Skills That Improve Your Employability

Certain skills make you more employable. And, even if you're not currently looking for a new job, you never know when your skills will come in handy. Find out which skills can help you and how you can obtain those skills.

Leadership

Whether or not you're seeking a management position, leadership skills are essential. Employers actively seek out employees that know how to motivate their colleagues and spearhead projects. If you can be engaging and motivational, you add value in the workplace.

There are several ways in which you can gain leadership skills. Perhaps the easiest way is to offer to lead group projects. With every project, you'll get a little better at managing the team. You can also look for opportunities to take leadership courses or classes.

Investment in the Job

This is a skill that you don't need to take any courses to obtain. However, that doesn't mean it's easy to accomplish. To have personal investment in your job, you need to genuinely enjoy what you do. If an employer sees that you care about your work, they'll value you even more.

During a job interview, you should discuss how excited you are about the specific position. Make it clear that you have dreams and goals, and that this position fits directly into your plans for the future. No one wants to hire an employee who just goes through the motions or who won't put time into developing their skills. If you want to stand out, show the interviewer or your current employer that you want to be there.

Public Speaking

Can you stand up in front of a room of people and give a moving speech? If not, it's time to work on your public speaking skills. As an employee, public speaking is one of the most valuable skills you can have. It doesn't matter what industry you're in - public speaking skills come in handy.

When you get a job, you might need to give a presentation or speak in front of a small group. And during the interview, your public speaking skills can help you come across as confident and capable. The best way to improve this set of skills is to practice. If you hear about an opportunity to give a speech, volunteer yourself.

Making the Most of a Situation

Even if you love your job, there will be times when things don't go your way. You should be able to make the best out of any situation, or you won't succeed. A prospective employer wants to know that you can take a bad scenario and turn it around. If you can work on your creative thinking and optimism, you can make lemon from lemonade at any time.

At an interview, you can answer the questions in a way that highlights your transformational skills. Be prepared to discuss a time when things seemed bleak, but you overcame them. Don't focus on the negative, and highlight the positive.

Organization

Whether you work in an office or remotely, you should be able to stay organized. When work gets crazy, your organizational skills could save you from a mistake or from being too overwhelmed. And, while remaining organized might seem like an impossible task, it's not hard to teach yourself how to improve in this area.

For instance, you can start off each day with a checklist. Keep track of everything you need to do and you'll use your time in a better manner. Head to your local office supply store and buy a few supplies that will also help you stay on task. If you invest money into your organization efforts, you're more likely to follow through.

Challenge Ideas

If you can challenge ideas in a certain manner, you'll impress your boss. While employers don't like people who create conflict, they also don't want someone who will always say yes. By challenging ideas or coming up with creative solutions, you can help your employer succeed. They may be better prepared for an issue thanks to your critical thinking.

With that said, you need to hone this skill carefully. You shouldn't challenge too many ideas or come across as arrogant. When you challenge something, proceed in a tactful manner. You can say something like, "I'm just playing Devil's Advocate" or "I don't want to rock the boat too much."

Time Management

Although this skill ties into organization, it deserves a mention of its own. To be as productive as possible, you need to know how to manage your time. If an employer thinks you lack time management skills they may not hire or promote you.

As you try to develop this skill, consider relying on apps. You can also try to do a time audit to find out how you're currently managing your time. If you don't have any room for improvement, then you already have this skill.

Tech Skills

Today's world is focused on technology.  No matter what industry you're in, you depend on technology. You should be able to use the latest industry technology to do your job or be more efficient. If you have certifications in certain technology, you can rise above any competitors for a job.

Before you work on your tech skills, think about what technology you use or should be using. Is there a new certification out, or a tech product you want to know more about? Once you target a few technology skills, look into how you can gain those skills. There may even be free online courses you can take.

Grow Your Skills and Your Career

You might be on the hunt for a new job, or just hoping for a promotion. In either case, you can take your future into your own hands. By acquiring new skills, you make yourself more employable. In addition to standing out during interviews, you'll also have more opportunities for progressing your career. So, start focusing on one, two, or all of the skills above. Once you do, the sky is the limit!