The business environment has been changing over recent years. As local employment has turned into a global business with the emerging prominence of remote working and freelancing, it’s necessary for people to stay ahead of the curve.
From a human resource management perspective, job applicants or employees who adopt a continual learning mindset to offer more to an employer put themselves in a strong position against global competition.
In this article, we look at how to continually improve to increase your attractiveness to potential employers.
Academic Know-How – Industry Relevant
Improving what’s on your resume isn’t just about better presentation.
If you’ve already attained a degree, how about taking a master’s degree in a related subject matter that can propel you into management or to the next level up in your career?
Are there professional certifications that are worth studying for? For instance, an office manager might study for a first aid course. A programmer might take a short course on a new programming language that their boss has mentioned previously.
You need to always be looking for interesting ways to make what’s on your resume more interesting to your current and future employer. Look at what people above your current level have studied, and discuss what they feel helped them the most in the jobs market. What they may have today might be different from what they’d recommend if they had to do it over, so it’s a conversation worth having.
If discussing with your boss, then perhaps the company might be willing to cover some or all the academic fees too?
Practical Skills – Technology
Practical skills are also important.
Anyone who is not completely versed on all the software they will be expected to use competently needs to get up to speed. And fast. This means new versions of software with different interfaces that trip you up must be mastered. It also requires you to try out new software to see whether it could have application for the department or make productivity easier. This could be recommended to a manager later.
Get into a position where you’re the expert with the software – not only trying to keep up. Overcome any internal objection to computers and software. Fully embrace it. Become the go-to person on the technology side.
Soft Skills – Communication
Soft skills such as communication are vitally important but often neglected.
This doesn’t just mean interpersonal communications with colleagues. It also refers to an ability to liaise with clients, hold meetings and move a situation forward to a satisfactory conclusion. If you’re not running a meeting, what can you contribute in terms of ideas or strong talking points? Learn enough about the clients you’re dealing with or the topic up for discussion to be one of the most learned people in the meeting room.
Continual learning is really the new norm for business. To offer more to an employer than the year before and to achieve greater job security, stay motivated to get noticed in the workplace. Embracing the new reality is the key to career longevity.key to career longevity.