4 Ways to Optimize Your Unemployment Job Search

According to May data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the current unemployment rate sits at just around 13.3%. For perspective, the unemployment rate hovered at around 3.5% in February, just before the spread of COVID-19 in the United States. The first wave of job losses, which included more than 20 million people, came from the restaurant and service sectors. However, the impact of coronavirus has become more widespread, affecting households from all walks of life and workers from every type of industry.

Though employment may be starting to bounce back and parts of the country may be reopening, the reality is that for many, a good portion of the year 2020 will have been spent indoors. According to CNBC, for people who are furloughed or laid off, this offers a unique opportunity for learning new skills, which can:

Many institutions and organizations are offering free or low-cost courses that focus on skills building, as well as resume writing and other career-oriented tasks. The following are a few options to consider:

CareerOneStop is a website that serves job seekers and others with a variety of free online tools, information and resources. Here, you'll find an assortment of training opportunities and job search tools offered by the U.S. Department of Labor. Additionally, the site can help you find information and support around unemployment during COVID-19, including:

Institutions like DeVry University have adapted to the new world we are living in by offering free training for anyone interested in improving their skills. These training videos span a variety of topics, from business communication to best practices in stressful times and even self-care. Some of the more recent trainings center on:

If you're not on LinkedIn, now is the time to change that. Not only is LinkedIn the place where you can showcase your digital resume to the entire world, but it is also a place where you can network with like-minded professionals, grow your own group of connections and source potential job opportunities. To make the most of LinkedIn:

During your unemployment job search, you might consider building or refining new marketable skills. Consider spending a portion of time everyday watching skill-building videos or reading articles about new developments in your industry. Flexing your creative muscles can also help you in your career, so don’t hesitate to try something outside your normal wheelhouse.

If you are looking for a more in-depth learning experience, you might consider pursuing an undergraduate or graduate certificate. Certificate programs can typically be completed in about a year (or less, in some instances) and give you the opportunity to add a college-level credential to your resume. In DeVry University’s certificate programs, for example, students may also qualify for financial aid.

There are a number of resources available to help you figure out if you're eligible for unemployment, how to apply and what you need to do to ensure your application is properly completed. Benefits.gov is a great place to start. This site includes information regarding where you can find: