Advance Your Education

Employability skills are the traits and talents that make you an attractive candidate for a job. Improving your employability skills through education, training and practical applications can give you an edge in the job market. In addition to giving you an advantage in your job search, these employability skills may also position you for higher-earning roles with greater growth potential.

Training and education show potential employers that you take your professional life seriously. You can advance your education and improve your employability skills by getting a degree or certification, completing continuing education courses or participating in internships and work-study opportunities. You can also find a mentor, participate in professional development opportunities or join trade or industry associations that provide enrichment programs for members.

Get Organized

Organizational skills are vital to advancing your career. Improve your employability skills in this arena by volunteering to take leadership or coordinator roles in your workplace or community. Participate in long-range planning initiatives, strategic planning sessions or event management that can help you hone your skills in this arena.

Learn Teamwork Skills

The ability to perform well with colleagues is a sought-after trait by employers. You can develop your own teamwork skills by participating in steering committees, boards and councils or volunteer groups. Request assignment to group projects or participate in professional development seminars or programs that focus on building teamwork.

Improve Your Communication

Verbal and written communication skills are important in nearly every business or industry. You can improve your employability skills in this area by participating in public speaking forums such as Toastmasters, or volunteering to be a group spokesperson for a program or event. Take advantage of opportunities to give presentations and request constructive criticism and feedback from trusted colleagues.

Become Self-Motivated

Employees who are self-motivated and self-reliant are valuable assets to employers. Develop your own personal and professional goals and objectives and develop a course of action for achieving them. Request regular performance reviews and ask for input on how you can improve your skill sets and enhance your work product. Take the initiative on projects and meet deadlines without fail.

Professionalism

Regardless of the line of work you enter, professionalism and integrity are important skills to master. Join professional networking groups and leadership development programs. Take your business life seriously and learn how to effectively manage your time and deal with work pressures. Familiarize yourself with people in your industry whose level of professionalism you respect and work to emulate their action and behaviors.