Looking to take the next step on the career ladder, or make a total change to your job? You’ll need to make yourself as employable as possible, in todays fierce job market you need to be the best you can be and show that to employers. Here are some ideas for going about it.
Take an online course
Online courses are a great way to improve your skills. If you don’t have any previous qualifications you could start with a degree or foundation degree, you could get a diploma or just some form of certification. Whatever you want to study, chances are there’s an online university somewhere offering the course. If for example you have a degree in a relevant subject but it was over ten years ago, it’s not going to hold that much weight unless you can show that you’ve used those skills or kept your knowledge current. So studying again is a smart move, even if you feel you’re already well qualified.
Write a blog
Owning your own blog looks impressive to employers. It shows them how you’ve been able to build up a site from nothing, and regular posting over a number of years shows that you’re consistent. Your content can also show them that you’re knowledgeable in your field, and that you’re a proficient writer. Blogging teaches you skills that employers love, such as the ability to research quickly and efficiently, knowing how to write for an audience and use social media for promotion amongst other things.
Go on training courses
They’re not always cheap but training courses can be incredibly useful, and when employers see that you’ve attended these things off your own back it proves that you’re serious about working in the field you’re trying to get into. Have a look at what days are relevant to what you want to do and the industry you hope to work in. It could be what you need to stand out from another, similar candidate.
Do some voluntary work
If you’re hoping to work in a brand new sector and have no experience at all, finding a job is going to be difficult. The way you can get around this is by doing some voluntary work. If for example you want to work in the criminal justice sector, you could look for voluntary positions with the police, courts or probation. If you wanted to work in healthcare you could volunteer at a hospital or nursing home.
Learn to drive
Even if the job you want has nothing to do with driving, this is something that will be seen favourably by employers. For a start, it means you can easily get to and from work even if the job is out of public transport times and hours. Get yourself a small, reliable car like a SEAT Ibiza and you’ll stand out from someone who doesn’t drive just because you have a license and your own transport.
Try a new hobby
Hobbies give a clue into your additional skills as well as who you are as a person. For example, if the type of job you want relies heavily on teamwork, take up a team sport or join a club where you’re working with other people. If it requires writing and researching skills, you could start your own blog and have fun creating content for it. The best thing about hobbies is they’re fun and enjoyable, you improve yourself and build your skills without even thinking about it as you’re too busy having a good time.
