Finding a good and suitable job can be hard. Everyone knows the market is super competitive. That's why we always recommend standing out in the crowd. This can be done in many ways, but following courses to expand your knowledge is one of the most important ways to jazz up your resume. We'll gladly tell you why taking fitting courses is the way to go.
Knowledge is power
Nowadays, there are very few jobs that require just one or two skills. For a marketing job, for instance, you need to be able to work with a plethora of programs. More often than not, job descriptions say that people who have knowledge of certain programs, for instance, Photoshop and MailChimp, have better chances at getting hired. If you notice that the vacancies in your sector require a certain skill that you don't have yet, it's a good idea to take a starters course on your own. This way, you show future employers that you're willing to learn and that you can take initiative. Furthermore, having knowledge of specific subjects can give you an extra edge over other applicants.
How to find the best courses
Luckily for you, we live in a digital age, which means that you can learn and develop lots of new skills from the comfort of your own home. There are lots of websites where you can find courses, both free and paid. Take your time reading the info about the courses and see if there are any reviews. If you're unemployed and on a budget, it may seem like some courses will take a big chunk out of your savings. But that doesn't mean that the paid courses are always the best. Compare the courses you can take - there are some great free courses online! We can recommend sites like Coursera, Khan Academy and LinkedIn Learning.
Whether you want to improve your resume or find a job in an area you don't have a lot of expertise in, we recommend you to take a look at courses in programming and computer science, web development and design. Furthermore, all kinds of digital marketing and communication courses will give you the biggest advantages, because there are lots of open vacancies in these areas.
Show your future employer that you mean business
When you have an interview with an employer, you can subtly (or not so subtly) bring up the course you've taken. If you've made an exam and have an actual certificate, that's even better! It shows them that you know what the job requires and that you're ready to go. It can also show your future employer can trust you because of your knowledge.
A good example of this can be found in the Netherlands. If you want to work in construction or shipping, it's common to show you have a diploma that shows you've taken a course to work safely. Workers take a VCA course (translated to Dutch: VCA cursus), in which they're taught about the dangers of the job and the laws and regulations. It's not obligated to have the diploma, but employers barely ever hire someone without it. The diploma is a sign of trust, a way in which the employee shows that he or she can be trusted to work safely. And you can follow courses too as a sign of trust and wanting to learn. Our tip is to read up on the company you're applying to and make sure you have the skills and knowledge that they need. Good luck!
