7 Ways to Remain Productive While Waiting for the Perfect Job (+ Practical Advice)

Key Takeaways

• Continue applying for jobs while you wait to hear back from one employer, and don’t neglect to follow up with those you’ve already applied for.
• Self-care and stress management are important to the job search process.
• Networking can lead to more opportunities and open doors.

You find the perfect IT job (or several great possibilities) and waste no time applying for them. Once you’ve sent the application, resume, and cover letter, what do you do?

Waiting to hear back after applying for the perfect IT job can feel like an eternity. But instead of feeling stuck, there are plenty of productive ways to keep moving forward. Here are seven things you can do while you wait.

1. Keep the Job Search Going

It’s important to keep searching for jobs that meet your qualifications rather than waiting to hear back from each one after applying. Set a goal to apply for a certain number of jobs per week. Be sure to customize your application, resume, and cover letter for each job. 

Keep moving forward by continuing to apply to as many jobs as possible while waiting for a response from one.

2. Network to Boost Your Chances

A significant number of IT (and other professional) jobs are now filled through referrals from current employees or other contacts in the field. Networking on LinkedIn, job boards, and in other avenues might produce someone who will refer you for a promising job. 

Online forums, virtual meetups, and Linkedin discussions can also be used to meet potential hiring managers or other contacts who could recommend you to decision-makers. Time spent networking in today’s business climate is time well spent. 

You never know when the right connection could lead to your dream job.

3. Follow Up Consistently

There is some truth to the adage that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. A week or two after submitting an application or having an interview, send a polite email to follow up. 

Reiterate your interest in the position and ask if there’s any additional information you can provide. Keep the tone positive and professional, and avoid coming across as impatient.

Polite and positive persistence in calling staffing agencies and hiring managers following an application, interview, or other contact may be just what the employer is looking for in a new hire. 

Express your interest confidently, not desperately, and look for ways to stand out from the crowd.

And always remember to send a thank-you note or email after each interview.

4. Consider a Temporary Role

Even temp jobs outside the IT field can sometimes lead to better opportunities once employers find out you work hard and have capabilities far beyond those required for the temporary position. 

Temping can be a way to network, as co-workers who take a liking to you may be willing to refer you for open IT positions.

Look for short-term contract positions, freelance work, or internships to stay active in your field. Check with GDH for consulting projects that match your existing skills and can help you develop new ones.

Websites like Upwork, Toptal, or Fiverr are other sources for short-term tech opportunities. You can also find temporary jobs through staffing agencies that specialize in IT roles. 

Taking on contract work is a smart move that helps financially while adding to your resume.

5. Manage Job Search Stress

A long job search can leave you emotionally wrung out, depressed, or angry. When strong and unmanaged, these emotions come through during interviews no matter how much you try to hold them back. 

It’s normal to be nervous during an interview, but resentment or anger will not serve you well. Support groups and therapy can give you a safe place to work out your feelings so that you can approach an interview healthy and whole.

Set aside time each day to focus on your mental and emotional health. Use stress management techniques like mindfulness, journaling, or even yoga to stay grounded. 

Practice mock interviews with a friend or career coach to boost confidence.

Most importantly, take breaks to avoid burnout, especially during lengthy job searches.

6. Take Care of Yourself

Unemployment can make people feel like they don’t have a right to do anything for themselves. It’s important not to punish yourself for losing a job. 

Instead, take time after all the job search activities are taken care of to do things that bring you joy and health. 

Incorporate daily exercise like walking or jogging to relieve stress. Spend time learning a new skill or working on a personal project. For example, coding enthusiasts could contribute to open-source projects on GitHub. 

Take advantage of free or low-cost courses on platforms like Coursera or edX to expand your skillset while waiting.

Consider pursuing a hobby (within your budget), and take at least a few minutes each day to breathe deeply and relax.

7. Carpe Diem — Seize the Moment

One day soon, you will be going back to work, and your free time will be greatly reduced. A great thing to do while you are unemployed is something that you won’t have time to do once you’re back to work.

Upskill

There will never be a better time to invest in yourself. Take a short online course, attend industry webinars, or simply read that business book you’ve been meaning to start. 

Consider volunteering your IT skills to a nonprofit or open-source project to keep building experience and goodwill.

Take a Mini-Vacation

Use your free time for something meaningful or fulfilling that you’ve put off. Pursue a hobby like photography or cooking. 

You may not be able to afford a European vacation or a week at the beach while unemployed. But you may be able to manage a weekend camping trip or the all-day hike in the mountains you were too busy to do when working full time.

Conclusion

It’s important to stay organized during your job search. Track your job applications and follow-ups in a spreadsheet.  Stay proactive and focus on self-improvement. Take advantage of networking opportunities and other resources available to you.

GDH can help. We match IT job seekers with companies looking to hire. Whether you’re looking for project work or your next full-time opportunity, GDH Consulting makes it easier to find that perfect job. Join our talent network today!