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Boost your skills

Boost your skills

Maintaining or increasing your skills is one of the best ways to make yourself marketable in any field.

Your years in the workforce have built a great set of transferable skills. As you enter a job search, it’s helpful to confirm that your skills also match what’s in current demand.

Identify your skills

You likely have a wide variety of skills—some you may not even be aware of. Your job prospects are improved when you understand what your skills are, learn how they map to employers’ needs, and highlight them on your resume and in job interviews. Get started with any of the following:

  • Research current trends for your targeted jobs and employers. Read through job postings and professional publications to see what’s trending. Check out the Professional Association Finder to see if there’s a national association dedicated to your field of interest. If possible, attend a conference, networking event, or online webinar.
  • Assess your current skills. Take the Skills Matcher to generate a list of your strongest skills. This simple online tool will also suggest careers that use your skills.
  • Don’t forgot about your soft skills. Employers often say that good communication and work ethic skills are one of the biggest values that older workers bring to the table. Think about your strengths in these areas and identify concrete examples to share with employers in interviews or on your resume.

Grow your skills

Try out one or more of these skill-building options:

  • Review the professional certifications related to your career and consider obtaining one to refresh your credentials.
  • Take an online class to both improve your technology skills and learn more about a subject. Many are available for free or at a low cost. Try Alison.com, Coursera.org, LinkedIn Learning, Udemy,com, or ask your network for suggestions.
  • Explore local colleges with the Local Training Finder. Community colleges offer affordable classes as well as short paths to certificates in many fields.
  • Refresh basic English or math skills at a literacy training center.
  • Consider getting technology training if this is a weak area for you. You’ll be more confident about entering a new workplace. Introductory classes are often offered through public libraries, community education, and American Job Centers.

Highlight your skills

It’s up to you to communicate your skills to employers. Make sure your highlight skills, training programs, and credentials such as degrees, certifications, or licenses on your resume and social media profiles.