Summer may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean your job search has to fizzle out too. Give your job search the boost it needs by investing your time in professional development to keep you ahead of your competition.
The secret to success is to never stop learning. Sharpen your current skills and learn new ones that can be transferred from one type of career to another. Mastering a variety of new skills makes you more marketable to employers. It shows that you are capable of evolving in a competitive working environment. Employers look for candidates with drive and passion. Are you able to show that you are an active contributor and strive to be a top performer?
Here are 3 professional development tips to boost your employability and impress a potential employer.
1. Training. What classes, workshops and online training can you take to help you do your job better and help the company as a whole? There is a wealth of free and low-cost training out there that can help you gain technical skills or soft skills like effective communication or conflict resolution.
2. Affiliations. How big is your network within your industry? What professional associations and networking groups can you join to build connections and keep up on trends within your field? Employers are more likely to hire a trusted referral than a random applicant, so get out and meet people in your field!
3. Involvement. Demonstrate your leadership by volunteering. Find a professional association or charitable organization that inspires you and ask how you can help. Volunteering can provide a refreshing break from your job search while keeping your skills sharp. Remember, everything you do to expand your network helps your job search.
Employing these 3 tips shows employers that you are a serious jobseeker who is not “getting rusty” while in transition. Make professional development a priority in your job search, and you’ll accelerate your job search results. Not sure where to start? Give us a call at (860) 658-6480 and we will point you in the right direction.
Trish Thomas founded The Resume Resource in 2009 to help people develop the tools, strategies and confidence to build satisfying careers. As a Career Coach and Resume Writer, she helps her clients articulate their unique value to stand out from the competition, and guides them through the job search process to make it less overwhelming and more successful. www.the-resume-resource.com