When moving between jobs or suffering from unemployment, one constant that you can count upon is free time. With entire days or even weeks looming ahead, the amount of free time on your hands can be overwhelming. However, don’t make the mistake of squandering your free time away. Instead, make the most of your time by turning it into a valuable resume-building experience.

The following are examples of how you can boost your resume while effectively utilizing your time:

1. Network, Network, Network

Regardless of whether you’re new at the job search or a veteran, you’ve probably heard about the importance of networking. If you’ve got a wealth of free time, then attending mixers, seminars, forums, and other networking events are a great way to spend your time. In addition, there are a variety of professional and industry organizations that can allow you to easily connect with like-minded individuals.

You can place your affiliations with such organizations on your resume, giving you a possible common ground with a potential employer. By networking and building relationships with a wide network of people, you’ll greatly increase the chances of securing employment.

2. Travel

During your long hours of employment, you may have longed to travel to far-off countries, but were unable to do so. Well, now it’s your chance: free time in between jobs can be a great way to spend a couple of weeks out of the 9-5 grind.

You’ll be able to experience new cultures and meet new people, gaining valuable insight far from the workplace. When you come back to the job search, you’ll be in a better mindset and be able to talk of your newly gained life experiences to interviewers.

3. Volunteer

Volunteering is a worthwhile way to spend your free time, helping others that are in need. Not only will you be able to give back to your community, you can also a wealth of opportunities allowing you to network and raise your skills.

During the process of volunteering, you’ll be able to meet compassionate people, whose generosity may extend towards you as well. While this is a great way to supplement your resume, you may want to work on a project that boosts your own skills as well.

4. Educate Yourself

One of the best ways to boost your resume is to add more skills and qualifications. Taking courses and extending your education can be a great way to do so. There are a variety of community colleges and universities that offer courses in a number of fields, ranging from business, computer programming and public speaking.

In addition to learning a new skill, you’ll also be able to keep your mind off the stresses of job searching. By taking a course, not only will you be able to expand your skill set, you’ll demonstrate your initiative to potential employers.

5. Freelance Your Skills

If you possess a skill or proficiency in a particular area, then freelancing can be a viable option to boost your resume. One of the challenges of freelancing is to find potential clients, standing out among hundreds and thousands of competitors.

But the benefits and resume boost are overwhelming, as you’ll be able to build up your experience, make money on the side, and even be able to start a side business. You’ll also be able to connect with clients of customers, opening the opportunity for future employment.

Abby Evans is an avid blogger who writes on everything from finding jobs in Canada.  She has written on a variety of blogs and websites and loves to learn all she can about the job hunt.