“Thank you for your application. At this time, we have decided to move forward with other candidates. We will keep your resume on file for future openings.”

Nothing makes a job-seeking person’s stomach drop faster than opening a wildly anticipated email to see those words. Every round of applications sent is done with excitement and expectation, but a few weeks later that excitement turns to something like dread.

Listen, I get it. I personally had my go with unemployment last year, and, believe me, I know it isn’t fun. After being disappointed by half a dozen rejection emails, I eventually decided to give freelancing a shot in order to feel a little productive while actively applying for full-time positions. While this short-term solution wasn’t my plan, something about being unemployed made me feel, well . . . guilty. I needed something to satisfy my need to be productive because, as much as I love binge watching FRIENDS, it got boring after approximately . . . one day. 

While every ounce of unemployment feels like doom and gloom, that doesn’t make it so. If it hadn’t been for unemployment, I wouldn’t have done three vital things that improved my attitude and belief in myself while significantly improving my job search.

Give Your Resume an Overhaul

This is probably the first thing you thought to do, but an “overhaul” is more in depth than simply “editing” your resume. When you’re finished and think it’s absolutely perfect, edit it again—yes, really! Consider hiring an editor to offer attention grabbing suggestions and a thorough check for errors.

TIP: While many people gripe about the boring layout of a Word document resume, there’s actually a beneficial reason to save a copy of your resume as a Word doc. Many companies require applicants to manually input every bit of info from their resume onto their employment webpage. If you upload your resume as a Word doc, it will automatically input your experience and college information correctly, saving you time and frustration. And don’t worry, for those with a well-designed PDF resume, you can go back and replace the file with the PDF version once the boxes are filled and saved!

Create an Online Portfolio

I personally dreaded doing this from the moment someone suggested it. If you’re anything like me, you might downplay the amount of commendable work you’ve done, or assume that you don’t have enough work to create a portfolio that an employer would be impressed by. If that’s you, cut it out! Be proud of the things you’ve accomplished and take a day to compile all of your best work. Diversify the content as much as possible so that you show all your best angles.

TIP: If you need help creating a website, the Hatch Creatives community is spilling over with women who can help you build one! If you are looking for inspiration, tap “online portfolio template” into Pinterest’s search bar.

Update Your LinkedIn Profile

I once heard a joke that went something like, “LinkedIn: The place to connect with people you don’t know for absolutely no reason.” I actually did chuckle because it can feel that way. However, a valuable connection is such, regardless of where it’s found. Job-seekers go out of their way by dressing up and driving to an event just to network with HR managers and recruiters, but those same HR managers and recruiters are already present and active on LinkedIn! Many view LinkedIn as a virtual resume, so if your work history is sorely outdated there it may give employers the wrong idea about you—especially if you work in a digital field.

TIP: When you find a job that you are excited to apply for, look up the company on LinkedIn, find an HR manager or employee employed there and add them as a connection. Once they connect with you, send them a message introducing yourself saying you recently applied. It’s likely that you will land an interview by making a personal connection with someone on the team.

Regardless of the outcome, it is much healthier to continue building your professional presence than to sulk on the couch or take a job that will lead you nowhere in the name of staying busy. On the bad days, remember that everyone has felt discouraged when job searching, and it’s okay to feel that way—but don’t stay in that place. Keep going, my friend! Good luck, and I hope these three simple things lead you to an exciting and fulfilling career.