Career
Develop a
competitive
edge to land
the job
Standing
Out
In The Job Market
By Sheila Matete-Owiti,
Director of Poise Coaching
& Consulting in Sydney
u ACCORDING TO THE AUSTRALIAN BUREAU OF STATISTICS, the labour market remains weak and unemployment is slowly
increasing in most jurisdictions. Despite this, there are three strategies I believe we can employ that would allow us to remain competitive in the tough job market.
1. Finding Your Element
Self-awareness is a vital key to achieving a satisfying career and remaining competitive. Renowned author, Ken Robinson, describes
self-awareness as ‘element’. Our element is the composite of our
talents and passions. When we are choosing a career path or job, or
if we want to remain competitive, it is important that our work aligns
with our talents and passions. When it is not aligned, we lose the desire to work, therefore, absenteeism increases and morale decreases.
One of my clients named Deirdre, worked as a biochemist for many years. She had significant experience and was very good at her
work, yet for many years, Deirdre felt dissatisfied with her career
and spent most of her day in the laboratory where interaction with
others was minimal. After a series of coaching sessions, Deirdre realised that her passion was in community development. Even though
she had loved science in school, it was not the career for her, so she
made a brave move and completed a project management course.
She found a job as a project officer for a not-for-profit organisation
and within two years she was managing the community development program.
When you find the job that aligns with your passions and strengths,
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you are instinctively excited about going to work each day. Your
passion for the work is evident and you remain competitive as you
are motivated to seek out opportunities for growth.
2. Upskilling
Employers are drawn to candidates who are committed to learning
and taking up new opportunities. I often advise my clients to undertake at least one short course every five years and to participate in
relevant in-house training that may be offered by their employer. It
is important to update your CV on a six-monthly basis and include
recent training, conference presentations, and any reports or articles
you have written. Another strategy that can be used to remain competitive is to develop new skills through volunteering, which allows
you to work on different types of projects. External secondments
are also excellent opportunities to develop new skills. Additionally,
you may wish to join a not-for-profit organisation and volunteer on
weekends.
3. Exemplary Work Ethic
Irrespective of your qualifications, people will often judge you based
on your work ethic and output. It is therefore important to cultivate
key disciplines such as reliability, being a team player and striving
for excellence in your work. The higher you climb up the ladder, the
more reliance employers place on your work ethic and achievements
rather than qualifications alone. Ensure that your CV clearly outlines
your achievements within each role. Employers not only rely on referee checks, but also on discussions with their contacts to investigate your work ethic.