Often these chats revolve around current affairs or local issues. At times, the discussion may devolve into pure gossip. Sometimes you are able to find out about an upcoming event or something you didn't know. If you are like other people, you keep track of these tidbits to share with friends or family later in the day.
But, if you are out of work and sitting in front of a computer all day and chasing employers down on the phone, you may feel you don't have much of interest to discuss after a while. There is only so many ways to say, "I'm not in too much pain today." or "I sent x number of resumes and had a hard time following up on last week's applications." It is hard to make it sound interesting, even on a good day!
Making time during the day to learn something new will not only give you something interesting to discuss at the dinner table or at a networking meeting. It will keep you sharp and provide a sense of mastery that you may be missing. In a job search it is hard to see progress until you get an interview or a job offer (unless you use an online tracking system).Some ideas of things you can do to learn something new and feel like you have something to share with others, at home or in pre-interview small talk, include:
Foreign Language - http://www.LiveMocha.com
Typing - http://www.nimblefingers.com/0_min.htm ORhttp://www.powertyping.com
Computers - http://www.gcflearnfree.org/ComputerBasics
Microsoft Office Software - http://www.gcflearnfree.org/office OR http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training-FX101782702.aspx
Current Affairs - http://www.usatoday.com/ or your local newspaper
Check with your local library or community center or try: http://www.discoverahobby.com/learncalligraphy.htm for a variety of hobbies that can keep your brain working, including:
Calligraphy
Painting/Drawing
Music
Dance
Sports
Not convinced? Here is an article on more benefits of life-long learning. Enjoy!
Other articles that may be of interest:
Jan 21, 2012
What You Can Learn from Labor Market Info. By Dawn Rosenberg McKay, About.com Guide January 17, 2012. I recently read that architecture is the worst career to choose these days, thanks to the housing bust. The truth is if ...
Jul 30, 2012
What do you already know about the company? What information is available on its website? Do you have access to the mission statement or other financial information or goals? Summarize what you know and are able learn ...
Aug 30, 2012
We've picked out 15 of the most helpful certificates to have in today's job market, from health care to IT, and even construction. Read on to learn about some of the very best certificates you can earn for finding a job today.
Jul 16, 2012
Learn new skills. You may not be current with the current computer software, techniques, or theories being used in your targeted industry(ies). You may never have had the opportunity to use or practice skills employers are ...
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