How Employability Services Can Boost Your Career

In today's competitive job market, standing out to employers is more important than ever. One effective way to achieve this is through employability services, such as Jobseekers Empowered. These services will equip jobseekers with critical skills and resources to enhance their chances of landing a job. This article explores how employability services work, the benefits they offer, and how they can give your career a significant boost.

Online coaching session for interview preparation

What are Employability Services?

Employability services, such as Jobseekers Empowered, offer tailored coaching and resources designed to help individuals improve their job prospects and skills. Services include confidence building, career counselling, writing a stand-out CV, working on interview techniques, job search assistance, and networking opportunities. For recent graduates, they can bridge the gap between education and the workforce, ensuring that with relevant coaching and support they are set up for success.

Statistics show that individuals who engage with employability services are more likely to secure employment. According to a report by the Education and Training Foundation, 76% of participants in such programmes reported an improved chance of finding work.

How Employability Services Enhance Your Job Skills

One of the major benefits of employability services is identifying which skills require development and providing suggested ways to improve these. Employers are looking for candidates who possess essential soft skills, in addition to hard skills tailored to the industry, as these are essential for the workforce.

Hard Skills

Hard skills are the specific, teachable abilities you can quantify. For example, if you’re pursuing a career in digital marketing, certain skills like data analysis or proficiency in marketing software are crucial. Employability services can provide individual guidance and direction towards suggested training or courses to boost your employability and ensure you are equipped with the tools required to excel.

Soft Skills

Soft skills, on the other hand, are interpersonal traits that allow you to communicate and collaborate effectively. These include teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills. Jobseekers Empowered recognise the importance of soft skills and can provide coaching to target these areas and discuss real-world scenarios, giving you the confidence you need in the working world.

In addition to technical and interpersonal skills, suggestions on obtaining certifications crucial for your CV can be identified, ensuring you are more appealing to a prospective employer and demonstrating your commitment to ongoing education and professional development.

A focused training session on a laptop aiding skill development

How to Get Hired?

This can be straightforward with the right approach. Here are a few key steps:

1. Refine Your CV

Your CV will need to capture and highlight relevant experiences, achievements, skills and include key words that capture these. Key words are crucial as they are identified by AI filters, which many employers use as tools to identify potential candiates and those to reject. It is therefore essential to ensure you include the right words into your CV to be given any chance of being highlighted as a potential candidate.

2. Prepare for the Interview

Prior to any interview, take time to understand the company's mission, values, and culture. This knowledge can help you tailor your application and demonstrate genuine interest. Ensure you also ask for the format of the interview so you can prepare accordingly. Interview oaching will provide you with the guidance and confidence you need, ensuring you have a successful interview by selling yourself as best you can. Coaching sessions can be designed for a specific interview and include a final mock interview to identify areas of improvement, invaluable to refining your technique.

3. Networking

Connect with current or former employees through platforms like LinkedIn. Networking can provide invaluable insights about the company culture and its hiring process.

Networking Event

Creating a Winning CV and Cover Letter

A professionally crafted CV (and cover letter if required) are crucial in making a strong first impression. Employability services can extract from you exactly what is required to include in writing a stand-out CV. These are not so easy to identify yourself so below are some tips to consider:

Personalisation

Your CV and cover letter should reflect the jobs you’re applying for. It will depend on the roles you are applying for as some may require incorporating specific keywords from the job description. This will help you to pass through applicant tracking systems that many companies use.

Clarity and Conciseness

Aim to keep your CV to two pages, ensuring it is clear and concise, and use bullet points for easy reading. Highlight and detail the most relevant and recent experiences, adding any relevant data or accomplishments to back up statements made. Aim to include impressive achievements as opposed to listing hobbies.

Professional Appearance

The layout and design of your CV can also help you stand out. Use a clean, professional format with easily readable fonts and avoid adding a photo to avoid bias. Make sure to include your email and mobile contact information clearly at the top of the document (you can include your global location, if relevant, but do not include your address or date of birth).

Networking and Building Connections

The importance of networking cannot be overstated. LinkedIn can provide job leads and opportunities for internships. Here are some ways to leverage networking:

Attend Workshops and Events

Follow companies of interest through LinkedIn as they may host events you can attend and meet industry professionals through. Take advantage of these opportunities to build relationships and prepare an elevator pitch to introduce yourself effectively.

Online Networking

Utilise professional networks like LinkedIn to connect with hiring managers and employees within your desired industry. Engaging with content relevant to your field can bring attention to your profile. Free webinars you attend in your desired industry can also provide you with opportunities to connect with the speakers. Network further by sending a post that includes highlights from the webinar and hashtag the speakers. Start to build your network.

Informational Interviews

Consider reaching out to professionals for informational interviews or current employees. This allows you to ask questions about their career paths and gain insights about the industry while simultaneously expanding your network.

By becoming an active participant in networking, you can uncover opportunities that aren’t advertised on job boards, giving you an edge in the job market.

Taking the Next Step in Your Career

Incorporating employability services like Jobseekers Empowered into your job search can be a game-changer. From skill development to networking opportunities, these services can empower your career trajectory. By actively participating in various programmes and workshops, and building solid connections, you can significantly increase your employability and marketability to potential employers.

As you move forward, remember that success seldom happens overnight. Once you have found your career of choice, your journey doesn’t stop there - keep learning, growing, and expanding your professional network, and you will see results in the long-term!

For a free consultation on what you need to further your employability, check out www.jobseekers-empowered.co.uk where you can find the support needed to advance your career effectively.