As unemployment rates are set to rise due to the impact of COVID-19, now is the time to optimise your employability. No matter what profession you aspire to, there are a variety of ways you can make yourself a more attractive candidate to potential employers. To get started, take a look at these five ways to increase your employability now:

1. Create a Personal Brand

A personal brand should encapsulate everything you want a future employer to know about you which will increase your employability.  From your characteristics and talents to your skills and interests, you can use your personal brand to highlight your best attributes. Everyone has a personal brand, whether they realise it or not, so it’s worth taking the time to refine yours. 

2. Get Qualified

There are many roles that require you to have certain qualifications or certifications. Although some companies may be willing to arrange this for you, you’ll be far more employable if you can hit the ground running. When you enrol on a course with COSAC, for example, you can benefit from online and in-person training. It will lead to the certification you need to start working in your chosen industry. With a wide range of courses, it’s easy to find the right programme to help you fulfil your professional ambitions. 

3. Check Your Online Profile

Before you start applying for roles, Google your name and take a look at what comes up – because potential employers certainly will! Setting social media profiles to private is always a good place to start but, ideally, you’ll want to remove anything you wouldn’t want an employer to see. Furthermore, using professional networks such as LinkedIn to promote your personal brand can be an effective way of ensuring that employers see the content you want to highlight.

4. Gain Experience

If you’re just starting out or you want to move into a new industry, it’s useful to have some level of experience in your chosen field. Although it can be tricky to get experience when you’re not employed, there are a variety of internships, work experience programs and work returner schemes that will enable you to gain more experience in a particular sector. Similarly, volunteering can be a viable way to gain experience and develop the skills you need to succeed. 

5. Start a Side Hustle

Starting a side hustle can have many advantages. As well as boosting your income, you can expand your skill set. You can also gain valuable experience that will stand you in good stead when you’re applying for external roles. In addition to this, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new people in your industry. This could increase your employability and then lead to important connections and job offers. 

Working Towards Your Dream Job

It doesn’t matter what stage you’re currently at, it’s never too late to start working towards your dream role. However, you don’t land a highly coveted position by accident, so be sure to have a plan in place. By enhancing your employability and setting out a strategy, you can continue to climb the career ladder and secure your dream job.

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As an experienced business and finance writer I understand the corporate landscape and the driving forces behind it. Over the years I’ve shared my insight and knowledge with key industry publications and dedicated my time to showing how business leaders can make their organisations more effective.