Use Spare Time to Make Yourself More Employable

While finding a new job is in itself full-time work, you can devote much of your spare time to making yourself a more attractive candidate.

From taking a computer language course at a local community college to starting an MBA program online at a high-profile university, jobseekers will increase their 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.

Technical Edge

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. For example, certain computer languages that were widely used in the late 1980s or early 1990s have all but disappeared and, therefore, are of no use to a job candidate on a resume.

That is important for jobseekers who are returning to the job market after several years absence, no matter what the reason. By brushing up on general computer skills, you will not be embarrassed should technical questions arise during an interview.

If the cost of further education is a concern, fear not. After hiring you, your employer may pay for all or part of your continuing education if it directly relates to your job.

Transferable Homework

Many jobseekers fail to realize the broad array of skills they have acquired. Experiences gained at previous positions can usually be transferred to fit the needs of potential future employers.

Many jobseekers fail to realize the broad array of skills they have acquired. Experiences gained at previous positions can usually be transferred to fit the needs of potential future employers.

A good place to start is to think of special projects. Simply ask, "What did I learn as a result of the project, and what new skills did I acquire along the way?" Write down all your answers in detail.

Training experiences at a former job are rich with transferable skills. If you were asked by a former employer to take a particular software training class so you could later train an entire department, the experience qualifies as a marketable skill. The entire experience may have lasted only a month or six weeks. Nevertheless, it shows hiring executives that you can handle responsibility and can lead a group of co-workers in achieving something positive.

Night Moves

After hours, jobseekers should meet with personal contacts and professionals in their desired fields to gain a mini-education and develop a network of professionals who might be willing to help in the job hunt. Ideally, a contact might know of a job opening at his or her place of employment or at an affiliate. Meet the contact in person versus communicating by phone or email. The contact will respond more favorably to an in-person plea for help.

When contacts are away from the workday pressures of an office environment, they are more apt to lend time to help.

When speaking with your contact, be a good listener. Think of the person as an expert. Ask about new and upcoming trends in the field. This is especially important for jobseekers considering shifting careers.

Other important information to ask your contact, especially if it is an old friend, are names and phone numbers of colleagues who might be receptive to a phone call. Soon enough, you will have created a ‘web’ of contacts.

Another good use of after-hours time is doing volunteer work. Hiring executives are trained to be good judges of character and are often impressed by volunteer stints, particularly if they involve a leadership role. Establishing a benefit concert for a local park, for example, would be a highly marketable skill.

Best of all, volunteer work builds self-esteem – vital to your ability to succeed, particularly in the all-important job interview.