Tips to Improve Skills While Unemployed

When I was job hunting, I hated submitting my CV because it was empty. I wanted it to be filled with experience, but no one would hire me. And no one would hire me because it was empty. You see the frustrating loop? Now, as a CEO who has reviewed hundreds of CVs, I see exactly where the gap is. If I had to start job hunting again today, this is exactly what I would do: 1. I’d register a company. Not because I want to “start a business” but because while I’m waiting to be hired, I would hire myself, and I’d make it legit. Many companies now do background checks. I don’t want to come across as a fraud. 2. I would give myself a real, functional role like Legal Counsel, Finance Analyst,  Content Strategist, Data Analyst, etc. Then I’d go out and do that role for people; friends, family, small businesses, anyone who needs it. Paid or unpaid doesn’t matter at this stage. 3.  Document your work like your career depends on it, because it does. When you do these free things for people, document every task… on LinkedIn. Every task becomes a short post, before/after, a lesson for those trying to solve that same problem. PROOF SELLS ANYTHING. 4. I would take advantage of free knowledge online (there are thousands of them) but not stop there. More importantly, I would apply what I learn immediately, share what I’m learning (still on LinkedIn) and show how I’m using it in real situations. 5. One of my biggest wishes was that I learnt a skill while I was waiting to be employed.  I was so stuck on being employed that I completely ruled out learning something with my hands. I strongly advise that while you're job searching, learn a skill. It won’t go to waste. Do all these, and you’ll find yourself employable soon after.  I know doing free work is not easy but if you approach it as an investment in yourself, not exploitation, it changes everything. Note: On my CV, I wouldn’t write “self-employed” …unless I’m asked. 

Lost Your Job? Think of It as a New Beginning.?? Seeing posts about layoffs from big companies like Amazon can feel scary. For many people, it’s not just news—it’s a big shock and a hard time. If you or someone you know has lost a job, remember this: ➔➔It’s okay to feel sad or afraid. ➔➔This is not your failure. It’s just a pause, a chance to start again. And maybe this is the right time to learn new things and move toward the future of work, especially with AI and technology growing fast. Here are 20 simple steps, divided into three stages, to help you recover and move ahead with confidence: ≫ I. Process & Heal (First Week) 1. Take 1–2 days to relax and calm down. Don’t rush. 2. Make a simple daily plan—include time for job search, learning, and some exercise. 3. Talk to friends or share your story online. Being honest helps you connect with others. 4. Rest properly. A fresh mind gives better ideas and confidence. ≫ II. Prepare & Rebuild (Next Few Weeks) 5. Update your LinkedIn and resume. Add numbers to show your achievements. 6. Decide what kind of job you really want next. 7. Talk to mentors or old colleagues. Networking is better than just sending random job applications. 8. Use November and December to get ready. Companies start hiring more in January (Q1). 9. Add the right keywords on LinkedIn so recruiters can find you easily. 10. Focus on companies that are still hiring or growing even now. ≫ III. Upskill & Pivot (Build Your Future) 11. Learn new skills—especially in AI, automation, and data. These are in high demand. 12. Share your learning journey on LinkedIn or social media. Show you are growing. 13. Read, comment, and post online about your field. It helps people notice your expertise. 14. Look for new roles or industries where your skills can still fit. 15. Improve soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. 16. Try freelance or part-time projects to stay active and earn while you search. 17. Keep learning every week—stay curious! 18. Check your progress every week. Even small wins count. 19. Don’t lose hope—every step is taking you forward. 20. Remember: This is not just about getting another job—it’s about creating your next chapter. A layoff can be a blessing in disguise. Let’s use this moment to grow, learn, and build something even better. #Amazon #Layoffs #bounceback

If I were laid off today, which has happened to many and can happen to any of us, here’s what I would do: 1. Save anything that's important on my office laptop - In the few remaining hours I have, save testimonials and kudos from bosses, colleagues, clients, partners and/or vendors - Redact and save deliverables I'd want to include in my personal portfolio 2. Prioritise my finances - Negotiate my severance package, especially if I'm a top performer - Cancel unnecessary subscriptions (the duplicated AI tools would have to go) - Relook at my lifestyle and opt for cheaper alternatives (mat pilates instead of reformer, cooking at home instead of eating out) - Scale up my side hustle and maybe start 1-2 new ones - I might also take on a freelance, fractional or contract role (eg. maternity cover) since a search for a good job can take some time 3. Get myself job-ready - Strengthen my resume, LinkedIn profile, digital portfolio, and application materials so that if anyone needs them, they are ready to go - Tell my network that I'm looking and be specific about the kinds of jobs and companies I'm targeting - Work on my digital presence and show how I can contribute - Go for networking events (both online and in person) to meet new people 4. Enhance my skills - I’d focus on skills and areas of expertise that are in demand, that I can pick up fairly quickly AND which I also have an interest in (a big mistake is chasing something that might sound in demand, but that you have no real aptitude or interest for) - Instead of collecting courses or certificates, I'd build and show the actual products I've made - so I don't fall into a "tutorial hole” 5. Apply for jobs strategically and thoughtfully - Prioritise referrals for open roles, and for those referrals, I'd do something to stand out (eg. pitch deck, short video, memo) - Apply for roles where I'm a 80-90% fit, to maximise my chances - Use my network to get introductions to roles I'm genuinely interested in I would also protect myself while doing all of the above, because the search can take time. For instance, spend 80-9% of my energy on roles I'm a strong fit for, so I don't rack up too many rejections. Many people often underestimate rejections, which can be discouraging and kill momentum, and that's the last thing I'd want. I’d also be deliberate about which social media platforms I spend time on, because the wrong one can do more harm than good to your mental health. That said, all of the above can be done even when we are thriving in your corporate job. I’d say they are much easier to do: - Saving testimonials and references from bosses, colleagues, partners and customers - Reviewing your finances regularly - Starting side hustles - Keeping your resume, LinkedIn profile, and digital portfolio strong - Staying connected and reconnecting with your network - Continuously building your skills - Applying for roles that genuinely interest you You don't have to wait for a layoff to start.

The job market is slow. Offers are getting deferred. Sometimes even revoked. Major companies are not hiring as well as they did previously. How can one be better suited to face such employment challenges? 1. Upskilling: Continuous learning is the key. Acquiring new skills and staying updated with industry trends can make you a more attractive candidate. A subtle example for instance, in management consulting, mastering data analytics tools like Tableau or gaining proficiency in change management methodologies could set you apart. Stay ahead of industry trends to demonstrate adaptability and a willingness to grow. 2. Networking: Forge and maintain meaningful professional relationships, try to get 1-1 conversations with decision makers. Attend events, webinars, and online forums to connect with industry peers and potential employers. Your network can provide valuable insights, referrals, and opportunities that might not be advertised. I cannot emphasise on how networking helps & I have got x number of offers from amazing firms & folks, who just liked my content on LinkedIn! 3. Synergies: Collaborate and showcase versatility. Highlight how your skills can seamlessly complement various roles or departments within an organization. Emphasize your ability to contribute across functions, making you an asset in different scenarios. One thing I often do before talking to someone regarding a role is: Figuring out where can I add the best value in their organization by doing a deep dive beforehand. 4. Communication: Effective communication sets you apart. Tailor your resume, cover letters, and interviews to showcase your skills and accomplishments clearly. Articulate your value proposition and how you can address specific company needs, displaying your potential impact. These may seem like trivial tasks, but a neat mail and well-conveyed thoughts can make all the difference required between that offer and no offer. Remember, resilience and a proactive attitude are key. Stay persistent, remain open to different avenues, and continue adapting your approach based on market dynamics. Your proactive efforts will increase your chances of success even in challenging times. For everyone affected by the slow job market, stay strong my friends. For everyone, aspiring to sit for placements soon or in a couple of years, be well prepared, there’s a long road ahead! After all, we are in this together :) #Jobs #India

Upskilling is one of the most valuable things you can do for your career, but I often hear concerns about the costs. While certain courses and certifications are objectively unaffordable, especially during unemployment, there’s a lot of upskilling that you can do for free, such as: 1. Attend webinars and online workshops 2. Read a book at your local library 3. Attend informational interviews 4. Network on social media 5. Catch up with newsletters in your inbox 6. Do a knowledge transfer with a friend whose job you like 7. Take free online courses (Google, Coursera, OpenLearn) 8. Join industry-related groups 9. Listen to podcasts 10. Watch YouTube 11. Use up all the free resources provided by your university (Alumni benefit, too) 12. Join online study groups/forums 13. Take advantage of free trials and don’t forget to cancel them 14. Read a new blog 15. Explore open-source projects Or master what you already know. : ) You don’t have to return to school or splurge on expensive learning materials to improve your skills.

Unemployed? Don’t Just Wait - Volunteer. Job hunting can be frustrating. The endless applications. The silence from recruiters. The self-doubt creeping in. But here’s an overlooked strategy: Volunteer. Why? Because volunteering isn’t just giving back - it’s investing in yourself. ✅ Keeps your skills sharp - Whether it’s project management, coding, marketing, or leadership, use your expertise in a real-world setting. ✅ Fills the employment gap - Employers love seeing initiative. Volunteering shows you’re active, engaged, and committed to growth. ✅ Expands your network - Many jobs come from connections, not applications. Volunteering puts you in rooms with decision-makers. ✅ Builds confidence & purpose -Losing a job can feel like losing direction. Contributing your skills where they’re needed gives you momentum. I’ve seen people land jobs through volunteering. They made a connection that who hired them, gaining experience that made them more competitive, or simply showing up and proving their value. So, if you’re in a job search rut, ask yourself: ➜ Where can I add value today? ➜ What skills can I offer right now? ➜ Who can I help while I help myself? Because sometimes, the best way to move forward… is to give back. 📌 Have you ever volunteered your way into an opportunity?