How to Improve Employability
In today's dynamic, fast-paced, instant-gratification, on-your-own job market, learning how to improve your employability can be an exquisitely valuable skill. Whereas previous generations sought a long-term career with one job at the same company for thirty years, the current population will enter the workforce expecting to change jobs, even entire careers, at least a few times throughout their life. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as it reflects a broader range of opportunities, an increased inclination toward being flexible and adaptable to varying markets and demands, and an overall reflection of the free-market system in motion.
But the ever-changing nature of the workplace only serve to emphasize, not downplay, the importance of improving your employability. Employees who show an intentional drive toward constant self-improvement will have a heavy advantage over those who do not; no longer will employers be content to hire a has-been who has kept their skills up-to-date over the past couple decades, they would much rather hire someone who has identified the trends and adjusted accordingly.
Although the shifting sands of the global business world can seem overwhelming at first, fortunately there are a few universal keys to keep in mind in order to improve your employability, regardless of what field of work or area of study you are in.
Continual Education
As technologies, machines, standards, tools, and other broad elements are constantly honed, tweaked, invented, and creatively expressed, the demand for current-minded workers will only rise. The workers in prime position will be those who keep their body of knowledge current.
Many companies have a budget for continuing education for their employees, to help recoup their workers for pursuing relevant classes, which in turn benefits the company. Often, taking a formal class every year helps keep one's subject matter firmly mastered, and the classroom environment is good for the mind anyway.
Yet, also, informal learning can be critically valuable as well. For instance, learning a new skill is almost always a good idea, even if it does not always seem applicable at the time. Honing one's skills in professional-grade business writing, graphic design, marketing concepts, inventory management, or other broad-demand skill sets can pay big dividends later. It may be a good idea to seek a friend or family member who can, for perhaps a token payment or trade in services, teach you a new skill.
Specialist Training
It has been said that the best thing someone can do to retain their position is to become indispensable. Two methods for achieving this state are to either perform the tasks that nobody else is willing to do, or become the only person in the office who can perform a certain, essential function.
The latter is attainable through specialist training. This differs from, but can be seen as parallel to, the formal education process of registering for classes at a traditional institution of learning. Instead, many third-party accreditation organizations, community colleges, and other entities offer courses, workshops, seminars, webinars, or other, very specific, targeted means for teaching focused knowledge. One series is the Microsoft Office Specialist series of certifications for those seeking expertise in the Microsoft Office suite of software.
For any large enough industry or field of study, there are typically available accreditations. This means that someone, even if it is outside their typical position, can quickly and effectively be trained in a new discipline if they are willing to make an investment of time and effort. A practical, math-minded person may then be trained in accounting, perhaps on Quickbooks software especially, and suddenly become a more significant asset to their company. A sales representative for a mechanical repair shop, despite not only being one of the blue-collar front-line workers, may go out and get certified in a specific welding discipline, just to be a more authentic, capable resource for potential customers. Creative minds can brainstorm for effective, rewarding ways that training programs can benefit them and their businesses.
Intangibles
Despite all the fancy degrees, certificates, and other tangible metrics that denote mastery of whatever discipline, the most important elements toward improving your employability may be those unquantifiable, unmeasurable, intangible elements that you bring to the table.
For example, if an employer needs to fill a position and receives two applicants, they may discover during the interview process that one applicant is much more professionally qualified than the other. However, if that more-qualified person has a terrible work ethic, negative references from former employers, a rude demeanor, and an unprofessional presentation, that man or woman may not get hired, even if they could fill their whole office with degrees and certificates.
But the person who walks in with confidence, diligence, a willingness to learn, a positive attitude, a high energy level, exemplary verbal communication skills, the capacity for teamwork, glowing reviews from past workplaces, and a strong presence, they may indeed possess traits more valuable than any piece of paper can provide.
That idea, of one's unique personal combination of characteristics, provides insight into the one true key towards improving your employability: Employment-improvement is intimately tied to self-improvement. Just as a troubled marriage may require one member to mature, grow less selfish, and show a willingness to work hard, so too does a shortage in employability simply demand that a person show a willingness to plan well for the future and jump at the opportunities that already exist to enhance your employability.
