How to become more Employable
In tough economic times, it can be hard to find a job - even if you have all the necessary qualifications, you will probably find yourself applying for the job along with a number of others all in the same position. However, with a little bit of effort and research, you can improve your chances of getting a job - provided that you accompany it with the right attitude. Here are some tips for improving your employability.
- Edit your resume
Take a good, hard look at your resume over the course of a few days. Accompany that with some research on the Internet so that you can see new ways of presenting information. Often, your qualifications and experience may be more than adequate, but because you are not presenting it well on your resume, potential employers overlook it and you don't even get as far as the interview. Don't forget to tailor your resume to the job in question, or to ask someone else to proof-read it for you.
- Practice your interview skills
Whether you're fairly new to the interview process or an old hand, it is worth practicing your interview technique. If you're nervous or appear jaded, you may find that this is coming through in the interview and it is making the interviewer doubt your capabilities. Read up on interview techniques and then put them into practice. You could just try it out in front of a mirror, or you could try video-taping yourself. Finding someone to give you a mock interview is also a great idea.
- Take a training course
Look out for training courses, either ones that update your skills, or possibly ones that take you in a different direction. Your area may well provide courses that are free or are heavily subsidised. If you can afford it, you may want to look at courses in your local college or even online that will add to your qualifications. Even something as practical as a first aid course could be of use - most organisations need someone with first aid skills and it shows that you are trying to build up your knowledge.
- Update your computer skills
If you're out of work and have been for some time, it is well worth trying to update your computer skills. Simply a few months out of work can ensure that you are out of date. Updating your skills may be as simple as going online and downloading new software; alternatively, you may need to purchase the software. You could also look out for courses in your local library or via your unemployment centre. Then make sure you add your updated skills to your resume.
- Volunteer or do an internship
If you're struggling to find a job because you're new to the job market or you are trying a change in career direction, then it could be worth looking out for a voluntary job or an internship. Ideally, this should be connected to the industry that you're hoping to work in, but any sign that you are doing all you can to add to your experience will be appreciated by a future employer. There is also the possibility that a volunteering job or internship could lead to a full-time paid position.
- Network
It is often via word of mouth that you find out about jobs; you could even be recommended for one if you talk to the right people. It is therefore worth networking as much as possible when you are looking for a new job, even if you are feeling low and would rather hide yourself away. If you use online social networking, it is also worth adding a sentence onto your profile about your job hunting experience. The more you get the word out, the more likely you are to hear about jobs.
You won't improve your employability if you sit back and wait for a job to come to you. However hard it is, you need to motivate yourself and push yourself forward by doing whatever is necessary.
