With the end of the unemployment benefit, we bring you 5 tips to set yourself up for success when getting back to the job market.

With 26 states ending the extra $300 in federal unemployment assistance before the official cut-off date of Sep 6, 30% of recipients are now searching for a way to make ends meet.

State unemployment insurance remains available for those eligible but it's time to look at your personal circumstances and financial plans. We gathered five tips to help you!

Get your spend under control

Taking control of your finances can reduce your stress and improve your well-being. The first step here is to understand how you're spending your money. Write down how much money is coming in and where it's going (rent, mortgage, monthly payments, groceries, etc). Next, set your short-term and long-term goals so you can build your budget around that.

Take a look at your expenses, dividing them between things you need and things you want - review the products and services you currently have to make sure you're actually using them. You might be able to cut some expenses! If you're in debt, make that payment your number one priority and avoid taking on more.  Once you're clear on your spending and goals, make the adjustments needed. Remember to revisit your plans from time to time to make sure you stay on track.

Understand your goals

The key to finding the right job is learning about yourself. Start by assessing your skills, professional background and ambitions. What type of work do you have in mind? Do you have the right skill set in order to get that type of job? If not, how can you acquire those qualifications? The internet has some good offers for free training and tools to help you grow your skills. Finding a temp job can give you the opportunity to learn something new and build up your CV while getting hourly paid. 

If you already got what it takes to land the job you want, is your CV properly showcasing that? 

Polish your CV

Always write your resume thinking about the reader. Companies are looking for people who can make an instant impact, so focus on writing about your experience in a way that it directly connects with the skills required for the type of job you're looking for. For example, if you're looking for a warehouse job, make sure your CV highlights that you're able to work in an environment that requires standing up, moving and lifting weight for long hours. If the job requires a specific certification that you don't have yet, like a forklift license for example, make it clear that you're willing to be trained. Remember that before talking to you, employers can only judge you based on your resume.

Use your connections

You'd be surprised with how many job openings are filled through networking. Think about friends, family, and colleagues who may have connections that can help you get a new job. Make some calls, use social media, attend local events, let people know you're open to new opportunities. Here at Shiftfillers, we love hiring people referred by our team members!

Search and be reachable

Make sure you dedicate a few hours to job search every day. No need to spend the whole day doing this but it's important to always have an eye on new job openings. And once you start applying for jobs, remember to check your email daily and to always keep your phone on you.

Why not start right now? Check out our current job openings, we'll be happy to help you find a job faster than ever.