Know your Worth

Jobseekers are often tempted to send an endless stream of applications in a bid to secure employment. However, a considered, targetted approach may yield better results if the candidate has defined career goals and an awareness of their own qualifications and abilities. Before you apply for any job, you first need to know your worth. Here are few things to consider.

• Do you have the necessary qualifications for the job?

If the answer is no, then what are you going to do about it? Perhaps you need to take an extra course or consider applying for a different position. You are wasting precious time if you constantly send applications for jobs where you do not meet even the basic requirements. If you aspire for certain roles then take the time to find out what is needed and get started on a plan to meet them.

• Obtain career developments

Do you need refresher training on the qualifications you already have? In almost every industry, there are rapid changes and new developments constantly taking place. In order to stay relevant, you also have to upgrade your training and keep abreast with new technologies and methodologies.

• Include the right information

Job applicants often make simple mistakes by leaving crucial information off the CV. It should include education and qualifications; work history and/or experience; related skills; achievements and hobbies; and some references, as well as personal contact information.

• Use career tools

Take advantage of assessment tools to find out where you stand on the employability scale. Some of them are free, while others have a minimal cost. Depending on which tool you choose, you can gain a wealth of information to help you plan your career. They can help by giving you valuable insight into your intrinsic motivation, as well as the appropriate steps you can take to make yourself more marketable.

• Obtain the necessary – on-line reputation

Start by cleaning up your social media to present a professional image. Remove unflattering photos and posts. Your username and display photo should also reflect the professionalism you want employers to see. Additionally, create a profile on business networks such as LinkedIn where recruiters regularly scout for talent.

The aim of doing all this is to make you more marketable and attract the attention of recruiters. If you know your worth, you can walk more confidently into any interview and are in a better position to determine whether you are getting a fair offer for your skills and qualification.