Whether you’re already job hunting or believe you may need to soon, there are steps you can take to make yourself more attractive to potential employers. Here are seven tips on increasing your marketability:
Develop a highly impressive resume. It’s true that employers hire people, not pieces of paper. On the other hand, an impressive resume that documents evidence of academic excellence, demonstrated leadership, personal initiative and well developed social skills will definitely get the attention of corporate recruiters and hiring managers. The key is to present written credentials that depict you as a collegian who “stands out from the crowd” as an exceptionally qualified prospective hire.
Prepare to participate in the global economy. There are several practical ways to prepare for participation in the global economy. For starters, become familiar with at least one of the major languages involved in international commerce: Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Russian, French, German or Chinese. Even one year of concentrated study in the language and culture associated with a major “player” in international business will put you head and shoulders above your peers without such knowledge.
Become technologically savvy. Whether you’re planning a career in health care, law, engineering, criminal justice, teaching, human sciences, the military or financial services, it is essential that you understand how technology influences your line of work. Technologically savvy employees can more easily comprehend how advances in technology enable them to perform their job duties more efficiently. Even one or two computer and Internet-related classes as electives can significantly add to your knowledge base.
Become active in a professional association.This means doing more than paying dues and showing up for meetings. Find a way to help: For example, perhaps you can organize expert speakers in your field to be on a panel. It will boost your resume, build you self-esteem and give you valuable connections.
Take a class or get a certificate. This is especially helpful if it teaches you a skill — new technology that’s being used in your field, for example — that you don’t already have.
Take on a new project at work. It should be something that lets you add something new to your resume. Think in terms of the resume that you’re going to be writing. What do you want to have on there that isn’t on there now?
Dream big! If you dream big, everyone around you will know it: professors, fellow students, and employment interviewers. Having grand ambitions and the personal drive to achieve them will definitely make you more marketable as a job seeker and dedicated professional.
