Being employable isn’t just about having a fancy degree or ticking off job requirements like a checklist. It’s about becoming the kind of person others want to work with—someone who adds something real to the room. Whether you’re straight out of uni, mid-career and feeling stuck, or just trying to keep pace with a world that won’t stop spinning, there’s always something you can do to move forward. And none of it needs to be perfect—just intentional.
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Develop Soft Skills That Make A Big Difference
Ever tried to explain a complicated idea to someone who just gets it because you connected with them on their level? That’s communication. And it’s gold. The truth is, no one talks about soft skills until they’re missing—until a meeting goes sideways because someone couldn’t listen, or a project fails because the team didn’t mesh. You can be the most qualified person in the room, but if you can’t work with people, you won’t get far. Practise listening. Give feedback without sounding like a robot. Ask questions. These little moments? They build your professional character.
Build A Personal Brand Online
You don’t need to become a “thought leader” overnight. Just show up as yourself online. Be consistent. Whether you’re sharing articles, writing about your experience, or just engaging with what others post, your voice starts to shape how people see you. The digital space isn’t just for influencers—it’s for everyone. Your next employer might find your comment on a thread more interesting than your CV. And no, you don’t have to be everywhere. Pick one platform and do it really well. That’s enough.
Get Comfortable With Lifelong Learning
Let’s be honest—no one has it all figured out. And in a world where industries shift overnight, the people who stay employable aren’t the ones who know everything, but the ones who keep learning anyway. You don’t need to sign up for every online course that pops up on your feed. Sometimes it’s just about following your curiosity. Read more. Ask better questions. But if you’re feeling ready to sharpen your edge and explore leadership on a deeper level, something like a Master of Management online course could be a smart move. It lets you grow from wherever you are and without hitting pause on your career. Lifelong learning isn’t about pressure; it’s about possibility.
Gain Real-World Experience
Experience doesn’t always come with a payslip. Some of the most valuable lessons come from doing things no one asked you to do. Volunteering for a community project. Helping your friend’s start-up build a website. Running a fundraiser. These stories? They’re rich with proof of what you can really do when the pressure’s off and the motivation is personal. And when you talk about them in interviews, people listen. Because that’s where your passion lives.
Tailor Your CV And Applications Thoughtfully
There’s a big difference between sending out a hundred generic applications and sending ten really thoughtful ones. Employers can spot a copy-paste job a mile off. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel for every role, but make the effort to speak their language. Highlight the stuff that matters to them, not just what’s on your job history. Numbers help—percentages, outcomes, growth. But don’t forget the story. They want to know what drives you, not just what you’ve done.
Final Thoughts
The job market can be intimidating—we’ve all felt that weight. But improving your employability isn’t about becoming someone you’re not. It’s about growing into the person you already are, just with more intention, a little more courage, and a clearer sense of what you bring to the table.
