Increase Your Marketability

Before embarking on a career move—whether you’re seeking to advance within your current firm or looking for a new position outside of your organization—you must first assess your marketability. By understanding and being able to promote your strengths, skills and experience, you can better position yourself for future opportunities.

Below are some tips for making yourself more attractive to employers:

• Highlight your track record. Managers look for a pattern of growth in job candidates. When seeking for a new position, emphasize your accomplishments in your resume and during interviews.
• Stay current. The business world is constantly changing, and so are the skills in demand. Be aware of these trends and build your strengths in the hot areas of specialization.
• Polish your credentials. Industry-recognized certifications, such as the CPA, demonstrate a commitment to the profession and lifelong learning and can enhance your advancement potential. These accreditations also have financial rewards—research from Robert Half International shows they can increase starting salaries by up to 10 percent.
• Expand your responsibilities. Once you have evaluated your marketability and objectives, determine how to apply your experience to meet your career goals. This may include working with your supervisor to adjust your current position. Meet with your manager to discuss assuming additional responsibilities, and take advantage of any available training resources your firm may offer.
• Work with a mentor. Find someone from within your firm or professional network who can offer career advice and learn from his or her experiences and wisdom. Consult with your mentor to identify and strengthen specific areas, such as your management or interpersonal skills.