Getting back to the workplace at any age can be a daunting experience. There are many reasons why you may have taken a break from the daily grind. From raising children, or looking after family members who need some help. To travelling around the world or even just returning to paid employment after years working as a freelancer.
Whatever your reason, it is natural to feel overwhelmed when you decide the time is right to integrate yourself back into working life and employment. But is there anything you can do to increase your chances of getting a job that will make you want to go to work each day that makes you happy and you enjoy? It may seem like the stuff of movies but it is possible to give yourself a headstart when it comes to brushing up on the basics and honing your skills before you start submitting your CV and attending what is possibly your first interview for a long time.
Read on to find out how you can make sure you are as prepared as possible for that next big step in your life.
Online Learning.
These days, brushing up your skills or learning something new doesn’t mean you have to attend a physical building. with the online world at your fingertips, there is nothing stopping you for registering for an online course in a subject that appeals to you and will help you as you proceed to make your way back to the working world.
Looking at suitable options and courses at places like Norwich University can offer you the flexibility of online study which you can fit into your day from home without having to travel to a place of study for each of your classes. So take your time, look for something you want to study or can apply to the industry you are looking to gain employment in to be able to put into practice everything you learn to help not only better prepare yourself for your new career or just make yourself stand out from the crowd in a sea of CV’s.
Do Your Homework.
There is nothing like being prepared. These days, the job market is fierce and to get the position you want, you will have to work for it. This is where your attention to detail will help give that edge to succeed.
Knowing exactly what the role you are applying for entails along with the company itself will give you the best headstart before you even arrive. For example, with figures showing that each advertised job attracts 118 applications and only 20% getting an interview, you don’t want to be lost in the noise.
Create the best cover letter and pitch you can to make sure you are in the 20% getting the call for an interview. Be creative and show them from the off exactly what you can do for them and how right you are for the role. Focus on what you can bring to the table to benefit the company can be the difference between you and the other potentially 117 other applicants.
Volunteer.
Now, we’re not talking about taking on an unpaid internship, however, if you are wanting to brush on skills, then why not volunteer your skills to a company who needs it.
Many charities and non-profit organisations rely on volunteers and assistance from people free of charge. This is a great way of being able to not only brush up on your knowledge but also learn some new skills too. Times change so fast if it has been a while since you last worked, this could be a great way of getting used to a working environment again at your own pace.
You can also feel good knowing that you are doing good and helping someone out as you dip your toes into the pool so to speak. By being open to learning new things and building on existing skills, volunteering is a great CV boost as it can express your desire to work and your commitment to learning new skills and keeping up to date with new technologies and ways of working.
Be Confident.
We have already discussed how polishing up your CV and perfecting the winning cover letter can get you off the pile and into an interview. But that is all it can do. you have done the homework. you know you can do the job, but now you need to seal the deal.
Only you can do this. Show your best self as you exude confidence in the interview room to commit to everything they have already seen about you on paper. So practise with family and friends to help you ease the nerves away and channel them into something positive. There are many different ways of boosting your confidence from courses, to online tips and tricks. Utilise these resources so when the time comes, you can be confident in yourself and your ability to secure that job you have been waiting for!
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