Job Hunting Success Formula: Part 2 – Developed Skills, Section I of II

In the search for an employee, obviously, an employer looks for skills. Not just skills in word. But skills in deed. Actual work you are able to do (preferably well). You can do something, something of some value. You can drive. You can operate a forklift. You can inspire and motivate a team. You can keep the company’s books of account. You can sell.

Whatever career skill it is – you can come in to their company and solve a problem or help the company to progress toward its targets in some way – or prevent it from going under in some way.

A Plumber will make sure that water runs to the factory to cool the machines. A Financial Manager will make sure debtors pay up, creditors are paid in time, money is wisely invested, finance is secured, profits are protected, costs are kept low, etc.

Some careers/positions focus more on expert knowledge – but in any case applying that knowledge is a skill on its own.

The ‘nub’ is this: your ‘skills’ must translate into benefits to your employer. Having said that, it is true that some employers look for potential – with prior learning/qualifications being a strong indicator that you have the needed potential – and then they train you in the actual doing of the job to meet their requirements. To be honest however, they usually look for some developed skills to already be present.

Okay, it all starts then, by having skills in the first place. So … do your utmost to learn some! You could take a course in your desired field, get some qualification. But as much as theory has its place, remember the employer is looking for skills – you coming in, doing a ‘job of work’, making a difference, taking some task from “A” to “B”.

Develop a career mindset of always learning. But don’t forget that knowledge isn’t skill. Developing skill takes practice. Field work. Getting your hands dirty. Trial and error. Being in the trenches. Making mistakes! Learning from mistakes! Correcting mistakes! Trying not to make the same mistake! It means being involved in something on a regular basis. And it also means having some successes to speak of.

So when you’re learning, ask: what skills am I developing?

Here are some examples:

• If you’re studying Accounting, are you doing the books for 2 or more small businesses in your neighbourhood part time?
• If you’re studying motor mechanics – are you busy ‘pimp my ride-ing’ a ’78 Chevvy, just for the experience?
• If you’re studying Financial Analysis – are you keeping track of your own JSE/NYSE/Nasdaq portfolio of shares?
• Are you studying HR Management? Are you working part time to assist 2 or more small companies with their HR issues?

Or … if you’re already in a job or career: what new skills are you developing? What skills look like they’re going to be needed in the future? What skills are in short supply? Are you adding to what you’ve got? Or are you looking for ways to do what you do better than ever?

By doing the above you’re developing skills. And because skills are valuable to employers – you’re making yourself more valuable to them. And if you’re more valuable, you’re more marketable – you’ll find it easier to find and keep work, and you’ll earn more.

But there’s another kind of skills you also need to develop. More on them tomorrow.

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