Have you ever assessed your potential employability? There are several factors that can increase the employability of a professional and improve their chances of securing a new job. In my opinion, the key factors contributing to your employability potential can be summarized into the following seven categories:
1. Education and qualifications:
Relevant degrees, certifications, and specialized training can enhance a professional's qualifications and make them more appealing to employers. This factor is particularly pertinent to junior professionals.
2. Experience:
Relevant work experience is often a critical factor for employers. It demonstrates that a professional has practical knowledge and can hit the ground running. Diversifying your experience across functions and industries can boost employability. Avoid extended periods without work or study and consider maintaining references from previous bosses.
3. Adaptability and flexibility:
In a dynamic job market, professionals who can adapt to new technologies, work environments, and roles are highly valued. Learning agility, the ability to transition between functions and excel quickly, is particularly sought after. Long tenures in the same role may hinder employability, as can frequent job changes.
4. Continuous learning and development:
Staying updated with industry trends, technologies, and best practices shows a commitment to ongoing learning and improvement. Being the best in your current role or the one you aspire to entails consistent effort in staying informed and up-to-date.
5. Personal brand:
Building a strong personal brand through online presence, portfolios, and professional profiles can make a professional stand out to potential employers. Beyond being the best professional, it's crucial to actively manage and present your personal brand.
Have you started managing your personal brand? If you want to know more about the way you can do it, you can read my blog post about personal brand here.
6. Networking:
Building and maintaining a professional network can lead to valuable connections and potential job opportunities. Networking can happen through industry events, social media, and professional associations.
Have you set your own goals in terms of networking? Set specific goals, such as LinkedIn connections, monthly professional lunches, and attendance at industry events.
7. Demonstrated achievements and results:
Providing concrete examples of accomplishments and contributions in previous roles can showcase a professional's value to potential employers. Maintaining a log of key achievements each year and in each role can be a valuable asset.
Challenges:
- Beyond these factors, it's crucial to consider employability 'enablers' to avoid pursuing unattainable opportunities. For instance, foreign professionals may face challenges due to visa restrictions. Leveraging a unique skill and demonstrating value can increase sponsorship likelihood.
- For recent graduates, securing a full-time position involves leveraging trainee periods and applying to graduate programs. Soft skills, including communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork, play a pivotal role in candidate selection.
- Currently, life expectancy is steadily increasing. On the positive side, many individuals are anticipated to live beyond 90 years with relatively good health. Conversely, individuals aged 50 and above in the professional sphere encounter substantial challenges in securing employment. Considering this situation, I would suggest you periodically assess your potential employability and begin preparations for your 'second professional career' as early as possible.
In conclusion, to enhance your potential employability, take proactive steps in each of these key areas. Whether you are a recent graduate, a mid-career professional, or a senior professional, a holistic approach to skill development, networking, and adaptability is essential. Regularly evaluate and refine your employability strategy to stay competitive in the ever-evolving job market.
What's the first step you plan to take to increase your potential employability?
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About the author: Jorge Sánchez Paniagua
I am a professional with more than 20 years of experience in multinational companies in leadership roles, managing high-performance, multidisciplinary teams with international exposure in different functional areas.
My disruptive mindset leads me continuously to question the status quo and more traditional approaches, with a strong focus on results and innovation.
Currently, my full-time professional role is as the Director of Marketing and Admissions at IE University Lifelong Learning. And in a limited complementary way, I work as an Executive Coach, Speaker, Adjunct Professor at IE Business School, and as an independent Board Member of companies.
If you want to know more about me, click here.