Now's the Time to Sharpen Your Skill-Set!

Now's the time to sharpen your skill-set if you want to remain valuable in this competitive job market.

 

If you are actively looking for new job opportunities or even if you are currently employed, now is the time to sharpen your skill-set.  With constant changes in trends and technology and being in the midst of an economic downturn, you want to make sure that you stay current with the era and too keep your skills polished. Bear in mind that your skills enlighten employers of your job capabilities, and this includes your hard skills as well as your soft skills. Now if you possess several skills, you would categorize them as your skill-set when listing them in your resume. Listing valuable skills in your resume will no doubt grasp the attention of employers seeking to fill specific job vacancies. In today’s competitive job market, it’s advantageous to enhance your skills in that it will increase your chances for new job opportunities, promotions, raises, and job security in the workplace.  Don’t become unemployable…recession proof your career. Don’t delay…sharpen your skills today!

Attend educational seminars

• Attend educational seminars where you will be taught the most up-to-date technological advancements relating to your chosen field.  Bear in mind that you may have to pay a fee to register for these seminars…nevertheless it would be most beneficial to attend. In some cases, if you are affiliated with certain professional groups or other recognized organizations-you might be able to register at a discount rate. Also, some employers will pay the cost for their employees to attend seminars that will enhance current job skills. 

Further your education

• You can enhance your skills by furthering your education. Start now by taking pertinent classes in your field at a community college, university, or other educational institution. Or you may choose to take classes at a traditional institution while taking classes online if you want to pursue a degree and have limited time to do so.

Take online courses

• Perhaps you don’t have time to attend a traditional school due to the complexity of your schedule, but you shouldn’t let that stop you from furthering your education.  Aforementioned, you can attend classes online (even obtain your degree) at your convenience. Just make sure that the online school you choose to attend is accredited.

Change your career

• If you find that your current career is no longer in demand, you will need to make a career transition.  You should choose a career that you are passionate about and one that is in demand. For example, careers in the medical field, information technology, and business are in demand.

Attend career workshops

• As technology and market needs change so should your skills.  By attending career workshops you will learn which careers are most valuable and pay higher wages.  You will also learn how to sharpen your current job skills and increase your marketability in the workforce.

Join professional social sites

• You can enhance your skills and job knowledge by communicating with other professionals via the internet through social networking sites such as linked In, Facebook, and Yahoo. These are excellent sites in which to meet other professional career-minded individuals.

Network with other professionals who share your career interest

• Keep your business cards handy when attending career events where you can network with other individuals who share the same career interest as you.  You can exchange information on how to improve your current job skills and even how to make a career change.