You might be wondering how to jump start your career in two simple steps and if that’s even possible, but I assure you that it is, and it’s even easier than you might think!
I often talk about how there are a lot of under-utilized resources at our fingertips. In a time where we can google almost anything, it seems to be taken for granted and underused as a career boost. So here we go, I’m going to show you exactly how to jump start your career in two simple steps!
Step One: Do Some Research
Do some research on industry trends.
- Is there any up and coming software in your industry?
- When you browse potential job opportunities, are there any specific skills, software, or knowledge that is required?
- How about certifications? Is there any specialized training that could benefit you when it comes to your job search?
The more research you can do on knowledge, trends, skills, and training, the better. You want to get a better understanding of what potential employers and recruiters are looking for in candidates within your field so you can mold yourself into the perfect candidate.
A great way to do this research is to browse through potential job opportunities. Think about what you want your next career move to be and do a search on LinkedIn, Indeed.com, Monster.com, or any other job site you find effective. Look through opportunities that interest you and make note of the requirements.
Step Two: Take an Online Class
Okay, so now that you’ve found the necessary skills and knowledge you need to get ahead, take a class so you can put that information on your resume! With options like Khan Academy, Lynda.com, Skillshare, and even YouTube, you can learn practically anything online with minimal to no cost!
Do you notice that a lot of jobs require QuickBooks or another specific software? Take an online course so you learn about the program and can put it in the skills matrix of your resume. You don’t need to become an expert on it, (though if you can that’s even better!) but if you can take a course to familiarize yourself with the subject or program, you’ll be able to include that information on your resume.
Why Is This Important?
You may be wondering why this is important and how it can truly benefit you. Today, with such a high volume of applicants per position, employers often use keyword searches to weed out unqualified applicants. A lot of people use the “spray and pray” tactic when applying for jobs, meaning that they apply for a lot of jobs that they might not even qualify for, just for the sake of applying.
This creates an influx of underqualified candidates, and employers/recruiters need a simple way to figure out who is and who is not qualified. Thus, keyword searches come up. For instance, if an employer is looking to hire an inside sales rep with experience generating leads, working a pipeline, and prospecting new markets, they will search those key words and phrases within each resume that comes in. If someone has those phrases in their document, they will be put into the qualified pile, and if not, the resume will be tossed aside. It sounds harsh, but with so many candidates, there has to be a way to sort everything.
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We’re almost two weeks into 2017, and for many people, the new year means a fresh start and possibly a new job search. Wondering how to jump start your career in two simple steps? It’s easy! Do some research on industry trends, and take an online course so your knowledge and skill set is up to date. This enables you to put relevant skills and information on your resume, which will help when potential employers or recruiters are doing a keyword search to weed out unqualified applicants. Ensure that you align with potential job requirements and transform your resume so that you are seen as the perfect candidate!
Great post and advice!