jobs skills , how to build them

Have you ever wonder, how other peoples can land their dream jobs and you did not. It is not a coincident, and most likely the others had developed their jobs skills and you are still trying to find out how to build them up.

This short posting gives some tips on how to build your jobs skills. With the correct skills set, you would be more marketable:

a. Go back to school
Think through of your intended career path, and do not stop at your retirement age, but go beyond it. I had seen some of my colleagues, who had charted their work path will beyond the retirement age. I think that is a good idea.

Then, plan your part time study. It is fun to get into the class and start to learn new subjects. Since we have the working experience then we can relate to our daily work.

There are many opportunities now, with the internet learning and also the traditional face to face teaching. You may like the blended learning. There are even courses without examination but only assignment. No, please do no think that it is easy.

b. Be up to date with technology

The technology is changing very fast. There was time that communication had to be done officially through memo and you have to post it through the internal postal services. It take days to reach the person next door to your office. Now, all internal communication within the company has to be done using email. Only the mandatory mail has to be done by official typed memo.

The office automation software like words, powerpoint and excel have to be mastered. There still people who do not optimize the power of the software, for example, like formating similar letters each time rather than setting the format.

c. Learn a new language

Many times, you see a classified ad that requires you to be proficient in a particular language. So why not take the initiative to learn one and increase your job prospects?

With increased globalisation, having a language barrier can deter a company from communicating with business partners and potential customers, says Marcia Tan, a Kuala Lumpur-based language tutor.

“Learning a new language is inexpensive and can be a lot of fun. If you don’t want to take up classes at a professional language school, there are thousands of language books and aids out there for people to take advantage of in their own time.

“One can also learn a new language for free via various online services. At the end of the day, it widens your horizons and increases your marketability not just locally but internationally as well,” says Tan.


d. Build a network of contacts
Having a good contacts is necessary for your business and your career progression. Through the contacts you may be able to look for opportunities in other companies. People would like to deal with whom they can trust, if you have some track record of delivering the required goods or services, it will help you a long way.

e. Keep Yourselves updated with the current affairs.
Keeping updated on the happenings in the industry will help to bring credibility when you deal with others.

Do not limit your self to your industry alone, Consider the PEST (MBA students learn this), the political, economic,social and technology elements that will affect the business or industry.

These factors would be help full for you to seek further expansion to your career. If you are aiming for the next higher position, consider the skills requirement for the next position.