For many professionals, there are two states of being: employed or unemployed. Those without a job spend a great deal of effort trying to secure one by writing résumés, tracking down job leads and preparing for a promising interview. Those on the job focus on keeping it — and usually put aside the activities that helped them find it.

But individuals who see a sharp divide between the job search and the job itself may be putting themselves at a professional disadvantage. That’s because many job search activities can prove beneficial even when you’re employed. Consider the following actions, which can aid your career no matter your present state:

Working on your résumé

It goes without saying that the résumé is a job seeker’s most important tool. So you must keep it in tip-top shape. Before launching your search, update the document with information about your most recent positions and on-the-job achievements. Continue this process as your search progresses to highlight enhancements you make to your skill set or certifications you acquire.

Once you land a new job, don’t slip your résumé into a seldom-used drawer. Update it regularly with new duties and accomplishments. Doing so will save you from having to rack your brain for details about a former project the next time you hunt for employment. It also will prepare you to take immediate advantage of new career opportunities that suddenly emerge.

Growing and maintaining your network

The importance of having a strong professional network when looking for work can’t be overemphasized. After all, those you know can alert you to new opportunities and refer you to potential employers.

But the benefits of networking don’t disappear once you find a job. Connections within your firm can make a big difference in your day-to-day success. Often, close colleagues are invaluable in obtaining approvals, securing necessary resources or simply gaining face time with decision makers. Members of your network also can provide valuable advice when you hit a roadblock at work. Go out of your way to foster these relationships by inviting coworkers to lunch, introducing yourself to people you don’t know at cross-functional meetings and company events, and volunteering for projects that will expose you to individuals in other departments.

Pursuing training options

Improving your skill set is a smart move when you’re looking for work. Whether you enroll in a certification program, attend a single-day seminar, take online courses or volunteer with a local nonprofit, your efforts can help enhance your marketability and value to employers.

The same is true when you’re on the job. Keeping your skills sharp may allow you to advance within your company by preparing you for new projects and roles. Speak to your manager about in-house training classes, tuition reimbursement options and other resources.

Building a name for yourself

One of the best ways to attract the attention of potential employers is to establish a reputation as an expert in your field. The Web can be an excellent tool to help you do so. Commenting on a well-known blog, contributing an article to a local professional association’s online newsletter or using social media to connect with other industry leaders can help you stand above the crowd. The key is to be consistent in your activities — and always professional.

Building your reputation as a leader in your field can be beneficial on the job, too. That’s because your activities — whether you volunteer for a panel discussion at an upcoming conference or serve as president of your local networking group — can help you build new skills and meet helpful contacts. However, don’t forget to focus some of your efforts internally, as well. Volunteering for new projects, offering suggestions for improving efficiencies, consistently meeting deadlines and always producing top-notch work can help you distinguish yourself as a go-to person within your department.

Looking for new opportunities

This activity is, of course, your primary focus when you’re unemployed. But you should keep it top of mind even if you have a job. It always pays to remain tuned in to potential new roles because you never know when the “perfect” position could present itself, with either your current organization or another employer. Keep your ear to the ground and turn to members of your network for leads.

Using job search strategies whether or not you’re employed means that the next time you have to launch a job search, you won’t need to start from scratch. Doing so also can offer some significant career-advancement benefits in your current position.

Robert Half International is the world’s first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.roberthalf.com. For additional career advice, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/roberthalf.