Let’s face it, the job industry can be tough. With fewer positions available, and more experienced applicants to compete with, a university degree alone doesn’t carry the cachet it once did. So how do you ensure that you stand out from the crowd? In a competitive market, you need to shine. You need to be the most desirable candidate available. Whether you’re going it alone, or using the services of a local recruitment agency, these tips will help you become more employable and grow your career.
Keep Learning
One way to strongly improve your employability in any field is by demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning.
“Education isn’t something you can finish”
– Isaac Asimov
Employers love to see a desire for growth, initiative, and constant improvement in candidates. If you have completed any short courses, on-the-job training, online courses or upskilled in any way, you should include it on your resume and mention it in the interview process. While experience and formal qualifications are important, what matters most is your work ethic, willingness to learn, and a stellar attitude.
Get More Experience
When you haven’t got any experience, it’s hard to get your foot in the door in order to get some!
That’s why it can be a good idea to seek out some unpaid work, such as an unpaid internship, as a gateway to entering the workforce. In Australia, there are strict rules surrounding unpaid work arrangements including:
- vocational placements
- unpaid internships
- unpaid work experience
- unpaid trials
Unpaid work is lawful, but businesses need to make sure the person doing the work is not in an employment relationship and entitled to be paid the minimum wage.
Gaining hands-on, practical experience through an unpaid internship can be a great way to open employment doors. Not only, will you be able to add your new skills to your resume, but you will also meet people in your desired industry, and if you do well, it may just turn into a permanent position.
Qualities Employers Look For
While responsibilities and requirements will always vary between industries, some qualities remain consistent amongst almost all employers. These qualities are usually a mix of hard and soft skills. Hard skills include technical knowledge such as computer skills, while soft skills are those that deal with areas like communication, conflict resolution, and attitude. Both types of skills are important for job success. Here are some of the most sought-after skills in today’s workforce.
Good Communication Skills
The ability to communicate clearly and concisely is important in every industry. Make sure your CV highlights your ability to communicate well with co-workers, superiors, and customers. You can also show these skills by delivering a great interview demonstrating your friendly, open demeanour and your ability to speak with confidence.
A Positive Attitude
While experience and qualifications are important, a positive attitude can give you the edge you need when there are many candidates applying for the same position. Employers want a candidate that’s easy to work with and can take direction. Our clients report that they’re more likely to hire a positive, optimistic individual who slightly lacks experience, than a negative, difficult person who possesses the necessary skills.
Flexibility
Are you adaptable to changing circumstances? You should be. Workplaces are constantly changing and growing so being able to adjust to new situations and think on your feet are traits employers love to see in their potential employees.
Self-Direction
Most employers prefer staff members who possess a degree of self-direction. These individuals are able to guide themselves from task to task and don’t require assistance or clarification the majority of the time. Being an independent self-starter is an attribute of great value to potential employers.
Technology Skills
While advanced technological skills are not necessary for all industries, some basic IT skills are needed in most jobs today. Those with IT skills, including web development, online marketing, and social media are in high demand, so it’s worth considering enrolling in an online course to brush up on your skills.
Team Player
Working as a team is a hallmark of many companies, and what helps make them great. If you show yourself to have the makings of a true team player, capable of working alongside others and collaborating on projects, you’ll be one step ahead of other candidates who don’t demonstrate this quality.
Whether you are a job-seeker or an employer, On Line Recruitment can assist you with finding the ideal employment solution for you. From our free services for candidates to our personalised, tailored recruitment for employers, you’re in good hands with our team.
