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10 Ways to Improve Your Career Prospects

If you’re thinking seriously about your improving your prospects, it can be daunting to work out where to start, especially in this ever-competitive market. Below, we’ve rounded up ten ways you can improve your prospects.

 

Book a professional training course

There’s no better way to improve your chances of landing a great job than by taking part in some training. There are opportunities for courses across the country offering different things, but East London College is a great choice for a tailor-made teaching experience which helps you make the most out of your skills and develop new ones, too.

 

For example, their AAT Bookkeeping course gives you an understanding of accounting, bank statements and finance and awards a Level 2 Certificate in Accounting (AAT Professional Qualification) which you can add to a CV. The course runs for just twelve weeks on a part-time basis, so you can train as well as maintaining a part time job.

 

Work experience

If you’re serious about a career change, then work experience is a great way to make a head-start. Contact some of your favourite companies and enquire about helping out for a week or two… you’ll learn lots, have something new for your CV, and you may even be offered a job if you impress!

Work experience is proving an ever-popular way to get your foot in the job market, with job seekers taking part in over half a million voluntary placements since January 2011.

 

Join LinkedIn

Social networking websites have their positives and negatives, but LinkedIn is a great platform for you to develop networks and present yourself as a professional online.

 

Volunteering

As well as work experience, volunteering in a charity job or for a third sector organisation is a great way to fill up your CV.

 

Research your perfect job

It sounds simple, but doing more research into your perfect job and finding out exactly what would be required is a great way to boost your prospects. Once you know what employers are looking for, you can tailor your skills and experiences so you can impress and deliver during an interview.

 

Build your brand

In this increasingly competitive job market, it’s more important than ever to focus on your brand. Make sure you always look presentable and clean out your online profiles (so hide those drunken party photos from Facebook… employers will check!).

 

Start networking

Networking is a great way to connect with professionals and boost your career prospects. Attend a networking lunch, print out some business cards and you’ll land your dream job in no time!

 

Work out what career suits you

If you’re undecided over what sort of career path you’d like to go down, there are various online tools such as career testers which can help give you pointers.

 

Build a perfect CV

Once you’ve completed some college courses and taken part in some work experience, the next step is to write a great CV. Focus on your achievements, list your skills and experiences and put yourself in the best possible light.

 

Get interview ready

If you’re not used to speaking about yourself, practise job interviews with friends or classmates to give you more experience and prepare you for a real job interview. A great way to start is to develop an elevator pitch, which you can use to sell yourself to businesses.

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