Employers want intelligent and enthusiastic individuals who can organise and plan their work and interact with others effectively. Some of these skills are already learnt at university, college or school, but others will need to be developed outside your studies. Your applications will be more convincing if you can point to a range of situations in which you developed the skills the employers seek and make yourself more employable.

Your employability skills are what will make you stand out. Only YOU are in charge of developing these skills.

Voluntary Experience Volunteering is a great way to get involved and help others in your community as well as having some great benefits for you! For some career areas you will need to gain experience i.e. health care, law, social work, teaching and media. The skills you gain from voluntary work such as communication, organisation, and time management will help you decide if that career is suitable for you. Remember - volunteer experience is work experience. Make new contacts, learn new skills and discover career options through volunteering.  Internships An internship is a great way of getting job training in an industry that you may be interested in pursuing. Internships are temporary positions often offered by companies or organisations for recent graduates from high school, college or university. Being an intern allows you to gain practical work experience and marketable skills before entering the workforce. Many internships are often not paid positions but may help you get-a-foot-in-the-door of a company or organisation, therefore potentially leading to a full-time permanent and paid position!  Work Experience Paid and unpaid experience in the workplace is very important to prospective employers. Many students will acquire work experience of some kind in the holidays or via part-time employment. Do not assume that if you are working in an unskilled job that you are not developing employable skills such as time management, communication, customer care etc.  Networking Networking means developing a broad list of contacts of people you've met through various social and business functions who might be able to give you: Job leads Offer you advice and information Introduce you to other people who might be able to help One should be aware of the need to develop networks of contacts and be able to define, develop and maintain a support network for advice and information. In certain career areas particularly those that are highly competitive such as law, media, sports and teaching you will need to organise work shadowing, or observation work.  Further Education Take a computer language course at a local community college or start an MBA program online at a high-profile university. You will increase your marketability simply by being enrolled. Human Resource Executives notice which candidates have taken it upon themselves to update their skills through education. Companies want employees who have the zeal to be lifelong learners. Going back to or restarting school, no matter the level, keeps a person in tune with the latest trends in a particular field of study, especially in technical areas.  Appearance and Personal Hygiene Appearance plays a major role in first impressions. Studies show employers often make assumptions about your education, economic status, social status, sophistication and confidence from how you look. Good personal hygiene is essential. Make sure you have no unpleasant body odours. Have your hair clean and well groomed. Polish your shoes and see that your clothes are clean and ironed. Do not chew gum. Your posture and bearing is important. Have an air of confidence as you walk and speak.

Above all, believe in yourself and your abilities!

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