By Felix Concepcion Veroya
Recently, I am receiving several inquiries via Facebook Messenger, LinkedIn and even via email from fresh graduates and young professionals about what steps should they take as they start their careers. In this article, I will be sharing five (5) key items to consider as you hack your career this 2021.
#1 Pick a field that is in-demand and lucrative. Consider those career that is essentially needed in this current landscape and high paying, too. There are a lot of high-paying jobs that are emerging in this time of digital era. All you have to do is to pick what will suit you best. My personal suggestions will be careers in technology, services, education, healthcare, and supply chain to name some. If you find it hard to choose one, asking from professionals who are into the field already will be a great help.
#2 Enroll to an industry-focused bootcamp. This will gear you with job-ready skills that employers want today not just theoretical know-how or a certificate. Earning certificates is a good step in building your skill but nothing beats programs that is aligned with what job you want to get into and the skills that you can acquire by joining boot camp and hackathons. I have been part of some many learning programs here and abroad and I can say 90% of these programs are worth the learning investment.
#3 Optimize your social channels. Make use of LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, etc. to network & source opportunities. I found LinkedIn and Facebook as good sources of opportunities both for my lifelong learning journey and my business, too. I have established awesome relationships that led me to places I never imagined to reach – being an internationally published author, international scholarships, having my own column here at The Philippine Business and News (courtesy of Mr. Monsi A. Serrano) and a lot more. Hiring is more online than offline today. You need to capitalize your accounts to make the right connections in this digital age.
#4 Custom-tailor your resume. Before applying to a new position, use keywords from the job description in your CV. This will have it picked by ATS (Applicant Tracking System). ATS is a platform used by recruiters in entire hiring process. Using a generic CV will reduce your chance of getting a call from your applications. Make sure to align them with the job functions and requirements needed by your dream job. I am guilty of this but when I learned about this tip, the number of interview invitations I received really improved (this is during the time I am still into applying to jobs here and there).
#5 Earn a certificate that matters. The pandemic has shown skill gaps in major digital fields. Choose to get industry-certified in a skill that is rare today. Invest in professional development courses that are aligned with your chosen industry and the skills required by that industry and of course, your specific job function. For my case, I make it a point to enroll in at least one (1) professional development every year which is aligned to my current practice and the needs of the 21st century workplace. This includes but not limited to complex problem solving, creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.
I hope you find some useful tips in reading this article. Times are changing along with the nature and requirements of jobs and careers out there. Learn to align what you already know to what is required by these jobs and you will never get irrelevant. Understanding yourself better and assessing the results to your dream career is also an essential step that you can consider. I know you will find the career that is made just for you.
For questions, concerns, advice and speaking engagements, please send an email to fcveroya@asklexph.com or visit asklexph.com/courses for free e-learning courses for professional development.