The year is more than halfway through, which means you need to future-proof your career development. The pandemic has caused some major shifts in the job market, but the “new normal” is noticeably stabilizing. So, how can you keep yourself competitive even after 2022? Here are some tips to help you along.
Develop some new skills
This is possibly the most essential step, especially if you are looking for a whole new position. Leveling up your skill set can be done in different ways. You might want to further your education. Consider an MBA degree or a course in some technical skill that’s highly valued in your niche.
Whatever industry you work in, it’s always worth it to invest in soft skills. Make an effort to improve your communication, time management, stress management, conflict navigation, or general organization skills. These will make you an invaluable team player and more attractive to recruiters.
Whichever way you go, demonstrating skill improvement shows prospective employers that you are not afraid to invest in bettering yourself. It shows them that you are ambitious, dedicated, committed to growth, and willing to learn.
Update your CV
This goes along with acquiring new skills: you should also update your CV if you’re just starting a job hunt after a long time. Any professional CV should be reviewed every once in a while and periodically polished.
The ideal scenario is that you tailor your CV to each individual position you want to apply to. A targeted application has a higher chance of success. Take the time to screen the position for the essential requirements. Edit your CV to highlight the most relevant experience for the position.
Think of your CV as your first impression in the application process. Don’t overload it with information that isn’t important or useful for the particular job you are applying to. Draw the employer’s attention to those skills and traits that make you the most appealing candidate.
Invest in your clothing
It seems like such a minor thing, but these details can make or break your chances. Of course, there is plenty of advice out there about having a professional wardrobe. The trick is, that most of that focuses on sharp-looking suits aimed at office interviews.
Non-office positions are often overlooked, but they have dedicated wardrobes too. There are specific requirements for workwear in the UK and many other markets around the world. If you are a part-timer, contractor, or self-employed tradesperson, take some time to upgrade your on-site clothes.
Some staples include overalls, shield trousers, cargo trousers, hi-vis jackets, and contrast garments. Having a suitable workwear collection shows that you are dedicated to safety and don’t shy away from making an effort.
Do some interview practice
Interviews always have a chance of being tricky, some kind of unpleasant, or just plain old stressful. One surefire way to mitigate the interview nerves is to practice for them. A little mindful preparation can go a long way.
Of course, you can’t 100% predict the specific questions you will be asked. You can, however, make some educated guesses. There are common questions that you can expect in any industry. Look them up and consider what your best answers could be. Examples include your strengths and weaknesses, career highlights, memorable challenges, your contributions to past positions, etc.
Always keep in mind that you are not the only candidate for the position. Try to offer something unique. Share your perspective. Even if the generic answer is the real one, be authentic in how you phrase it. Don’t overshare, but do be transparent.
If it would make the process easier for you, get a practice partner. Have a friend pretend-interview you and tell you their impressions from a recruiter’s perspective. Also, consider recording yourself and watching the video to catch weak points.
Keep up with industry news
On a final note, stay in the loop. Whether you’re looking to move positions, or you’re unemployed and hunting for opportunities, keep an eye on what’s happening in your sector. Read industry news and stay informed about new advancements.
Visit industry-specific websites, subscribe to relevant periodicals, and follow pages and events on social media. Also, pay attention to field issues and overall social trends. They might impact your niche in terms of recruiting policies, equipment introduction or recall, procedure revisions, and the like.
Prospective employers will appreciate an informed, proactive candidate. You will also get a clear perspective on what skills to invest in, which automatically makes you more employable.
To wrap up, future employability comes down to flexibility and resilience. Keep your CV up to date and have solid soft skills. Adapt to industry developments. Pay attention to details like dedicated workwear, and don’t hesitate to rehearse for your interviews.