We’ve all been there. A job that you would absolutely love gets posted. But when you look at the job description, you realize there are required skills you don’t have on your resume.
Now is a good time to ask yourself: “Is there anything else I can add to my resume that will make me more marketable?”
Your resume may need a boost.
At Work It DAILY, we like to say that you are a business-of-one. You’re marketing yourself—and your services—to potential employers, who are essentially your customers paying for the services and value you provide. Your ability to market yourself increases when you have more skills to display. If you don’t have all the skills you’d like, there are plenty of ways you can acquire them and add them to your resume.
Follow the five tips below to boost your resume and impress employers.
1. Get Certified
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Certifications are an excellent way to deepen your expertise and demonstrate to employers that you’re committed to professional growth. In today’s job market, many industries value certifications as evidence of specific, up-to-date skills. Whether you’re pivoting to a new field or advancing within your current role, earning a certification can boost your credibility and make you stand out in a competitive applicant pool.
To start, research reputable organizations that offer certifications in your area of interest. Many well-known companies, such as Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce, provide their own certification programs, which can give you a recognized qualification in skills relevant to various roles. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and edX also offer courses that prepare you for certification exams in a range of disciplines, from project management and data analysis to digital marketing and IT support.
When choosing a certification, consider the specific requirements of the jobs you’re targeting. Review job postings to see which certifications are frequently requested or listed as preferred qualifications. For instance, if you’re interested in digital marketing, certifications in Google Analytics, Google Ads, or HubSpot Inbound Marketing are valuable additions to your resume. If you’re in project management, a PMP (Project Management Professional) or Scrum certification can set you apart from other candidates.
Once you earn your certification, be sure to display it on your resume, LinkedIn profile, and other professional networking platforms. Many certification programs, like those from Google, offer digital badges that you can add to your profiles, making it easy for recruiters to verify your credentials. These certifications not only expand your skill set but also show potential employers that you’re proactive, adaptable, and eager to stay relevant in your field.
2. Volunteer
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Volunteering is a powerful way to build valuable skills and make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re looking to develop leadership abilities, sharpen communication skills, or gain hands-on experience in a specific industry, volunteering offers a unique, hands-on approach to personal and professional growth. This experience can also serve as a low-pressure way to explore new roles.
If you’re considering a career shift, volunteering allows you to “try out” a new field before fully committing. By engaging with others who are passionate about similar causes, you expand your network with people who can offer career advice, potential job leads, or even mentorship.
Many organizations actively seek volunteers to support their missions, providing opportunities to make a difference and grow. Not only does this boost your resume, but it also demonstrates your initiative, adaptability, and dedication to contributing to something bigger than yourself—qualities highly valued by employers.
3. Pick Up A Part-Time Job
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If you have the time, picking up a part-time job can be a win-win in many ways. Not only does it provide the chance to earn extra income, but it also allows you to gain valuable, hands-on experience that can enhance your skill set and make you more marketable in the future.
For example, if you’re considering a shift into digital marketing, a part-time role where you help manage social media or analyze online engagement could give you an inside look at the industry. Learning these skills in a real-world setting can provide insights and practical knowledge that no amount of reading or online courses alone could match.
Working a part-time job not only boosts your resume but also helps you expand your network and introduces you to people with diverse perspectives, which can be invaluable for both personal growth and professional opportunities.
4. Freelance
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Similar to picking up a part-time gig, freelancing offers a unique path to career growth, allowing you to explore new industries, develop new skills, and build expertise without the long-term commitment of a traditional job. By working on freelance projects, you gain hands-on experience in various tasks, from managing client relationships to honing specialized skills, whether it’s writing, graphic design, coding, or consulting. This variety can boost your resume and portfolio, making you a more versatile and attractive candidate in the eyes of future employers.
Additionally, the exposure freelancing provides to different work environments and industries helps you become adaptable and resilient, skills that are increasingly valued in today’s evolving job market. Over time, freelancing can become not only a way to make extra income but also a strategic career move, allowing you to explore passions, cultivate a network, and build a reputation as a reliable, skilled professional in your chosen field.
5. Take Courses
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If you have the time and resources, invest in yourself by taking online courses or classes at a local college. Not only will you gain valuable knowledge, but you’ll also be enhancing your skill set, making yourself more marketable to potential employers. Employers are always on the lookout for candidates who demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning, as it signals adaptability, relevancy, and a proactive approach to career development.
To develop more skills and increase your marketability to employers, try following one or more of the tips above. The more skills you develop, the easier it will be for you to boost your resume and stand out to employers in your job search.
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