Starting a new job is a scary yet exciting experience. I remember being a senior in undergraduate school and I could not be told that my dream job wasn’t within reach. I mean, I had an internship at a major news station and had been awarded two scholarships within a year’s timeframe. I thought I was hot stuff and that any employer would be lucky to acquire me. A year post graduation, I found myself at the same job I’d had for several years even though I applied to over 30 jobs. Sure, I received a small promotion, but it was nowhere near what I thought I wanted to pursue as a career.
You may be wondering what I did next… I didn’t give up, that’s for sure. I ended up applying for jobs in another state and that’s when I finally got the opportunity to utilize my skills in a new, more exciting position. Throughout my job hunt I made sure my résumé reflected my most marketable skills. And depending upon what field you’re looking to enter, your “marketable skills” may be a little different from mine. Marketable skills include, but definitely aren’t limited to; typing, video editing, social media management, and being proficient in Microsoft Office.
In my opinion, being proactive and eager to learn in the most valuable, marketable skill in today’s competitive job market.
Employers shouldn’t expect a new graduate to instantly be a know-it-all, but they should appreciate a new employee who is enthusiastic about learning. This type of employee is more likely to be innovative and add value to the organization. So how can you showcase this skill in order to be considered a prime candidate by the employer of your dreams? It’s simple, seek knowledge. Find ways to educate yourself and remain up-to-date on developments within your field. Subscribe to related newsletters or magazines, read the latest research, enroll in a new class, or join a professional organization. These actions can show an employer that you’re not just looking for a random job, instead you’re passionate about the field you’re attempting to break into.
If you’re interested in some free professional development, you should consider checking out Webucator. The site currently provides Microsoft Office training and since proficiency in this operating system is pretty much a necessity for the modern worker, I’d suggest you capitalize on this exciting opportunity.
What do you think is the most marketable skill in today’s job market?