Lacking the Skills to Get the Job You Want?
In looking for a job, you might have discovered you are not qualified for the job you want. If this is the case, you can still gain those skills. Find out below what you can do to succeed:
Decide what type of job you would like to have. Research what skills you need to perform the job by conducting informational interviews and by looking at job postings for similar positions.
Identify your transferrable skills. Once you have learned which skills you need for the job you are interested in, look at the skills you already possess. You may find that many of the skills you have can help qualify you for the job you desire. Learn how to recognize your transferrable skills.
You can gain the skills you need in many ways.
Learn skills on your own. If the skills you need are ones that do not require a certificate or diploma, you may be able to teach yourself. Check out books from a public library, research a topic of interest on the Internet, learn from training programs on CD-ROMs, or create your own hands-on projects.
Enroll in school. Whether at a high school, college, trade or vocational school, or university, enrolling in classes can help you get the skills, certificates, and diplomas you need to qualify for the job. Employment Resource Services and Self-Reliance Services have resources and tips that can help you learn about educational opportunities.
Gain skills in the workplace. You can gain experience by fulfilling:
- Volunteer positions
- Training opportunities through Deseret Industries (Available only in the United States)
Many of these types of opportunities allow you to work with little or no experience. These opportunities can give you work experience and teach you how the company runs.
However, not all internships, apprenticeships, and volunteer experiences will give you the opportunities you might be hoping to find. If your main responsibilities are menial tasks, try to make the best of your situation. Volunteer to help others in your office during your spare time. Work hard. As you prove yourself, you will gain your company’s confidence and receive opportunities to acquire the skills you seek.
Even if the company does not hire you after you complete your work, the experience can prepare you for future positions and provide you with networking contacts.
Set goals. Once you know the skills that you need in order to succeed, set career goals that you can work toward achieving.
Identify your resources. Find out what resources are available in your ward and community. Employment Resource Services (ERS) or Self-Reliance Centers (SRC) can also help you find resources to help you improve your skills. Learn more about resources through ERS.
Begin networking. As you work on improving your skills, share your networking profile with your contacts. Keep them informed of your progress and the type of work you are looking for. Find out if your contacts know of any opportunities that can help you further increase your skills.
Have confidence that you can achieve your goals. Gaining new skills can be scary and overwhelming at times. Remember that God can help you succeed in your efforts to increase your knowledge and abilities.
Take the initiative today. Once you have identified what you need to learn and how to learn it, start moving forward. Keep track of and celebrate your progress.