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Career Marketing and Development |
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Submitted by Adecco Group
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Regardless of the economic forecast, it is smart to survive and thrive professionally by making yourself marketable. Advancing your skills and experience make it more likely you’ll be to find a new position quickly if you or someone else decides it’s time for you to move on in your career. And, while maintaining marketability does require effort, it isn’t as challenging as you may think. It all comes down to being proactive and keeping an eye on the road ahead.
Keep learning
As always, what you know is crucial. Workers with the most up-to-date skills and knowledge of current programs and applications will have an edge over those who have allowed their education to lapse. In today’s competitive environment, every little bit helps. Gaining advanced technical skills and expanding your general business knowledge shows initiative on your part and demonstrates your commitment as a lifelong learner two things potential employers appreciate. If your company doesn’t have a tuition reimbursement program in place, consider laying out the money to get started on an advanced certification or graduate program. Do it a few classes at a time, or as many as your budget and schedule allow but do it. The time will pass regardless and being able to include even one recent class on your resume can make a great impression on a hiring manager.
Be an expert
While being a bit of a renaissance employee is important, identifying areas where you can shine is also critical. Stay on top of new and upcoming trends in your field, and be prepared to step up and educate the rest of your team or department if the opportunity presents itself. Being aware of potential issues and trends shows your current manager how valuable you are, and gives you plenty to talk about with potential employers should you decide to make a career move. And at the very least, being an expert in one or two key areas could give you a professional edge.
Develop transferable skills
Most of us probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about our transferable skills. We tend to think that certain tasks we perform as part of a specific role are only applicable to that job in that particular company or industry. In fact, transferable skills are among your most valuable attributes, and can be what set you apart from the competition.
In order to stay on top of your transferable skill set, take a few moments to think about the various positions you’ve held throughout your career and then jot down a list of skills you’ve developed that are transferable. Odds are you have more than you think, and this list is a wonderful thing to have ready if you decide to make a career move. In fact, if you decide to change industries, you should be prepared to discuss how your prior job experience has prepared you for different corporate environments with a list of transferable skills, you’ll be ready.
Always be networking
When the time comes to move on in your career, you’ll want a solid network of professionals you can contact for job leads and even if you’re planning to stay in your current position, having a strong network will only work to your advantage. So dedicate at least some of your free time to building that network. Join professional organizations and be sure to attend their meetings and conferences where you’ll have an opportunity to connect with people from other companies and areas. Don’t be afraid to pick their brains for ideas you can use in your own work, and increase your knowledge of industry issues by engaging in topical discussions.
It can be easy to lose sight of long-term career goals in the midst of the daily grind, and easier still to forget that the best time to develop and maintain your marketability is now. By keeping the bigger picture in mind even as you focus on the present, you’ll ensure that you’re in control of your career and prepared for anything that comes your way.
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