Making yourself a marketable candidate in the job market involves a combination of developing relevant skills, building a professional network, and effectively presenting your qualifications.
Further more, practicing your interview skills, researching the company thoroughly, and preparing thoughtful questions can help you stand out during the hiring process. By diligently working on these areas, you demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and position yourself as a competitive candidate in the job market.
Here are some strategies to consider:
Create a Strong Personal Brand
This is not just marketing fluff.
70% of employers use social media to screen candidates during the hiring process and 47% of employers say they are less likely to interview job candidates if they are unable to find them online.
Your personal brand is how you are perceived by others and can influence how they see your value and expertise.
It involves being consistent in your messaging and actions to create a specific, desired impression in the minds of people who interact with you.
Use social media platforms professionally to share industry-related content and engage with others in your field.
Tailor your CV:
The crucial element is to be relevant.
Be relevant to the challenge or the problem. It is quality over quantity. Ensure you highlight your relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments.
“Achieved a 30% increase in annual sales revenue, exceeding targets for three consecutive years. Successfully expanded the customer base by 25%, generating over £500,000 in new business. Implemented strategic sales initiatives that improved client retention rates by 15%, resulting in sustained growth and market penetration. Recognized as Salesperson of the Year for exceptional performance and contribution to team success.”
Don’t just focus just on on the “hard skills” (specific, teachable abilities), give them an idea of who you are as a person and your “soft skills” – communication, teamwork, problem-solving.
92% of talent professionals say that soft skills matter as much or more than hard skills.
“In my previous sales role, I leveraged my strong interpersonal and communication skills to build and nurture lasting relationships with clients, resulting in a 20% increase in customer loyalty and repeat business. My active listening and problem-solving abilities allowed me to identify and address client needs effectively, leading to a 15% increase in upsell opportunities. By fostering a collaborative team environment and mentoring new team members, I contributed to a 10% overall improvement in our team’s sales performance. My adaptability and emotional intelligence enabled me to navigate challenging negotiations successfully, closing deals worth over £250,000.”
Build a Professional Network and Stay Informed
85% of jobs are filled through networking, according to a survey by Lou Adler, a performance-based hiring expert .
Attend industry conferences, seminars, and networking events to meet professionals in your field.
Have meaningful conversations by staying informed, even if they don’t relate directly to you chosen career field.
Staying informed in the maritime industry could mean having an idea about new regulations, technology, safety protocols, or environmental standards.
Professionals who stay updated with industry trends are 52% more likely to be seen as leaders in their field
Experience and Qualifications
Pursue relevant degrees, certifications, and courses that are relevant to your chosen career path, or relevant to the shipping industry.
Gain practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs. You can look to take on freelance projects to build a portfolio and demonstrate your skills as well as work on personal projects that showcase your abilities.
A survey by Upwork found that 59% of freelancers feel that their freelance work has helped them develop skills that were valuable for full-time jobs .
Spinnaker are collaborating with Shipping Strategy Ltd to provide training on Shipping Markets Fundamentals, Market Analysis, Decarbonising Shipping, and ESG.
Feedback and Mentorship
Collect references, recommendations and endorsements from colleagues, managers, or clients.
According to LinkedIn, people with recommendations are 60% more likely to be contacted for job opportunities.
Explaining what you do is not strong enough on it’s own. You need to explain how good you are at doing something. In combination with your CV, other peoples recommendations can emphasise that on your behalf.
Look for someone with experience in your field who has successfully navigated the career path you aspire to follow. A good mentor, or coach can offer valuable advice on industry trends, skill development, and networking opportunities. They can help you set realistic goals, provide constructive feedback on your progress, and introduce you to key contacts in your industry.
