This blog was first published on the 33 Talent website.
There is some foundational advice for job-seeking that will remain timeless - like expanding your network on LinkedIn and perfecting your resume for recruitment systems. However, if the past years have taught us anything, it's that a critical aspect of being successful in your career requires a high degree of self-reflection and flexibility. ICF-certified career and life coach Cat Muspratt-Williams shares her take on maximising your chance for employment:
Figure out the career story you want to tell
Who are you? What are your strengths? What have been some of your greatest achievements? What are you known for? Redefine your narrative so that it is simple and compelling. Our career is just that - ours. Take the time to sit back and reflect on what you want it to look like and what you need to do to get it there. It is up to each of us to map out our career and take ownership of the actions we need to take. The hard truth is that it is a challenging job market for job seekers. Keeping an open mind and in perspective will ensure you maintain the positive mindset needed to trudge through the difficulties of the climate. And employers will take notice of this strong sense of self and determination, as well!
Develop your skills
The skills market evolves continuously and show should you! What skills could you be developing to give you a head start right now? One of the main challenges jobseekers face is not knowing how to align their skills and expertise with the hiring criteria presented. It's important to remember that employers aren't seeking justanybody and there might be other candidates with similar qualifications as you, so forgoing the 'one size fits all approach' and demonstrating the initiative to upskill yourself will put you leaps ahead of others. Whether it's improving your soft skills or taking up various competencies, you don't have to be a master at your new skill to include it in your job hunt.