Is it possible to stand out as a graduate in the current job market?

You know it. I know it. Even if you lived under a rock, you would know it: Businesses are hyper-competitive, the labour market is supersaturated and with many graduates rated by employers as deficient in key workplace skills, it’s becoming harder to get hired.

In a sea of competition, how does one stay afloat? It’s time to bring out the rubber dinghy that is in metaphorical terms; upskilling!

Upskilling reduces gaps in your skillset and enhances your abilities, subsequently making you more employable in the long term. With 58% of leading employers valuing work experience among graduates more than grades or the name of their university, it is important to have skills and experiences beyond the classroom.  

Not only does upskilling improve your career aspects, but it also makes you a more interesting and well-rounded individual. An Universal study found that 48% of employers choose candidates because of their personality. With different experiences and skills under your belt, it makes it easy for your personality to shine through!

What are some examples of up skilling?

Up skilling is brilliant for a myriad of ways, not to mention you can have a lot of fun with it too! So now if you’re left wondering “Where on earth do, I begin?”, here are some good techniques to get you started:

Online Courses: There are plenty of free courses out there, aimed at a variety of different topics. Examples such as HubSpot Academy and Google Digital Garage can help you understand digital marketing, and some even provide certificates upon completion.

Blogging: From Networking to IT skills, blogging encompasses many stellar skills that employers look for. In the majority of the interviews I’ve had, employers have asked me about my social media marketing blog, more than my degree.

Volunteering: Volunteering helps employers understand what causes are most important to you and get a feel for your values. With 80% to 90% of managers in a Deloitte survey saying they would like to see volunteering listed on CVs, it is a rewarding way to enhance your employability. You could also volunteer with a digital marketing agency to build on your skills, but make sure you understand employment rights and pay for interns, and are being treated fairly under this.

Internships: A period of work experience can prepare you for what to expect in your field, in turn increasing your confidence and the amount of time you’re likely to stick with that career.

Podcasts: Podcasts demonstrate your ability to go outside of traditional avenues to learn more about digital marketing. They are great to add to the hobbies section of your CV and convey your passion for marketing.

Postgraduate study: Postgraduate study is a good way to further your knowledge of digital marketing and can also be completed alongside looking for work. However, it is a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly.

LinkedIn: With hundreds of millions of employers using this platform, LinkedIn is an incredible way to market yourself; not only is it a great place to showcase all of your experiences, but it is also the perfect place to conduct research when applying for a job. From being able to find the name of a recruiter to posting about your greatest achievements, the opportunities on LinkedIn are endless.

Soft Skills and Hard Skills

Upskilling doesn’t just teach you technical specific skills, but it also improves important soft skills. For example, communication, teamwork and listening skills are all examples of soft skills traits that are transferable to any job role and make you an excellent employee.

Hobbies and upskilling

Furthermore, upskilling doesn’t necessarily need to relate to digital marketing, for you to demonstrate these key soft skills. For example, learning to play netball has nothing to do with a career in digital marketing but the teamwork and communication skills involved provide you with examples of when you have done this effectively. It isn’t unusual for an employer to ask what you have done to keep busy since graduating and whilst looking for a career, so illustrating that you have taken up a hobby not only demonstrates proactivity and ambition, but it also showcases your personality. Nevertheless, one of your interviewers may take an interest in this sport too, making it a great way to build rapport and be remembered amongst other candidates!

Up skilling is good for your wellbeing

Whilst un-employed, upskilling is a proactive and fun way of keeping you busy and can have a positive impact on your wellbeing, not just on your career prospects. It can be hard to find structure in your days; therefore, upskilling can give you a sense of purpose, something that a large proportion of graduates seem to lack upon leaving university. Here are some of the ways upskilling can have a positive impact on your wellbeing:

Blogging and volunteering: Blogging and volunteering are great ways of connecting with others over a common interest, boosting positive relationships and improving communication skills.

Online courses: With the current climate, learning a new skill can provide people with a sense of purpose.  

Internships: With working from home becoming the new normal, remote internships allow you to ease into the world of work, from the comfort of your own home.

LinkedIn: This platform can be the perfect space for you to show of your achievements and receive commendation from your network, which can boost morale and make your hard work feel like it has paid off.

All in all, finding new ways to upskill is always a good idea. Not only does it have a crucial impact on your career, but it is also great for personal development. With more and more employers emphasising skillset, the more important it is to have experience beyond your degree. Thankfully, this is possible, even under a pandemic and a collapsing job market. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to be your own best-case study.

This blog post was written by Olivia Crowley of Living Lavish Social.