3 things you should do outside of work if you want to get ahead of the others
To secure an ideal job is hard and the competition is only getting fiercer and fiercer. Everyone going after a decent role has similar background and qualifications, which is forcing employers to look at your“non-traditional” traits. So what could you do to set yourself apart from a huge group of job-seekers? Here’s a few things my friends around the world do; they could benefit you from short-term to long-term development.
- Find out what’s missing in YOU
When you are at work, helping your company to analyse some market data, trying to find a niche within the industry; you would still do it even if it takes you weeks. There’s really no excuses not to do it for yourself!
Look at your CV and the jobs you really want. If you’re an employer, would you hire you? Do you have the skills the job needs? Is there a software you learnt before that could add more value to your future team, but it got a little rusty and need to get back to it? Well do it before it’s too late.
Examples: take a part-time degree, get a qualification, learn how to use a trending software
2. Boost your personal development
Traits employers look at; communication, leadership, confidence, time management, etc. No one can handle everything in the perfect way but you should always reflect upon your speeches and actions for personal development.
There are external consultants you could seek for help (which of course is never cheap). There’s also other ways you could make your own development plan; you can talk to senior colleagues for their advice or even simply search “personal development planning” on Google! The ultimate goal is really to become a better person. It’s could be important how people see you, but how you see yourself could determine a lot more than that.
3. Networking
It’s been said over and over again. From this side of the world to the other side; and yet people rarely do it. I recently went to a networking event in Singapore with people from the telecom industry. When I walked in, I could immediately tell I was the youngest person there. Everyone else is either a senior manager/ executive, or is part of the hosting organization. Why?
It really is the best and easiest way to learn something new. As mentioned before, people nowadays have similar qualifications. Regardless of whether you’re willing to accept this or not, but the fact is having good contacts could possibly land you a good job one day. If you’re scared or not sure what to do once you’re there, just practice. Start with small talks with people around the office, people you don’t know very well. Connect and build relationships.
Examples: join professional groups through LinkedIn for their networking events; attend industrial conferences, participate in volunteering campaigns.