Boost Your Employability And Enhance Your Career

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As competition for employment continues to grow then more and more companies are demanding professional qualifications from their employees or prospective employees. Getting a professional qualification doesn't have to mean going to University and taking years out of your career, there are many options, even some companies will put you through the training while on the job which can increase your salary and prospects. If this isn't an option available for you, then take a look at the following to see what might be right for you and what you're looking for.

Are You Looking For A Career Change?

If you want to make the first steps towards a career change or return to work, many introductory level professional qualifications can be studied without you being in related employment. Take marketing, counseling and web design courses; for example, these can be done online or part-time and these vocational qualifications are desirable to employers, and will slant your resume towards a new career direction.

Flexible learning

Professional qualifications are available to be studied part-time during the day or evening or by distance, or online learning means that you can fit studying around work and other home commitments and continue earning all at the same time. There are now degrees specifically designed for adult professionals with years of work experience who wish to complete their degrees part-time, both on campus and online.

Fast track courses

Fast track courses are great for those who want to qualify quickly and reduce costs by starting or returning to full-time work as soon as possible. If you need to brush up on some skills to help to get a promotion by studying computer support training or it is possible, to complete a fast track MBA for example, in just six months. If money is an issue and will delay you getting to where you need to be, then look into what financial aid there is available or get a fast loan which you'll be able to pay back with your new job.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

For some areas of work, this is compulsory to maintain competence to practice in your field, but in most others, it is encouraged for employees to keep up to date with knowledge and skills, particularly in rapidly developing and changing industries. Many employers are encouraged to make sure that staff members can grow personally and professionally so that they can progress and move up the career ladder. It is worth enquiring about training courses that you may be eligible to undertake to establish your role or move sideways into other positions and employers may be prepared to fund or part-fund or give study leave.

Associate Study

Institutions such as Community Colleges and two-year colleges offer Associate Degrees which provide students with Higher Education options. Some courses prepare students for the world of work and are generally vocationally based while others are designed to help students to top up their studies to Bachelors degree level at a University. This is also known as a 2+2 and is a route often seen as a cheaper way to go to University.

Get Organized

Being organized and being able to show this is vital to advancing your career. Improve your employability by volunteering to take leadership or coordinator roles either where you work now or in your community. Similarly, enrolling yourself into programs for tertiary qualifications can increase your employability and demonstrate a high level of focus and organisation around your professional development. Enrolling in NEBOSH courses for example, can demonstrate to an employer that you value all aspects of working around others and provides value beyond the basics of what they might expect from a candidate. 

Learn Teamwork Skills

Being able to perform well with colleagues is a sought-after trait by employers. You can develop your teamwork skills by participating in committees, boards, councils or volunteer groups.

Improve Your Communication

Verbal and written communication skills are essential in just about every business or industry. You can improve your skills in this area by participating in public speaking forums such as Toastmasters, or volunteering to be a group spokesperson for a program or event.

Become Self-Motivated

People who are self-motivated and self-reliant are valuable to employers. Develop your own professional and personal goals and work out a course of action for achieving them. If you're not already getting this where you work, then request regular performance reviews and ask for input on how you can improve your skills. This way you will know, you will improve and you'll be able to demonstrate it to any future employers.

Professionalism

Regardless of the line of work you go into, professionalism and integrity are essential skills to master. Start by joining professional networking groups and take your business life seriously and learn how to manage your time and deal with work pressures effectively. Get to know people in your industry whose level of professionalism you respect and work to emulate their actions and behaviors.

Adjust Your CV

To get picked by top employers for a specific position, your CV needs to be modified accordingly. Don't send out the same one each time, tailor it and personalize it to show that you want the job you're going for.  These days, most employers publish the exact requirements of a vacant position, which will significantly help you.

Emphasize Your Soft Skills

Businesses today are rapidly transforming around soft skills. Skills such as teamwork and time management are becoming more critical than ever, so you need to make sure you have them and make sure people know about it.  If you lack any of these skills, then work on developing them by getting involved in different activities like volunteering, community projects, etc. Additionally, you also need to be prepared to talk about both professional and personal weaknesses when going for a new job and be able to provide a development plan whenever you are asked to discuss your weaknesses so that the impression you create is a positive one.

Use Your Contacts

Professional networks can help you to develop your career and to achieve specific goals. Build relationships with different types of people who could be potential employers and could help take your career in the right direction. Also, it's essential to distribute your network amongst diverse industries and professionals in different positions. When you have a good network of professional contacts and connections, only then you'll be able to attract the top employers and your desired jobs.

So, whatever it is you're looking to do or looking to achieve, there are plenty of options out there which can be very rewarding in your chosen career.