Are you lacking enthusiasm for your job search? Do you find yourself applying for roles that don’t really interest or excite you? If so, it could be worth exploring some new ideas.
While the more conventional ways of finding work – such as applying for opportunities online – are important, thinking creatively about your search can open doors and inspire you in ways you didn’t expect.
With that said, here are seven simple ideas to help inspire your job search…
1. Consider more unique opportunities
If you’re yet to feel inspired by any of the roles you’re applying for, perhaps it’s time to uncover some new ideas. When you’re looking to secure a new role quickly, it can feel easiest to reach out and apply for more traditional roles. And while this is a core part of any job search, it can be exciting to explore jobs you may not have previously considered or even heard of before.
To help inspire you, we’ve created four articles filled with unique jobs you may not have considered. You can find all four parts below…
2. Attend a job fair
Job fairs take place across the UK with countless employers attending – so the pool of opportunity is huge. Fairs are the perfect place to discover employers and see whether you could be a good match for their company.
With so many employers in one place, fairs can be an effective way to maximise your time and effort. You’ll also get to explore career options and employers that you may not have considered and could leave with some useful contacts and a clearer idea of the kind of role you’re looking for.
The website, Job Fair, lists upcoming fairs around the UK. Most are free to attend and don’t require any registration.
If you’d prefer, you can also attend job fairs online. For more information about virtual job fairs, you might like to take a look at this article from the National Careers Service.
3. Meet up with old friends and colleagues
Landing your ideal job can seem more manageable if you can get the inside scoop from someone who already works in the role or industry you’re looking to enter. So, asking friends and family if they know anyone in that profession can be helpful.
Even if you’re not sure exactly what you’re looking for, it’s still a good idea to put yourself out there and speak to people about what they do and any potential openings their employer might have.
You never know where these conversations might lead – you might get to hear about upcoming vacancies before they’re advertised or get a recommendation that helps you secure an interview.
Our article, How can I start networking to find a job?, has more tips.
4. Consider starting a side hustle
A ‘side hustle’ is a flexible job or activity that you do in your spare time to top up your income. Starting a side hustle alongside your job search can be a helpful way to get by while looking for a permanent role. Plus, it can make a great addition to your CV and cover letter because it shows you’re proactive and entrepreneurially-minded.
Many people start side hustles around something they’re particularly passionate about or a business idea that they’d like to test – and some discover that their side hustle has the potential to become their main source of income.
From setting up an Airbnb and publishing your own book to becoming a mystery shopper – there are plenty of ways you can make some extra cash in your free time. Check out our article, Popular side hustle ideas that can help you earn some extra cash, to get started.
5. Consider working for yourself
If you’re finding it difficult to secure the right role for you, it’s worth considering whether you’d be better off building your own business and creating your own job.
Becoming your boss can be a fantastic way to take control of your future. While becoming a business owner is hard work, it can also come with a huge sense of satisfaction.
Looking for ideas?
6. Reach out to companies you’d like to work for
One of the best ways to take steps towards securing a job that you really want is to reach out to companies that you’d like to work for, even if they’re not currently advertising roles.
Although they may not currently be recruiting, there’s always a chance they will be soon (in which case your proactive approach could give you an advantage), or that they might consider finding a place for you in the team anyway.
Even if neither of these things happens, it’s always useful to open up lines of communication with companies that you’re particularly passionate about working for, just in case a suitable opportunity comes up in the future.
A good way to go about doing this is to email them your CV and cover letter, explaining why you want to work for them and what skills and/or experience you’d bring.
It’s important to remember that not all companies will be open to talking to you about opportunities that they aren’t currently advertising for. However, if even just one does, you could be taking a step closer to an opportunity that you really want, rather than simply settling for what’s currently available.
For additional support, why not check out the career advice section of our website? Here, you’ll find CV and cover letter templates and tips.
7. Think about applying for temporary positions
Even though your end goal may be to find a permanent job, temporary roles shouldn’t be overlooked.
Many temporary jobs are offered on a seasonal basis. For example, retailers may look for extra help over Christmas or festival venues may need help during the summer months.
Taking on a job for a fixed period allows you to try something new without making a long-term commitment. You’ll also get the chance to learn some new skills and meet new people. Many temporary jobs also have the potential to become permanent if things go well.
If you’re looking for a temporary role, you might find it helpful to have a read of our article: 11 short-term contract jobs for the over 50s.
Final thoughts...
We hope that these seven ideas have given you some inspiration. Whether you’ve just started your job search or you’ve been going at it for a while, exploring new ways to find opportunities and considering roles you might not have thought of can make your search more interesting and may just help you find the right role.
For more help finding a job, head over to the career advice section of our website.
Have you found any other ways to inspire your job search? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.