How to become more employable
What employers really want?
The first step is to make sure you understand what employers are looking for. To do this you need to investigate the company and find out what they do well, and if possible, try to find out things that they have been struggling with so you can try and formulate a good solution when asked what you could do for the company (remember to stick to achievable and deliverable solutions).
Each job you apply for will ask for certain qualities but there are also several general factors which can be applied to almost any job. These include skills such as basic literacy, numeracy and oral communication skills, reliability and being hard-working and having a good work ethic. Other personal skills include having a positive 'can do' attitude and being on time; have a look here for more advice https://www.barclayslifeskills.com/teachers/ (see link for details). Working with other people and co-operation skills are also a must for most jobs, along with being able to meet deadlines.
These skills aren’t enough to land you a job but they’re a good starting point which most employers value above specific technical knowledge, but previous work experience, either voluntary or paid in your area, is a must.
What do you have to offer to an employer?
The second most important thing is to work out what you have to offer, and what you need to improve.
Your CV or online presence (i.e. your own website or LinkedIn profile) should list the main skills and qualifications you’ve achieved but you’ll also need to be able to recognise any weaknesses, these shortcomings can be identified by undertaking a SWOT analysis on yourself. These are also a good tool for working out where your skillset might be lacking. Here is an online version to have a look at http://i-swot.com/ (see link for details).
Job adverts will list specific requirements, so you'll need to explain how you meet them in your application and in an interview. There is no point applying for something you’re not qualified for but you could consider some extra training.
Improve your Online Branding/Reputation
The majority of employers will check your online reputation by Googling your name. They may also scan Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and other social media profiles to find out more about you. As mentioned earlier, get yourself a LinkedIn (see link for details) profile (a good way to find new jobs) or even produce a Weebly (see link for details) account like the ones found on the students’ output pages
This is an area where many potential employees let themselves down.
Go through every online profile you have and make sure there’s nothing there which will portray you in a negative light.
A rule of thumb is never to post anything you wouldn’t be happy with your Mum seeing.
Work Experience
In the increasingly competitive fight for jobs, it's important you can show a commitment to the career of your choice, and self-motivation.
Work experience is a great way to do this as it not only gives you an inside view of your chosen sector, it should also provide you with some useful contacts.
It’s also not just for new graduates, as those looking for a career change may benefit.
To make the experience work, you need to be motivated, confident and willing to do any job you’re given – quickly and efficiently.
But you shouldn't be exploited for your time. This article Your rights in an unpaid internship (see link for details) has more information.
The first step is to make sure you understand what employers are looking for. To do this you need to investigate the company and find out what they do well, and if possible, try to find out things that they have been struggling with so you can try and formulate a good solution when asked what you could do for the company (remember to stick to achievable and deliverable solutions).
Each job you apply for will ask for certain qualities but there are also several general factors which can be applied to almost any job. These include skills such as basic literacy, numeracy and oral communication skills, reliability and being hard-working and having a good work ethic. Other personal skills include having a positive 'can do' attitude and being on time; have a look here for more advice https://www.barclayslifeskills.com/teachers/ (see link for details). Working with other people and co-operation skills are also a must for most jobs, along with being able to meet deadlines.
These skills aren’t enough to land you a job but they’re a good starting point which most employers value above specific technical knowledge, but previous work experience, either voluntary or paid in your area, is a must.
What do you have to offer to an employer?
The second most important thing is to work out what you have to offer, and what you need to improve.
Your CV or online presence (i.e. your own website or LinkedIn profile) should list the main skills and qualifications you’ve achieved but you’ll also need to be able to recognise any weaknesses, these shortcomings can be identified by undertaking a SWOT analysis on yourself. These are also a good tool for working out where your skillset might be lacking. Here is an online version to have a look at http://i-swot.com/ (see link for details).
Job adverts will list specific requirements, so you'll need to explain how you meet them in your application and in an interview. There is no point applying for something you’re not qualified for but you could consider some extra training.
Improve your Online Branding/Reputation
The majority of employers will check your online reputation by Googling your name. They may also scan Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and other social media profiles to find out more about you. As mentioned earlier, get yourself a LinkedIn (see link for details) profile (a good way to find new jobs) or even produce a Weebly (see link for details) account like the ones found on the students’ output pages
This is an area where many potential employees let themselves down.
Go through every online profile you have and make sure there’s nothing there which will portray you in a negative light.
A rule of thumb is never to post anything you wouldn’t be happy with your Mum seeing.
Work Experience
In the increasingly competitive fight for jobs, it's important you can show a commitment to the career of your choice, and self-motivation.
Work experience is a great way to do this as it not only gives you an inside view of your chosen sector, it should also provide you with some useful contacts.
It’s also not just for new graduates, as those looking for a career change may benefit.
To make the experience work, you need to be motivated, confident and willing to do any job you’re given – quickly and efficiently.
But you shouldn't be exploited for your time. This article Your rights in an unpaid internship (see link for details) has more information.
