Stay attractive on the job market
with these tips
How do you make sure you are and stay attractive to the job market? That’s exactly what employability means. Take control of your career and take the initiative to stay or become attractive. Employers are often willing to support you in this. But if that’s not the case, don’t get discouraged. Don’t underestimate everything you can do yourself. Your employability is your own responsibility. With the tips below, you’ll become the sought-after 3.0 employee!
Tip 1 and 2
1. Keep an eye on the changing job market and respond to it.
What will your work look like in 5 or 10 years? Will your job still exist? What changes will have taken place by then? Make sure you have insight into developments and, above all, that you are prepared for them. Take extra courses or retrain for a different field.
2. Stay active
People who have a job find it easier to get a new job than those without one. It’s not fair, but unfortunately, it’s true. If you’re temporarily without work, be sure to stay active by volunteering or taking (free) courses, for example.
Tip 3 and 4
3. Keep developing yourself
When was the last time you took a relevant course or training? To remain attractive on the job market, it’s important to regularly take courses or training. Employers are often willing to invest in this, but you should also take initiative by enrolling in a course in your own time and with your own budget. Other ways to keep developing yourself are taking on new projects or additional responsibilities.
4. Change jobs every 3-7 years
For many people, it feels safe to stay in their current position; it’s familiar, the salary is good, you have nice colleagues, or it’s conveniently close to home. But be careful: if you stay in the same job or organization too long, you can become stuck and less attractive to other employers. And what if your job suddenly disappears or you can no longer perform your current duties due to circumstances…
Tip 5 and 6
5. Do work that suits you
Find out what your talents and motivators are and what makes you happy at work. You’ll be working too long to go to your job with reluctance. Make sure you’re doing work that energizes you, so you won’t mind learning new things in your field.
6. Maintain your application skills
When did you last update your CV? Do you know what requirements your CV needs to meet now? Are you up to date with what’s important to find suitable positions and how recruitment procedures work these days? Quite a few things have changed, so make sure you’re aware of current job application trends.
Tip 7 and 8
7. Take care of your health
Good health is also important to stay attractive to the job market. Are you sleeping enough, eating healthily, exercising regularly, and experiencing little stress? It’s important to stay fit and vital throughout your career.
8. Think like an entrepreneur
What do you have to offer an organization? What is your unique added value? Make sure you know where your added value lies, what your talents are, and show yourself off. Not only within your own organization but also outside it.
Tip 9 and 10
9. Maintain your network
Build up a network and maintain it. Most job openings are filled via networking. It’s faster, cheaper, and more targeted. Through your network, you can also better monitor how the job market and developments in your field are evolving, and where the vacancies are. LinkedIn is a perfect tool for this.
10. Make your own plan
What are you going to do to be and stay attractive in the job market? With which of the above tips did you feel a bit uneasy? That might be your focus area. A career coach can help guide you to stay attractive for the job market. In your plan, it’s also wise to consider a plan B, in case plan A doesn’t work out. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
