Staying relevant in the ever-changing job market

When you think about making a career move, are you filled with excitement, or do you cringe over the prospect of change? Do you find yourself constantly updating your resume and wondering if your skillset is relevant? Most working adults are conflicted with their answers and don’t know how to make themselves stand out. Regardless of whether you are content with your current position or seeking a new opportunity, a question you’ll most likely ask yourself is: “Am I staying relevant in today’s ever-changing job market?”

NETWORK! NETWORK!

If you are a current job seeker, then networking may be the greatest factor in your career development. Investing in your friends and colleagues may lead to a huge payout in the future.  With so much technology offering informal video conferencing, in-person meetings can leave a lasting impression. And, investing an hour a week in getting to know your colleagues and customers can be a clear message that you care about people, along with your own prospects for self-improvement.

If you want to remain relevant and move forward in your career, attending in-person professional activities and being viewed by others as a subject matter expert may be your best path to success. Giving back to your community by volunteering or showing support at events for local nonprofits can make a dramatic impact, as well. Your involvement can create positive personal energy while revealing to those within your network that you have a genuine concern for your community.

EDUCATION

Invest in yourself by improving your academic credentials. More and more, many new jobs are requiring a master’s degree or certification within your career field. Whether you’ve earned your degree(s) in the last decade or within the past year, you should always be learning. More often than not, my clients choose the college graduate over candidates having only a high school diploma. College grads are viewed as individuals who have stayed the course while demonstrating perseverance.

And employers know that candidates who have successfully completed his or her academic goals are much more likely to remain in a job position for three to five years, as opposed to a candidate with a limited education. To remain relevant, at a minimum, work toward a trade school certification. After all, how often do you come across an unemployed plumber or electrician?

RESUME DEVELOPMENT

Invest in your resume. Consider hiring a professional resume writer. The resume writer should be capable of discovering areas of your career that you may consider irrelevant. In today’s ever-changing market, simple revisions can make some of your past skills and experiences both transferable and relevant. Resume writers offer different points of view, conduct mock interviews and provide advice regarding the best responses to behavioral/cultural interview questions. When choosing a resume writer, always look within your own network or community as this person may may identify relevant aspects about your career. Find someone who demonstrates a true passion for helping others succeed.

CREATE AN ONLINE PRESENCE

The most powerful resourcing tool I use for the identification of candidates is LinkedIn. This site helps connect job seekers with potential employers, while also connecting past and present colleagues. I absolutely love using this service, and it’s free for job seekers.

Regarding your Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts, review your posts and pictures. Although these are your “personal” accounts, potential employers may sift through your posts to determine if you are deemed a cultural fit. They may be trying to determine whether you demonstrate the appropriate etiquette and or decorum to represent their organization. In a culture where most everything is recorded, a candidate can be passed over for tasteless pictures and/or content. Therefore, I often ask candidates if the content they’ve posted will pass as safe and appropriate.  

CONFIDENCE

Be authentic. Be bold. But always remain humble.

Nothing exudes confidence more than walking into a room with a deliberate stride while holding your head high. Play to your strengths by being a great listener, staying aware of current events, and keeping up to date within your industry. Simply be yourself.  

Using all these tips — network building, refreshing your resume, gaining a new certification, or simply trimming your presence on social media — can have a dramatic impact on your career progression.