Boost Your Career Profile

Boost your

Career Profile:

How Learning New Skills, Volunteering and Having a Plan Can Make You More Marketable So You Can Land Your Dream Job.

By Alejandra Cerball

If you're feeling unmotivated in your current role or you're ready to see what else is out there, it may be time to upgrade your career profile. It's never a bad idea to polish up your skills, take a course to learn something new or set career goals to get a raise or promotion. When you take steps to make yourself more marketable, you are showing your current or future employer that you mean business, and you're ready to take on a new role with more responsibilities.

Use these tips to improve your career profile so you can wow recruiters when they come across your resume.

BOOST YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTER WITH NUMBERS AND EXAMPLES.

When it comes to resumes, most people like to use the words: punctual, motivated, and a team player. While these are all excellent traits to have, these qualities don't stand out in a stack of resumes. Instead, use keywords to show how you can benefit the company. For example, you can explain how you managed a team of five or reached your sales targets every quarter. This helps paint a clear picture of your work ethic and what you will bring to the table instead of using flashy words that don't carry much weight.

KEEP A JOURNAL TO TRACK YOUR GOALS.

List five to 10 skills that you want to develop and give yourself a report card every few months. You can also turn to a mentor in your company or a manager to help give you feedback. By creating actionable goals, you can take note of areas where your skills may be lacking. Use the results to develop a plan for what you want to achieve and what you need to do to get there. Stay focused on what you want to learn and reach out to people in your industry who can help you develop those skills.

FIND A MENTOR TO HELP YOU GROW.

Sometimes finding a mentor can be easier said than done. You want to build a relationship with the person first so that you both feel comfortable

talking about your skills, and opportunities for growth. Start searching within your network first and invite them out for coffee or send them a short greeting before asking, "Will you be my mentor?" If you can't think of anyone in your circle, check to see if your current company offers a mentorship program. Avoid asking a stranger because they will likely turn down your request. Be clear about your expectations, never show up late, and strive to give more to the relationship than what you take.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW. SEARCH ONLINE FOR FREE COURSES.

If you're searching for a job or happy in your current role, consider investing in your career development, by taking a course to further your skills. Enroll in a free Yoast course to learn about SEO, explore Skillshare to see what you can learn about photo editing or check in with your company to see what type of learning opportunities they offer. If you don’t ask, you might miss out on an excellent opportunity to learn

something new.

Look for jobs in your industry and see what type of skills you haven't mastered yet. If you don't have some of these skills, do a quick search online to see how you can get a certificate or accreditation. You don't have to spend a lot of money on courses, many are available for free.

USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO BUILD BUSINESS CONNECTIONS.

Right now is an excellent time to do a review of your LinkedIn profile summary. Is your website linked? Is your profile photo a current professional-looking headshot? Do you post valuable content regularly? Are you putting your best self out there for employers to see? Social media platforms like Instagram, Linkedin, and Facebook can set you apart as a leader in your field. If you are a photographer, post your best work on your social platforms. If you're a writer, regularly post articles showcasing your work. Use social media to help you build your brand and show recruiters how you market yourself.

VOLUNTEER OR JOIN A PROFESSIONAL GROUP TO GIVE BACK AND EXPAND YOUR NETWORK.

Give back to others by offering your time. You never know what opportunities may open up from volunteering. It's a chance to grow your skills and your network. Plus, it looks great on a resume. You can volunteer by taking photos at an event, teach people basic computer skills or give time petting dogs at a local animal shelter. Search for opportunities in your neighborhood to help your local community.

Are you a member of a professional organization? Do you have an active role? Volunteer to become a mentor, or become a leader in your industry group. It's a great opportunity to meet more people in your field and help others at the same time.

By freshening up your skills, tracking your goals, and volunteering, you are taking steps to make yourself more marketable. Before you leave your current role, ask your boss for a letter of recommendation, and never burn any bridges. Use these tips to help you get that promotion, or land the job of your dreams today!