7 Ways To Enhance Your Employability And Stand Out From The Crowd

The job market is only bound to become more competitive as the years go by. That said, having a bachelor’s degree may soon not be enough to impress potential employers and stand out from the pool of talents.

That’s why university students must be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to stay relevant once they enter their respective industries.

Fortunately enough, there are various steps you can take to increase your chances of employability for both fresh graduates and even those who have just started their college journey.

Check out these 7 tips and strategies to help you get back on equal footing and secure the career you’ve always wanted!

7 Ways To Enhance Your Employability To Clinch The Job Of Your Dreams

1. Pursue A Postgraduate Degree

The idea of pursuing a Master’s may seem daunting for many. However, having a postgraduate degree undoubtedly gives students more edge compared to a general Bachelor’s Degree.

Yes, this would mean studying for an additional 12 to 24 months. But that extra time spent honing your niche would certainly pay off with enhanced career prospects. This will significantly increase your chances of securing a job and even attracting a higher salary.

Certain industries where postgraduates degrees are highly revered and seen as an essential requirement include healthcare, engineering and technology, and education, among many others.

2. Pick Up A Second Business Language

While English is still considered to be the language of globalisation, the business landscape is rapidly changing and forcing industry professionals to adopt a second language.

For students, this will set you apart from other candidates as it reveals your broad worldview and ability to communicate with a wider number of people.

For instance, if a company has international clients or partners that don’t converse in English, that’s where your multilingual skills come into play.

Never underestimate the power of learning an additional language and how this can open up doors in a career in international business and beyond.

3. Embark On Multiple Internships

Just like your fellow batchmates in university, everyone else is bound to have internship experience listed on their resume. To stand out even more, why not consider at least two internships?

With two or more internships under your belt, this shows potential employers and companies that you have more industry experience than the average graduate and specialised skills to get the job done effectively.

Depending on your capacity and personal goals, you can consider taking up several internships simultaneously or one after the other.

One thing to note before embarking on multiple internships is to never compromise your students in the pursuit of these short-term working experiences.

4. Join A Competitive Sporting Club or Society

Potential recruiters and employers don’t just look at your academic accolades. Believe it or not, they also pay attention to students’ involvement in their respective university clubs or societies.

By engaging in project-based work and activities relevant to your future career, you are essentially building yourself up to be ready for the workforce.

On top of that, being a part of such clubs and organisations is a great place to network with other like-minded individuals whom you can share information and unique ideas with.

5. Gain Clarity At Career Guidance Centres & Fairs

Myth: career fairs are a thing of the past.

The prevalence of career fairs may have dipped slightly due to the pandemic. But these events hold a wealth of information for those seeking guidance in their future jobs after university.

College career fairs allow students to attend various seminars and workshops, get their resumes reviewed, learn about upcoming job opportunities, and network with prospective employers and recruiters.

All of which can help them be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to stand out among their peers.

6. Learn Valuable Marketable Skills

One of the simplest ways to increase your employability is to acquire marketable skills.

This includes everything from social media marketing, content writing, coding, project management, to analytics—among many other things.

Whether or not they are related to your immediate line of work, it pays to have these additional skills up your sleeve.

In today’s fast-paced business environment, having marketable skills that will always be in demand show employers that you’re adaptable and indispensable to the company.

Without these, you would likely fall behind in the employability scale.

7. Join A Professional Network Relevant To Your Desired Career Path

Most universities have dedicated groups and platforms for the sole purpose of networking and staying connected with fellow like-minded peers.

More often than not, these are initiated by students themselves to share information and opportunities regarding their own industries.

This could be anything from the latest industry news, upcoming job fairs and openings, as well as new learnings.

Navigating the journey to future employment is not an easy feat to undertake alone. Don’t be afraid to seek help from your network and grow alongside each other.

Be Equipped With Tailored Tips And Tricks From IDP!

Here at IDP, we make certain that every student is supported at each stage of their journey.

From choosing their ideal course, and submitting their university application, all the way to equipping them with the skills to become the most employable version of themselves in the working world.

Ready to get international study experience started?

Click here to secure your free virtual counselling session with us today to find out more.