You just got your BA or MA, or even an MBA, and you’re ready to jump into this dismal job market. But are you really employable? Do you have what companies and HR managers are looking for?
Most hiring managers noted that degrees are nice, but they place more emphasis on such intangibles as honesty and integrity, oral communication skills, a solid work ethic, punctuality and reliability, and a positive team approach to working with others. Specific technical knowledge earned through a degree took a backseat to these attributes. Even work experience seemed of secondary importance to these all-important people skills.
If you’re pretty confident that you possess these basic skills, it might be time to enhance some of your computer and customer service skills. For example, Vision2Learn offers free online courses on computer literacy, customer service skills and business techniques. There’s also Toastmasters, which can help refine your communication and leadership skills.
Many employers routinely ‘Google’ job applicants and won’t hesitate to check them out on Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace and other social networking sites. So it’s always a good idea to remove any embarrassing postings, set up maximum privacy settings, and generally "put your best foot forward" online. It doesn’t hurt to create your own professional website to showcase your capabilities and accomplishments.
Speaking of accomplishments, it’s important to get as much applicable work experience as you can, even if you have to temp or intern to get it. Temps or interns who prove themselves with the intangibles mentioned above are often offered permanent full-time roles.
For an added perspective, check out this video:
Got any thoughts on making yourself more employable? Include your comments in the section below.
Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients. Please see more of his blogs and view additional job postings on Nexxt.
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