Being between jobs is never easy—but what if it could be a turning point?
What if this time off was not a setback, but a reset? A chance to catch your breath, build new skills, and maybe even head in a completely new direction.
Thinking about switching careers? Or are you a recent grad trying to figure out where to start? Either way, this is the perfect time to focus on growth. The skills you pick up now can boost your confidence, make your resume stand out, and help you hit the ground running when the right opportunity comes along.
Need a little direction? Our career change guide can help you map out your next move.
Why Learn This Now?
Research indicates that investing in skill development during periods of unemployment can significantly enhance reemployment prospects and earnings. For instance, a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that while unemployment duration can lead to declines in reemployment rates and earnings, there is no significant deterioration in cognitive and noncognitive skills during unemployment.
To help you make the most of your time, here is a quick breakdown of the best skills to learn while unemployed—and why each one matters right now:
What to Do Between Jobs: 9 Skills Worth Learning
Being between jobs can feel frustrating—but it can also be one of the most productive phases in your career. With just one hour a day, you can build real skills, boost your confidence, and position yourself for your next opportunity.
So if you are wondering where to focus your time and energy—here’s a quick recap. Once again, these are the best skills to learn while unemployed, along with curated Learning Paths you can start right now on Skill Success.
1. Resume Writing + Job Search Strategy
Learning Path: Application Essentials: How to Get a Job Fast
Duration: 7h 48m
Why it fits: A solid resume and job search strategy are essential when you need results quickly. This path covers everything from beating ATS filters and tailoring resumes, to writing cold emails and follow-ups that actually work. You will also gain clarity on what recruiters are really looking for—even if you have gaps or limited experience.
2. LinkedIn + Online Presence
Learning Path: Application Essentials: How to Get a Job Fast
Why it fits: Your online presence can make or break your job search. This Learning Path includes a complete LinkedIn optimization guide, helping you build a profile that attracts recruiters and hiring managers. Learn how to highlight your strengths, even when you’re between jobs or pivoting careers.
3. Career Reinvention + Personal Branding
Learning Path: Make the Switch: Reinvent Your Career
Why it fits: If you are switching industries, this path helps you reframe your experience and develop a strong personal brand. Learn how to write a compelling career story, build a standout CV, and gain clarity about the roles that align with your new goals. This is especially helpful for mid-career professionals or freshers aiming for a shift.
4. Communication + Emotional Intelligence
Learning Path: Master Workplace Readiness Skills: Equip Yourself for Success
Why it fits: Strong communication and emotional intelligence are critical soft skills. Whether you are interviewing or starting a new role, this path helps you express ideas clearly, give and receive feedback, and build strong relationships with coworkers and managers.
5. Critical Thinking + Problem Solving
Learning Path: Master Workplace Readiness Skills: Equip Yourself for Success
Why it fits: Employers look for people who can think on their feet. This Learning Path strengthens your decision-making skills and helps you approach complex problems with confidence—whether in interviews, onboarding, or team projects.
6. Time + Task Management
Learning Path: Master Workplace Readiness Skills: Equip Yourself for Success
Why it fits: Being between jobs is the perfect time to build discipline. Learn how to structure your day, set realistic goals, and stay productive—habits that will serve you well when you re-enter the workforce.
7. Adaptability + Growth Mindset
Learning Path: Master Workplace Readiness Skills: Equip Yourself for Success
Why it fits: Today’s job market is always evolving. This path helps you stay agile, embrace change, and stay motivated during transitions—whether you’re shifting careers or adapting to hybrid work environments.
8. Technical or Creative Upskilling
Learning Path: Let’s Get Digital: Digital Marketing Skills for Career Growth
Why it fits: Want to break into digital marketing, social media, or content creation? This path teaches high-demand digital skills like SEO, email marketing, and online branding—ideal for career switchers looking to explore new creative or technical fields.
9. Portfolio Projects + Real-World Tools
Learning Path: From Novice to Career-Ready: Essential Data Analysis Tools
Why it fits: This in-depth path covers Excel, SQL, Tableau, and Power BI. It’s ideal for anyone interested in data, project management, or operations. You will also complete real-world exercises to build a portfolio—essential if you’re trying to prove your skills without formal experience.
Individual Courses to Take While You’re Between Jobs
Practical Problem Solving And Decision Making Training
If you're looking to strengthen your thinking skills, Practical Problem Solving and Decision Making Training is a great place to start. Taught by psychologist and educator Sanja Stojanovic, this 1-hour beginner-friendly course dives into psychology-based tools and techniques that can help you think more clearly, avoid common decision-making mistakes, and approach problems with confidence—both in life and business. Whether you're navigating personal challenges or professional choices, this course offers practical strategies to help you make better decisions and reduce stress.
Productivity: How To Get Twice More Done Each Day
If you're overwhelmed by your to-do list or just want to make better use of your time, Productivity: How To Get Twice More Done Each Day offers practical strategies to help you take control. In just over 3 hours, instructor Derek shares high-impact tips to boost motivation, eliminate distractions, and streamline your daily routines. This beginner-friendly course is packed with clear, visual lessons that are easy to follow and apply right away—perfect for anyone ready to stop feeling stuck and start getting things done.
Learn New Skills Online: Platform Picks
If you're ready to dive deeper, here are some platforms we recommend for career switchers and upskillers:
- DataCamp: This is ideal for data analysts, developers, and Excel power users. It offers interactive lessons and real-world projects that make learning technical skills more engaging and practical. If you're just starting out, consider beginning with data literacy, Python, or SQL basics to build a strong foundation.
- Designlab: It is a great choice for creative professionals looking to transition into UI/UX design. The platform stands out for its mentor-led structure and portfolio-focused approach, which ensures you're not just learning but also producing real work. A good place to start is with UX Foundations or UI Design, depending on your background and goals.
- Careerist: This is best suited for job seekers targeting tech roles such as quality assurance or sales engineering. It offers structured job placement support, including resume guidance and career coaching. If you're looking to jumpstart your job search, start with their resume bootcamps and coaching programs.
Key Takeaways
You do not need to have it all figured out during your time off—but you can use this time to grow. With just one hour a day, you could step into your next job smarter, sharper, and more confident. If you are not sure where to begin, start with our curated Learning Paths designed to help you get hired fast, strengthen essential workplace skills, or successfully switch careers.
Explore the full list of Skill Success Learning Paths to find the one that fits your goals and get started today.
