Today’s job market is deeply competitive, and always evolving. Job candidates today need to grab the attention of potential employers quickly and effectively. Here are three ways you can maximize your marketability.
1. Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly
ATS software, or applicant tracking software, are programs used by employers to help them sort through the hundreds or even thousands of resumes they receive on a daily basis. ATS often acts as a filter so that hiring managers see only the most relevant, qualified resumes.
Want to make sure yours is one of them? Follow resume submission guidelines carefully, including required file types and formatting preferences. Don’t apply for positions you’re not qualified for and avoid applying for multiple positions within the same company. Finally, know what kind of keywords are most likely to get you noticed; these include prior job titles, college majors, and technical skills that relate to the role you’re applying for.
2. Cultivate Your Social Media Presence
Social media used to be seen as a workplace nuisance, something that distracted workers from doing the job they were hired for. Nowadays, however, social media is a vital tool for businesses of all kinds, not just in terms of marketing and customer service, but also as a means of determining how well-suited a potential employee is for their corporate culture.
Having a strong social media presence is a good way of demonstrating your value as an employee, as well as being a good way of getting noticed by recruiters. It’s important to stay professional, stay positive, and most importantly, stay active. Post often about the industry you work in, share helpful articles and news reports about the business, tweet live updates from conferences and other events, etc.
3. Acquire and Demonstrate New Skills
Even in extremely niche fields, the nature of business is always growing and changing. As a result, employers need workers who are open to growth and change as well. The best way to maximize your own marketability is to research what skills today’s employers need, then think of ways you can acquire or demonstrate those abilities yourself.
This could mean learning new things, in which case you can educate yourself or look into taking a free class online. Or it could mean simply rephrasing, recontextualizing, or rethinking the skills you already have. Volunteering is also a good way of gaining diverse work experiences, while also showcasing to employers a sense of teamwork, selflessness, and responsibility.