What have you been doing during your time off?

If this question is posed to you during an interview, what are you going to say? "I've been looking for a job..." This approach probably won't work.

If you've been unemployed for more than four weeks, you need to start doing something in addition to looking for a job. I keep a list of all of the networking events I've been to, events at which I've volunteered and clubs I've become an active member of. The fact that I've started a blog is at the top of that list.

If you're doing temp work, I would include that on your resume. Consider doing volunteer work that would help you maintain skills you used at your previous job. Even better, see if you can find a volunteer opportunity or club where you can LEARN additional skills to bring to your next job. Include these experiences on your resume.

People that you meet while networking are also going to be interested in what you've been doing with yourself, so have an answer ready. This answer may be the deciding factor on whether or not they refer you on to someone else. Word-of-mouth marketing is extremely beneficial during your job search!

Believe me, you should never answer, "What have you been doing during your time off?" with "Nothing." In this competitive job market, I guarantee your resume will be shoved to the bottom of the pile with that answer.