Being open to new skills is part of being a desirable job candidate. This is true for individuals making a career shift, people returning to work after time away from paid employment, and job hunters who are entering the workforce for the first time. And while updating your skill set could mean attending a class, there are other ways to build up your resume as well.
To learn more about what organizations are currently looking for in job candidates, talk to a staffing expert at Quality Placement Authority. Being proactive and taking steps to improve your resume can strengthen your chances of securing your professional objectives.
Community Projects and Mentorships
When an organization is bringing in new talent, they are often impressed when a person cites volunteer positions or mentorship connections during employment gaps. After all, giving back to your community and showing initiative to learn more about an industry is illustrating to a hiring manager that you are a motivated candidate.
For instance, if you are interested in a specific field that you have not yet worked in, joining a group of professionals working in that field could be useful. To get started, reach out to your local chamber of commerce, they may know of a young professionals group that meets monthly in your area. Or, maybe they will know a local business in need of volunteers, connecting you with new professional concessions and boosting your own hireability.
Assessing Your Skills and Looking Into Courses and Certifications
If you are returning to the workforce after time away or are interested in making a career change, looking over your past employment experience can be helpful. Then, you can pursue courses or certifications to enhance the assets you already have.
Many online courses allow participants to learn at their own pace, so they can be a fantastic resource for individuals who are learning new skills around a current job or balancing an active family schedule and their job search. For example, analytics courses are offered online for free, which may be an ideal match for job seekers interested in search engine optimization or data collection.
Certification courses may require more time, but if you are looking to move up in a specific industry, earning a certification or higher degree could lead to opportunities beyond entry-level positions.
Making the decision to improve your resume and reach for higher career aspirations takes energy and drive, which is why hiring managers appreciate these efforts when looking over application materials. It may feel overwhelming at first, but the process of learning new skills can start with small steps. Today, reach out to a local organization about volunteer possibilities. Tomorrow, search for online courses. You don’t have to do everything at once. Small steps each day lead to big results long term.
Are you ready to boost your skill set? Quality Placement Authority is a full-service staffing and recruiting firm with nationwide service capabilities. Let our experts help you find the best job for your career goals. Connect with Quality Placement Authority today.
