I’m pleased to bring you this post “How to improve your employability” – I do need to let you know that I have been paid to publish this post – I think you’ll find the information really helpful. See my disclosure policy.
There will never be a better time to consider your career than now. Whether you have short term or long-term goals in mind, there are many ways in which you can improve your employability and make yourself a more attractive prospect to potential employers.
CV and covering letter
Ensuring your CV is up to scratch is a fairly straightforward improvement you can make to increase the chances of you landing an interview for a job. Whether it’s your dream job or simply something you can see yourself being able to do in order to make ends meet, ensuring your CV and covering letter are relevant to the job you’re applying to is vital.
Hone your online presence
In the age of social media, it is highly likely that potential employers will put your name into Google and hit ‘search’. Have you searched for yourself recently? If there is something unsavoury lurking, like the photos from Lanzarote 2007, perhaps you ought to consider the appropriate audience for such things; set photos to ‘friends only’.
Do you have a profile on LinkedIn? If so, is it up to date? Ensure the items you post are relevant to your industry and can’t be deemed offensive.
Research the company
Knowing all about the company you’re applying to, both their strengths and weaknesses, can work in your favour. If you manage to secure an interview, use your knowledge to your advantage. Tailor each interview answer to including information you know about the company and if asked if you have any questions, ensure you refer to something you’ve learnt; this is a great time to ask about how they are tackling a problem that’s been in the media recently, for example.
Practice your interview technique
Grab a friend and a sample list of interview questions. Spend an hour or so going through answers, rehearsing them and discussing which sound the best and also most authentic. You don’t want to sound as though you’ve swallowed a dictionary, but on the other hand, you certainly wouldn’t wish to appear ill-prepared. If you are hoping to move into a new area of work, consider how your previous jobs have supplied you with transferable skills.
Wear suitable attire
It would be wonderful to think that people will no longer be judged on their appearances, but that simply isn’t the case. If you turn up for an interview looking as though you haven’t made an effort, your desire to bag the job will certainly be questioned. Iron your clothing, put a brush through your hair, and focus on your personal hygiene too; anti-perspirant deodorant is a must!
Education
Whether you have already undertaken an anthropology degree UK and are looking to change profession entirely, or you are in need of a degree for your chosen career path, higher education will take time, effort and a significant amount of money. It is not an easy option by far, but does show commitment and dedication.
Self-employment
Self-employment is another option if you’re willing to take a chance on yourself! So many courses exist for those hoping to start a new business; as with higher education, it is far from an easy option, but if you have the time, patience and backing (financial and emotional support), then you could achieve so much.
Ultimately, you have to want the dream to chase it fully. Choose something you’re passionate about and that ought to be evident to everyone. Good luck!
