What is the best way for job candidates to stand out from their competition when finding a new job? Recent data shows that 62 percent of recruiters are seeking to improve the quality of the candidates they hire. When employers say this, they do not mean that they are simply looking for employees with college degrees. Employers are seeking candidates with excellent soft skills who are eager to learn and grow in their roles.
Your unique experience and skills can be valuable assets to your future employer, but you have to be discovered first. It’s crucial that you know how to tell your story when applying to your next position. Whether you’re graduating from college or looking for a job, it is important to make yourself more hireable as you look for a new work position.
Here are five ways you can set yourself apart and make yourself more hireable.
1. Work on your resume.
The first step you need to take to help your experience stand out is to work on your resume. This document will not only showcase your unique abilities, but it will show your creativity and communication skills.
Ensure your resume fits the description of the job you are applying for. Your resume should be updated, professional, and easy to read. Include all of your relevant work experience and your volunteer experiences, so employers can have a look into your passions outside of the office. Ensure that the document is grammatically correct with a clear layout. Remember to add your hard and soft skills so employers can read about you as an employee and as a person.
2. Build your personal brand.
Many people don’t consider the necessity of building and keeping up with their personal brand. A personal brand positions you in the public eye as having knowledge or authority in your industry.
Start by defining your purpose and what you want employers to know about you. Are you more creative or logistics-focused? Then, consider how you will market your personal brand. Start your own business profile on social media or create a website to share content you have created. Clean up your current social media profiles to best represent you in a professional and positive light, and keep your resume and headshot up to date. You want to put your best foot forward for prospective employers, both in-person and online.
3. Acquire new skills.
Even if you went to college or have worked in the same industry for years, it is crucial to your success that you keep learning. Employers are always seeking candidates who are willing and eager to learn.
Learning does not have to mean earning another degree. There are countless options both on your job site and online to continue educating yourself. You can get a certification in anything from social media analytics to Microsoft applications and cybersecurity. Completing certifications tells employers that you are patient, adaptable, and teachable. Internships are a great way to learn about a particular industry and see if it’s the right fit for you, and it may give you a higher chance of getting hired by the employer. You can even take free online courses from leading universities through websites like edX. Ask your current or previous coworkers how you can improve. Practice implementing soft skills such as time management now.
4. Establish connections.
A major factor in your long-term success is the strength and health of your relationships. You don’t have to work in a certain field to have professional connections. Even if you are an entrepreneur, building connections is vital to the longevity of your business.
Network with other professionals through platforms like LinkedIn or by attending in-person meetings like local or international business conventions. You can also talk to your professors and current employer for advice and insights into your prospective career. Doing so will help you connect with and learn from others in your industry, and possibly find a professional mentor for your future career.
5. Make a positive impact.
Becoming a hireable candidate down the road means being a good team member where you are now. One of the best ways to do that is by being kind and supportive to those around you.
Get to know your coworkers on a personal level, and go out of your way to be helpful and uplifting whenever you can. Initiating positive interactions with your professors and employer can also lead to potential open doors down the road. Remember to encourage your coworkers and thank your leaders for their hard work. Being a team player will help your reputation and make finding referrals and references for your next application easy.
Making yourself more hireable is not a one-time process — it starts where you are now. Even if you don’t land your dream job right away, having multiple positions and gaining experience in different areas will grow your professional portfolio and help you learn new skills that you can apply anywhere.
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