Killing time

One of the most frustrating aspects of looking for a job is waiting. There are only so many things you can do, so many places you can look, so many people to whom you can send your resumé. Interviews -- with this guide, you can be sure you'll do great -- but in the meantime? While you're waiting? Now's the time to make your resumé even better. You've probably already redesigned it, double-checked spelling and grammar, found the perfect paper to print it on, and figured out the best way to describe your experience and skills. But have you thought about ways to add to it? Now's the time...

Take an objective look at your resumé and then decide where you look the weakest. Is your community involvement rather limited? Get out the phone book and make some calls. Like animals? See what hours you can volunteer at the local shelter, even if it's just for a day. Then add it to your resumé. Is the Boys and Girls Club hosting an event? See if you can sell tickets or donate some food or hand out programs. Then write it down. You're not fabricating something that's not true -- you're making sure you have contributed to a cause so that you can show your involvement and appear more well-rounded. Pick up trash on the median of the highway (and stay out of oncoming traffic). Plant flowers for a downtown agency or organization (with permission, of course). Make phone calls for an afternoon for a political party (you don't have to say which one). Just do something, and make sure you get credit for it. Both sides will benefit, and who knows -- you just might find something you love to do.

Or maybe your resumé would benefit from more technical skills. Play around with a new software program, or complete an online tutorial, or ask a friend who's proficient to spend an evening tutoring you (you'll provide the snacks). Brush up on your skills and add your newfound proficiency to your resumé. Or take an online course, and show your interesting in ongoing education. Build a website or start a blog, for yourself or for an organization as a volunteer. Then add it to the list.

All of these things have a dual benefit: improving your chances of being noticed, while helping someone in need (even if that someone turns out to be you). And the time will pass more quickly while you wait for the phone call offering you the interview you're waiting for.