How studying can help when job searching

There’s no denying that many workers face an unrelenting and competitive job market, with younger workers moving quickly along the job ladder. Almost 10 million Australian’s aged 20-64 gained qualifications outside of school in May 2018[i].

Continuous, lifelong learning isn’t just a catchphrase, but a very real step in improving your job and salary prospects, in a progressively difficult world of work. This is true whatever your age, with a 7.2% increase in the upskilling of Australians aged 65-74[ii].

Further study…. what do you mean?

Further education comes in many forms. Whether it’s an online course, conference or in-house professional learning, taking part in extended learning demonstrates that you are a motivated individual with a forward-thinking attitude. You are never keen to rest on your laurels and always strive to make yourself relevant and useful.

Studying helps you develop key skills employers look for

Time management, problem-solving, computer literacy and teamwork are just some of the transferrable skills that further study endows you with – and which will be all-too-evident to employers. Merging these outcomes with a course in a specific niche or one that tackles the up and coming technology in your industry, is a great way to stay current.

Research skills matter

While research skills are integral to further study and can help you in your job search, they’re also signs of a mature and independent worker. If you have evidence on your resume that you’ve upskilled or continued your personal development outside of work, then you will be positioning yourself as someone who can find information on their own initiative, analyse it and evaluate it critically. Keeping abreast of the latest developments in your field combined with transferrable skills and prior experience is the formula to success.

Other benefits of further study

• Not only does further study benefit your employment prospects, it can also improve your communications skills and present networking opportunities.
• Further education can help build confidence and belief in one’s abilities.
• Being satisfied with your career or having the skills to change your trade allows greater life fulfilment.

With many people working well into their 60s, the chances are you may wish to change direction in your career at some point. If you’re yearning for a change in occupation, further targeted study is the key to landing a dream position.

Age is no barrier for the educated.

[i] http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6227.0

[ii] http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/6227.0May%202018?OpenDocument