Ways to Make Yourself Marketable

Waiting for a large system to compile seems like forever , so instead o f wasting my time looking at every line of code my screen tries to feed into my eyes I wandered around Yahoo and found some nicely written article that I am stealing today and share it using my own twisted point of view.

The title was 8 ways to make yourself marketable, seems to be in the right frame of time when all is fearing recession. Here it goes:

* Use your name as your brand, especially in email. Don't confuse potential employers by using your maiden name on your resume and your married name in your email. And the nickname your friends find funny may not look professional.

"Manager jobs don't go to people with cute email addresses," said Marianne Adoradio, a recruiter and career counselor.

This seems like a good idea , for people who wants to create an email address and for those who wants to get rid of their funny-sometimes-weird email address. But for the lucky ones , who have remained loyal to their not so formal email address but got always the job not because of their email address but because of their skill, keep the email address man , it may be your lucky charm. Im keeping mine by the way.

Meet an employer's need. Employers "want a round peg for the round hole," said Kathryn Ullrich, a career expert and executive recruiter.

You may want to stretch yourself by trying a job you've never done before, but there's not much in that for the employer. Any time you apply for a job, make sure you can tell a story about your career that shows why you would be the best person for the job. "It's really about what the employer is looking for," Ullrich said.

Its the wrong time of the year to be adventurous, stick with your guns and get a job. It may not be advisable to shift career at this time. Make sure you got what it takes when applying for a job. Guess what? I am postponing my move to go for open source development at this time , Microsoft tool is what I know , Ill go with it till the best moment comes.

* Maintain a smart online profile. "All that stupid stuff you put on Facebook -- take it off," said Richard Phillips, owner of Advantage Career Solutions. At the same time, find industry blogs and forums and start contributing comments.

If you have time , join professional online forums , establish an active profile on the web. Sometimes employers can do a background check of what you have been doing. Personal profiles are fine, just be sure it doesnt mess your professional profile. Google your name and see what the search engine returns, if its on the first page, perhaps you have the advantage. My name passes with a flying color.

* Become active in a professional association. This means doing more than paying dues and showing up for meetings. Find a way to help: For example, perhaps you can organize expert speakers in your field to be on a panel. It will boost your resume, build you self-esteem and give you valuable connections. "You're building up relationships with people who are going to hire you," Ullrich said.

Its a great way to meet new people. I once "tried" (at least online) to be active on some professional group like PHINUG (Philippine .Net Users Group), MSDN , DevPinoy and other IT Forums but time took its toll and I became dormant. But this type of organizations do have community activities where you will personally meet and share ideas. Its a way of extending your reach to the world. I will try again , perhaps, maybe..

* Take a class or get a certificate. This is especially helpful if it teaches you a skill -- new technology that's being used in your field, for example -- that you don't already have.

It may be a masters degeree , a Ph.D. , or an industry certification. It may cost you sometimes but in the end it may benefit you. I hope I could still catch the second shot chance to Microsoft certifications promo once I get back. Id better start reviewing again ( the first one took me at least 1 month to burn candles ), perhaps, maybe ..

* Take on a new project at work. It should be "something that lets you add something new to your resume," Phillips said. "Think in terms of the resume that you're going to be writing. What do you want to have on there that isn't on there now?"

Dont be monotonous in what you are doing, if there is a chance to be part of a new and interesting project , grab it. It gives you a better option when looking for a new job. Spice up your resume ,again, just dont be too adventurous.

* Be flexible. You may not want to commute more than 10 miles, but being willing to bend a bit will open up more opportunities. It will also make you a more attractive candidate because it signals to employers that you're able to handle change.

If you think you can do it , take the chance and extend your limit. The best way to be flexible is to continue learning. Dont just stop on what you know now, because it may be obsolete tomorrow. Live like there will be no tomorrow , learn like its forever. Dont forget to share your knowledge.