One of the greatest challenges we face is securing suitable jobs. Even with the right qualification or experience, a good job does not always come knocking at the door.
Whether you are a recent graduate in search of working experience, or you have had a few jobs and you are looking to change; you need to consciously seek out ways to make yourself employable to lucrative organizations. The reason too many people are out of jobs or have not gotten any is sometimes as a result of their nonchalance towards the factors employers look out for.
In Nigeria, there has been a constant rate in unemployment. Unemployment rate was stated at 12.1 percent in March 2016; which is the highest recorded since late 2009. This is as a result of increased retrenchment and a dwindling economy.
However, many people still secure and retain great jobs day in day out. Hence, below is a list of 5 simple ways to make yourself more employable in the face of varying challenges.
Have a killer Resume
This is the first and most important factor in getting yourself that dream job. Your resume, also known as your curriculum vitae (CV), is one of the first things every employer looks at. Your resume gives your employer a summarized view of who you are and what your capabilities are. At the sight of your CV, an employer could already know if he wants to employ you or not.
Avoid generalized resumes for various job descriptions. When drawing up your resume, understand the nature of the job you would be applying for and present the required skills fit for the position. This is not saying that one should lie; you just need to be able to note which skills you have that are being demanded and which the organization may not necessarily be interested in.
Also, the presentation should follow the current standard. Where you do not have the ability to create a presentable CV, websites like www.jobberman.com can help you design and present it at low costs.
Develop more skills and capabilities
As a result of the changing times, qualifications and skills that used to carry much weight are now next to irrelevant. For example, an MBA is not as valuable and scarce as it used to be; this is because too many people now have it. You need to constantly update yourself and ensure you are moving with the times.
You can do this by going for seminars and trainings or taking courses. Where you need to further your education- like getting a professional qualification such as ICAN or CFA; do so. In order to secure great engagements in the deepening economic crisis, one has to stand out.
If you can constantly fortify yourself with the best skills that you can attain, you will get employed for even higher roles than people on the same level or class as you. You will, thus, be able to climb up the corporate ladder faster.
Network
Depending on the industry you intend to break into, you can build effective networks with those already in it. The essence of expanding your network is to keep yourself abreast with the current happenings. Information is what runs this generation; the faster you know things, the faster you can act on it. Where there are new openings in certain organizations, if you have made the right networks, you will know of it before it hits the general public.
Ways in which you can network include: attending industrial seminars and forums, joining platforms, going for public events and so on. It is important that you move around with your business card and collect those of others. Where you have none, no need to worry; every place is an opportunity to sell yourself. Be on your ‘A’ game at all times, dress presentably, and you would be on your way to securing the best job you have ever had.
Make effective use of Social Media
Social Media is another great way to make yourself more reputable. With the trend of the online revolution, so many organizations are gaining online presence. By consistently updating your social media profiles and presenting an aura of professionalism, you can boost the chances of getting quality appointments.
The best social media platform for this is LinkedIn. A good number of companies have found wordy employees through LinkedIn and likewise, people have found jobs in good organizations. To efficiently make use of this platform, it is necessary to update your profile with your work experiences, your proficiency in the use of various software and your skills. You would never know who may be checking out your page.
Stay Determined
Above all, it is important to remain determined, focused, and proactive. Do not let your past failures negatively hinder you from forging ahead. You have to constantly look for opportunities around you to secure employment. Do not relent in your search and not let negativity becloud you.
Where all opportunities are failing, persevere. Be active in the search for more opportunities and believe in yourself. Constantly repeat affirmations like: “I am suitable for the best form of employment”, “success is mine indeed” and as many specific things you want. Determination is key in not just securing employment, but in achieving anything at all in life.
contributor: Lawretta Egba.
