during my days in the vineyard was read. Reading is one of the best ways to relax. I used my eBook reader because I find it easier to carry around, but a normal hardcover book works fine as well. Reading can distress you and add to your vocabulary and imagination. Enhancing these characteristics will only help you do better at the new job that you are waiting for.
3.Learn to Code
This is something I did the first time I quit a job. I did not work in the technology area, but I was just intrigued with the whole coding world. I took up a course on “How to make a website” and learned a whole host of things about HTML and XML. This helped me in my current job where I have to work very closely with our SEO team. There are many websites that can teach you coding in a fun and interactive way. This is one of idea that not only gives you something to do while you wait, but really offers a skill you can add to your toolbox (and resume!).
4.Start a blog
I maintain a blog of my own and I find that writing about my personal experiences serves as a way of calming myself down and taking stock of my situation. You could write about your personal or travel experiences, or about a current topic that you feel strongly about. Starting a blog is easy and is a great way to make new friends and connect with people who share similar tastes and ideologies.
5.Start an exercise regime
Another productive thing you can do before you land a job is to develop a regular practice of working out. I chose a HIIT workout routine on YouTube and started off with the basics. Gradually, I progressed to more advanced routines. And being in shape is always a good bonus.
About the Author: Helen Evans has been in the career development field for 5 years. She is a Marketing Manager at JobTonic and likes to share interesting tips to help people find their dream job. Her goal is to share what she has learned about job searching.