Hire Ed
Ready to advance your career? We can help (part 1)
According to the US Bu
reau of Labor Statistics, the average American will change jobs 10-15 times over the course of their working life. That’s a new job, every 5 years.
There are a number of reasons why people change jobs but, more often than not, the reason a worker changes jobs, or even careers, is to advance to something better – whether it’s more pay, a higher position, or a career that is a better “fit” for their skills and interests.
Whatever the reason, frequent job changes demand that workers not only have up-to-date skills and knowledge, but they also need to know how to conduct an effective job search and market themselves appropriately. Here are 3 things you can do to make a change for the better in your career.
– Develop soft skills. In addition to learning the technical skills required in your chosen field, work on developing soft skills such as communication, leadership and collaboration. According to a recent survey, 77 percent of employers believe soft skills are just as important as hard skills, and 67 percent of HR managers say they would hire a candidate with strong soft skills even if their hard skills were lacking. While many hard skills can be learned on the job, soft skills often require additional education and training such as a degree or certificate program.
– Leverage social media to market yourself. A recent poll found that while only 36 percent of job seekers are on LinkedIn, 94 percent of HR recruiters are actively using the site to screen top talent. But don’t think of LinkedIn as simply a place to search for jobs and post your resume. Think of it as a platform on which to promote your personal brand. Show would-be employers what you know, your writing and communication skills, and your depth of understanding on a particular topic. Share and comment on articles that align with your career goals and recommend the work of others in your network.
– Network. Social media sites, like LinkedIn, offer a chance for you to reach beyond your circle of friends and coworkers. Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with people who are influential in your industry or who are subject experts. And stay connected. It is much easier to reach out to someone during a job search if you are already connected and comfortable with them than if you are contacting them for the first time.
In part 2, we will share 2 more things you can do to advance your career. And don’t forget to register for Hire Ed, our upcoming education and career event. See details below.
Looking for more help and ideas on how to advance your career? Join us on June 20 for Hire Ed, an education and career event, and learn how you can get the skills and knowledge you need to make a change for the better. For more information, contact an Admissions Counselor at 617-989-4300.