12 Ways To Get The Job You Want

Whoever said learning had to stop when you start working? If anything, keeping up to date on what you know and the latest developments in your industry will give you a competitive edge, putting you at the top of your game. So get out there. Learn more and get ahead. Here are Bayt.com’s 12 top tips to keep you on your most engaging and employable form.

1. Read literature related to your career

Swap your weekend novel for something a little more constructive – pick up a book that gives you tips about your industry, or how to improve yourself. There are plenty of books out there that are considered ‘business classics’, and a little bit of internet research will help you find the books that are most relevant to you.

2. Develop interests and read in non-job related areas

You would be surprised at the value that comes from being more rounded in your general knowledge, and more skilled in areas you’re passionate about. Most skills are transferable and you are sure to find some way to incorporate what you know into your job. Even if you don’t, by indulging your learning interests you will become a much more interesting, satisfied and fulfilled professional.

3. Write about what you learn

Share the lessons you’ve learnt through a blog, by writing articles or summary notes, so that others can benefit, too. If you are not comfortable sharing, keep notes just for yourself. Active reading involves jotting ideas and taking notes, which involves a higher level of participation and learning. Plus, these notes and ideas may come in very handy later on.

4. Learn from video and audio, not just reading

There is plenty of choice available when it comes to the medium of learning these days, so by all means mix and match to find what suits you best. You may find your best cooking lessons come from a video channel, or that you pick up a new language is best while working on the treadmill. Take advantage of all means available to you to learn, and vary the medium when you need a change or want to experiment.

5. Take courses and get involved when you can

It’s great to sit back, listen to experts’ perspectives and join in healthy classroom discourse in a very structured dedicated environment. If you cannot physically attend courses, you may want to try online courses. Bayt.com’s March 2012 “Online Education and the Job Market” showed that 39.3 per cent professionals in this region say they would consider pursuing an online course if given a chance.

6. Join groups related to your interests

By joining a group, either online or offline, you will fuel your interests, challenge and reinforce what you know, and keep the flame of passion alive. It can be a general book club you join or a group specific to your area of interest, such as a sewing circle, stargazers’ club, or an accounting forum. Whatever format your group takes it is bound to result in synergies that improve and augment your knowledge.

7. Join discussions in your area of interest

Try not to be a passive learner all the time; ask and answer questions, participate in discussions, aim to truly understand and aid in the defining of best practice. Always take advantage of the energies and synergies around you. Find and contribute to innovations and solutions.

8. Teach someone

Teaching is often the best way to expand our knowledge, as we learn from our students’ burning questions as well as from preparing to be the best teachers we can be. If you have no student or mentee, perhaps you can organise a learning circle for people with similar interests who respect your knowledge and rotate topics you cover every week.

9. Implement what you’ve learned

Don’t be afraid to try to innovate using your newly-acquired, state-of-the-art technical skills! Experiment with that new management technique at work, practice your French with a native speaker. Trying out what you’ve learnt will help to cement those skills into your repertoire.

10. Find a mentor in your field of interest

A coach can be an invaluable source of knowledge, as well as a sounding board and advisor. Pick someone who has sufficient quality time for you, who shares your interests and whose opinions and ideas you really respect and value.

11. Set milestones and reward yourself on reaching them

Set smart goals that you can easily achieve and reward yourself when you do, to make the journey even more satisfying. Whether you choose to take a test at regular intervals, an exotic holiday in the native land of your newly acquire language, or implement a new project or process in the workplace, make sure you are regularly assessing your new skills and tweaking your approach vis-a-vis the road ahead accordingly.

12. Enjoy the process of learning. Treat it as a lifelong journey

Learning can be fun and immensely satisfying, especially when you have the luxury of controlling the pace, setting and subject matter. Enjoy the journey. Celebrate every lesson, and every implementation of what you’ve learnt along the way.