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Are You Marketable?Whether you are currently working or pounding the pavement, you need to think about your marketability- unemployment can “sneak” up on anyone. In today’s economy, where downsizing is a continuing theme, every job is at risk and individuals may be surprised to learn that the only job security they have is their ability to land their next job.
Put the time aside to assess your skills. Do you know your current value in the work world? Pay attention to what is happening in your industry; globally, nationally, provincially and within your own company. Notice the trends. See how technology and globalization are changing how or where your work is done. * Keep your skills current. Decide if you need to upgrade. Plan how and when you will get the training you need to reach your employment goal. To increase your marketability, it is important to get certification, learn new skills and gain experience that will make you more valuable to your current or next employer.
Once you’ve assessed your marketability you need to know how to market yourself. This requires much more than adding your last employer to your resumé, making a pile of photocopies and dropping them off all over town. Your job search will be much more effective if it is focused. It is hard to find a job called “anything”. Define your target market: match your skills with suitable positions and employers. Sharpen your job search skills, learn how to target your resumé, make a cold call or conduct an information interview. Then approach your job search with a calculated strategy. Stay organized and set daily, weekly and monthly goals.
If you are unemployed and need assistance with career planning or a job search contact one of your community career resource centers for free advice on how to make yourself more marketable in the shifting job market. Call The Job Shop @ 334-3119 or Opportunities @ 897-3315.
* For inspiration on managing change in work and life, check out “ Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson, MD. Published by GP Putnam’s and Sons, NY |