Been looking for work longer than you expected? You're not alone, and it's not forever. You need to stay focused, play to your strengths, and keep moving forward until you land that perfect role.
Look at these practical ways to level up your job search—from polishing your skills to growing your network and catching employers' attention.
It’s time to switch up your strategy and get back on track!
Apply for jobs that match what you’re good at
Knowing what kind of work matches your skills and preferences is the foundation of every successful job search. It might seem obvious, but when your search stretches on, it can be tempting to apply for any job you find.
Resist the urge! Instead, focus your energy where it counts—on roles that align with your strengths. But that doesn't mean you need to have every qualification the employer is looking for. Just be sure you're qualified to take on the main tasks of the job and explain your willingness and ability to learn what you don't know yet.
Remember, every job opening is competitive. Before you hit “apply”, check that you can meet most of the key requirements:
- Skills listed in the job posting
- The education and experience the employer expects
- Personality traits the employer is looking for, like being a fast learner, multi-tasker, or team player
- Other requirements, such as a having a driver’s licence or access to a vehicle
By targeting jobs that fit your skills and background, you’ll increase your chances of landing a role that’s right for you—and save yourself time and effort along the way.
Upgrade your skills and experience
If you’ve been unemployed for a while, use your time to upgrade your skills and increase your job prospects. Here’s how:
- Take relevant courses to boost your skills.
- Update your credentials, such as first aid and safety training, to meet job requirements.
- Stay current by subscribing to industry podcasts, newsletters, blogs, or social media.
- Volunteer in a strategic role to learn and practise new skills.
Not sure where to start? A quick online search can help you discover options and opportunities worth exploring.
Expand your network
Your network may be your most valuable resource in your job search. In fact, over 70% of job openings are never advertised—they’re filled through recommendations.
Tap into this hidden job market by connecting with others and showing you’re ready for work:
- Attend job fairs to meet employers from various industries actively looking to hire.
- Join a professional association or local business network and volunteer your time.
- Attend industry events like conferences or workshops to meet potential employers.
- Sign up to volunteer at events connected to your industry or career interests.
- Sign up with a temp agency to get your foot in the door, meet new contacts, and earn a paycheque while you search.
- Create a strong online profile (for example, LinkedIn) so employers can easily find you.
What if I’m shy?
If meeting new people seems daunting, start by reaching out to those you already know—extended family, former classmates, or work colleagues.
Let them know you’re looking for work. Even if they don’t have immediate leads, there’s a good chance they’ll share opportunities as they come up.
Long-term unemployment is tough, but don’t let it define you. Be open about your job search and avoid dwelling on negatives. In short, be the person you'd want to work with. Focus your conversations on what you’re doing—volunteering, learning a language online, playing pickleball. Focus on your strengths: you’re smart, skilled, a self-learner, a good listener, a great co-worker. This positive impression is what you want to leave with people.
Your network needs to know and trust you so that they want to recommend you for a job.
Always put your best self forward. You never know who is watching and what opportunities they might offer.
Tailor your resumé for every application
Your resumé is your ticket to a job, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Tailor it for every job you apply to.
When you’re in long-term employment it’s wise to write a master resumé—a starter that you can easily adapt for each new job opportunity.
Consider using a functional resumé format to show your skills and downplay gaps in your work history.
Long-term unemployment can create resumé gaps, but you can flip the script. Show how you filled those gaps with relevant activities and your commitment to lifelong learning shines. Showing that you’re eager to keep learning makes a strong impression on employers and turns potential red flags into standout strengths.
Whatever format you choose, keep your resumé professional. Good communication skills are essential for almost every job, so spelling and grammar matter.
Take time to proofread carefully. Every detail reflects on you!
Got a personal introduction to an employer?
That’s a big plus—they already trust the person recommending you. But don’t assume the job is yours yet.
Your resumé still needs to showcase your experience and fit for the role. Here’s how to make it stand out:
- Research the organization—Understand its history, mission, and culture.
- Get details—Ask the person who’s referred you about the specific role.
- Check similar job postings—Search online for similar positions and note the common requirements.
- Tailor your resumé—Highlight your skills that match those common requirements.
- Use industry keywords—Align your language with current terminology trends.
- Show your growth—Include recent courses, volunteer work, professional affiliations, or experiences like travel to show you’ve been productive.
If you’re responding to a job posting
Your application is almost always one of many. Your cover letter and resumé need to prove you’re a strong contender.
Job postings are full of valuable information about the company, the job, and what the employer expects. Use this to your advantage by tailoring your resumé to align with what the employer wants. If you meet most of their criteria, you’re more likely to land an interview.
Be honest about your skills and experience. If you don’t match what the job requires, it’s probably not the right fit—yet. If that’s the case, use the job posting to learn what you need for the next opportunity.
Consider expanding your reach
Feeling stuck in your job search? It might not be your skills—it could be your location. While openings in your area may be rare, there are great opportunities in other cities, provinces, and even countries. Expanding your search area could be key.
Relocating isn’t for everyone—it can be tough socially and financially. Thankfully, remote work is more common than ever, especially in technology and admin roles. It offers a flexible way to tap into broader job markets without the move.
Curious about remote work? Check these links. They’re full of opportunities, and many are vetted to ensure the quality and the legitimacy of the position:
- AngelList
- Arc
- Authentic
- Career Vault
- Dribbble
- Flexjobs
- Jobspresso
- JustRemote
- LandingJobs
- NoDesk
- Pangian
- Power to Fly
- Remoters
- RemoteOK
- Remotive
- Skip the Drive
- VirtualVocations
- We Work Remotely
- Working Nomads
Don’t give up on yourself
Long-term unemployment can take a toll on your confidence. Don’t let rejection hold you back.
- Keep at it and revisit your strategy. Use your downtime wisely: stay active with things you genuinely enjoy, boost your skills, improve your resumé, and grow your network. Trust in the process. It works.
Employment Resources
Here’s a list of places you can go for help finding work:
- Alis is your online gateway for:
- Employment information such as job postings and information about work search, the labour market, and succeeding in the workplace.
- Career information, such as career planning resources and services, career planning tools, and occupational information.
- Education information about post-secondary education and training programs, educational funding, program transfers, and student services.
- Find an Alberta Supports Centre near you or contact them by phone:
- Toll-free in Alberta: Call 1-877-644-9992.
- For TTY service in Edmonton: Call 780-427-9999.
- For TTY service in other parts of Alberta: Call 1-800-232-7215.
- Alberta employment services directory search—Search for employment programs in your area to help you, free of charge, if you are looking for work.
- Training and Employment Services Directory—Programs and services to help individuals find and keep jobs, get training, and adapt to a changing labour market.
- Supports for employees and job seekers—Services and supports for employees, workers and job seekers, including the Veterans Service Centre.
- Higher Landing—Essential free career and employment workshops for Albertans.