How You Can Be Valuable In a Tough and Competitive Job Market

You're done with National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and so eager to find and jumpstart a career in your interested field at a reputable organization. You have been trying to applied to jobs in your field of interest but no positive response yet. Though you graduated with the Second Class Honors with a good academic background but your drive in order to escape the unemployment shackles has yield no positive outcome.

The fact is that In a competitive job market, there are more employees waiting to fill roles than there are positions available. Things may get tough for you in landing your first professional job if you don't possess the right combination of education, experience and skills to stand out among other job seekers not even to talk of seizing a position from an experienced employee, its important to develop your own personal brand.

In this article, let me share with you 11 strategic points to make you valuable in the eyes of the employer.

1. Get relevant work experience

If you are seeking for your first professional job, you can stand out from the competition by securing some work experience or an internship. Look for internship opportunities even unpaid internships that can give you the invaluable skills employers look for in candidates. You could also search for entry-level roles in the industry or department you want to work within, even if it isn't exactly what you want to do. Again, the experience and skills you learn in these roles can transfer into any future position you hold.

You can find internships and entry level opportunities by following Nigeria Internship Portal @nigeriainternship on Facebook and Instagram. You can also get trusted job openings at MyJobMag

2. Engage in voluntary work

Volunteer work is a great way to gain experience while you are pursuing a degree or after college. Because recruiters expect candidates to have work experience, engaging in volunteer work can be a great way to gain a competitive edge over others who are vying for the same role you're applying for.

If you are in need of unpaid volunteering role you can find them by clicking here

Voluntary work is also beneficial for those who have professional work experience but are looking to enhance their experience or even pursue a different career path.

3. Enhance your education

Having a degree can increase your earning potential and qualify you for more advanced positions. Many industries, such as banking or business, even require candidates to hold a degree, although many may accept experience as an alternative to a degree. Stand out from the competition by completing the required level needed for the job that you will be applying for.

Another way to further your education, particularly if you have a bachelor's degree already, is to pursue a certification. Evaluate the different certifications that would enhance your resume and potentially qualify you for more advanced positions.

You can get useful and free online certification courses at Alison or Coursera also if you run a social enterprise or working in the nonprofit space this website maybe useful for you Philanthropy University

4. Network

While experience and education can go a long way toward helping you stand out in a competitive job market, networking can also play a big role in helping you find the right opportunity. Attend networking events and engage others in conversation. Stay in contact with the people you connect with the most, even if you're not currently looking for a new job.

Find networking events near you at Event Brite or events in the commercial city of Lagos here

5. Customize your resume for each job

Your resume gives potential employers insight into your qualifications. Update your resume regularly to include your most current skills and work experience. Every time you apply for a new job, customize your resume so it emphasizes the experiences and skills the employer is seeking in a candidate. You may even want to remove experiences that aren't relevant to the position you're applying to.

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6. Build a professional online profile

Develop your professional profiles online, updating them with a professional headshot and ensuring they have been fully updated with your work history, skills, certifications, organizations and education. Regularly update your profiles by sharing the latest research for your industry as well as projects you've completed and achievements you have made. It's standard for most employers to search your name online before calling you in for an interview, so be mindful of the information you are posting on the internet.

7. Obtain leadership skills

Most employers are looking for candidates who have leadership skills. Companies will actively seek out candidates who have the ability to lead teams. Candidates who have a demonstrated history of using leadership skills in prior positions are more likely to stand out from the rest

Leadership qualities can be developed over time. Look for opportunities to take on more projects. Mentor a newer or younger team member within your department. Keep learning and looking for ways to benefit your own department or the company.

You follow Young African Leaders Initiative Network  to learn about leadership as an African and to other part of the world. You can also attend to their online leadership courses here

8. Stay up to date on market trends

Identify trends in different career sectors that are relevant to your experience and skills, and determine whether your skills are current. You may need to update them to stay competitive in your industry. Some of the top skills to maintain include management and computer skills.

9. Prepare for your interview

One of the best ways to stand out from other candidates is to make sure you're fully prepared for your interview and can walk into the room with confidence. Research the company as well as the position you're applying to. Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer so you'll be ready when they ask if you have any questions at the end of the interview.

10. Join professional associations

Stand apart from your competition and gain the opportunity to network with others in your industry by joining an industry-related professional organization. Many professional organizations are comprised of both industry professionals as well as experts. Not only will belonging to an organization enhance your resume and demonstrate a commitment to your professional development, but it will also give you access to the latest trends in the industry as well as give you firsthand information on new job openings.

11. Have good references

While you generally will not need to provide references until asked, it's important to be prepared in advance with a list of references. If possible, include the names of previous employers as well as coworkers you have worked with personally who can speak to your skill level and work ethic.

With supporting references @ indeed.com/career-advice/