Six Ways to Keep Your Job Skills Current

If you’re looking for a promotion or a new job, maximize your chances to advance your career by taking the time to make sure your qualifications and skills are up to date. There are many ways to stay apprised of the latest developments in your field. Use this information to measure your own skills and experience to determine what steps you need to take before you’re ready to advance.

Here are six ways to keep your skills current.

Check out the most in-demand skills

Look at job titles and postings for positions in your field to find out what the most desired skills are. Search job sites for jobs like yours, and your dream job, to see what skills you’d need to develop. Read blogs, journals and articles related to your field to learn as much technical material as possible.

Chat with HR

Ask the human resources staff at your company to find out what skills they’re looking for when they hire someone in your profession. Find out what experiences or certifications the top employees at your company have and target those accomplishments.

Make a plan

Once you identify the skills you need to master to advance your career, make a plan to enhance them. Check into professional associations to see what types of educational opportunities they offer or suggest.

Attend a workshop

Look into workshops, webinars or online tutorials that might be offered by other software companies and other organizations. These are great ways to gain information about new products, platforms and services. There’s a wide range of topics and skill levels that are offered, many for free or a small fee. Attending a conference in person is really valuable, too. Not only is this a great chance to network, you can also chat with your peers and mentors who’ve actually used some of these new skills and technologies. They can offer advice and anecdotes that you can learn from.

Go to school

Check with colleges and continuing education programs to see what kind of course and seminars they offer to help update their skills. Check to see if there are any your company recommends or will sponsor.

Volunteer and share

Ask to take on projects either at work or at nonprofit organizations where you can practice the skills you’ve been working on. Document the output of the skills you’re trying to hone in a portfolio so you can justify that promotion or new job. Share what you know by teaching it to someone else. By helping others problem solve and fielding their questions, you’ll help to solidify your own understanding. Consider sharing through tutorial videos, blog posts or by presenting at seminars or workshops. Again, not only are you mastering the subject, you’re also getting your name out there and developing a network of peers.

For more tips on how to further enhance your skills and advance your career, contact us today.