How Do You Become Irresistible to Employers?

In today's tough economy, businesses are looking to draw as much talent and productivity as possible out of each employee. You can argue about the fairness of the increased requirements but not about the reality of their existence. Employers want their workers to be:

• at the state-of-the-art in their profession, craft or trade and
• able to contribute continuously to their success in a significant way.

Everybody claims to have those traits, so simply saying that you do isn't enough. You have to prove that you are a better than qualified person, and that takes three steps.

Step 1: Candidly assess the status of your qualifications. As a minimum, ask yourself these questions:

• When was the last time you took an in-depth course in the latest tools and techniques used in your field? If the answer is more than two years ago, you're not a better than qualified prospect.
• Have you ever acquired skills that would expand the range of situations in which you could contribute to your employer? Do you speak a second language, for example, or do you know how to use the latest technology in your industry? If the answer is no, you're not a better than qualified prospect.

Step 2: Plug the gaps in your qualifications, beginning with those that are most likely to be of concern to employers. If you're uncertain of the priorities, ask a couple of hiring managers in your field. As a general rule, however, always begin by remediating any deficiencies in your primary field and then work on adding complementary skills that will make you even more able to contribute.

There are, of course, a range of alternatives you can use in this effort. Check out:

• The programs offered by your professional or trade association,
• Online courses from training firms and academic institutions, and
• Local community and four-year colleges.

Step 3. Promote your effort. Don't wait until you're done with your educational effort and don't assume that recruiters and hiring managers will know to ask about them. Start getting the word out the minute you start to get better than qualified.

At the very least, add your coursework to the Education section of your resume. List the name of the course, the institution or organization which is providing it, and the term "On-going."

That simple entry will signal to employers that you understand the importance of being a better than qualified person and that you take personal responsibility for ensuring you are. There's simply no better way to set yourself apart from others and set yourself up for success in today's job market.

BR,

Harikrishna Talent Circle HR Services Vadodara 9274541254