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Entering the labour market after completing university studies, specialised courses or any kind of training is a critical moment full of uncertainty for many. In an environment where the evolution of professional skills is constant and accelerated, standing out becomes a significant challenge. Successful transition to the desired job goes beyond the mere accumulation of technical skills. The development of soft skills, which are highly valued by employers, is essential.

This article focuses on providing effective strategies and practical advice for successful integration into the labour market. Underlining the importance of well-rounded training encompassing both technical and cross-cutting competences, to drive forward a successful career.

Practical guide to accessing the labour market

The transition from completing your studies to entering the working world can be a daunting challenge. However, with proper guidance and the right strategy, this process can become an exciting experience towards your future career. Below we present a series of steps designed to facilitate this journey:

1. Self-assessment of skills and competences

The start of the journey into the labour market begins with thorough introspection, honestly and painstakingly assessing one’s current skills and competencies. This initial analysis is crucial, as it provides a clear map of both strengths and areas that need boosting. To this end, the following aspects should be considered:

Technical skills (hard skills): hard skills are the specific technical knowledge and competences gained through academic training or work experience. Questions such as: which areas have I specialised in, which is my field of expertise, and how do these skills align with the demands of today’s market are all key.
Soft skills: these, conversely, are the abilities that facilitate integration into work teams, project managing and adapting to changes and challenges. Such as effective communication, resilience and adaptability.
Passions and interests: identifying areas that spark interest and passion, even if you are not yet fully proficient in them, is very effective. Employers are interested in knowing the long- and short-term aspirations of their applicants, as this reflects their motivation and growth potential within their organisation.

2. Definition of professional goals

Once the self-assessment has been conducted, the next step is to define professional goals. Setting clear and achievable goals will help in focusing efforts and making informed decisions. The following should be taken into account:

Be specific: define what type of position or field you want to explore. This will help you chart a clear path towards the goals.
Measurable: these objectives must be measurable. For example, gaining a specific certification or achieving a level of competence in a technical skill.
Achievable: similarly, they have to be realistic and achievable within the resources and time available.
Relevant: goals should be relevant to one’s individual interests as well as to today’s labour market.
Time-bound: finally, in order to achieve these objectives, a timeframe must be set. In order to thus maintain focus and track progress.

3. Action plan

With skills assessed and goals defined, it’s time to draw up a detailed action plan. This plan should include concrete steps to develop additional skills, gain relevant experience and expand the professional network. Strategies may include:

Practical experience: look for internship or volunteering opportunities or freelance projects where you can gain experience in your target field of interest.
Networking: participating in industry events, job fairs and other activities is a good practice, as it allows you to meet professionals and companies in the sector.

4. Digital tools and online presence

Today more than ever, having a strong and professional online presence is essential for accessing the labour market. Digital tools and social media platforms are key allies in the job search. They can thus be used to enhance employability:

Creation of a professional online profile

LinkedIn: this is the quintessential professional social network. Having a comprehensive profile that includes a photo, an attractive summary of skills and experience plus a detailed description of previous studies and jobs is a crucial resource to speed up capturing that desired job. Also, using industry-related keywords will improve your profile’s visibility to recruiters.
Online portfolio: if the field allows, creating an online portfolio where you can showcase previous work or projects is a great resource. This is especially useful for areas such as graphic design, writing, programming, among others. Platforms such as Behance, GitHub or even a personal website can serve this purpose.

Use of employment platforms

Job search sites: platforms such as Indeed, Glassdoor and Monster allow you not only to search for job offers but also to upload your CV and apply directly. Customising applications and using filters to find opportunities that best match skills and career goals is essential.
Job alerts: setting up job alerts on these platforms to receive notifications about new vacancies that match the posted interests and skills will ensure that no important opportunity is overlooked.

5. Preparing for the selection process

After building a solid online presence and applying for positions of interest, the next step is to prepare for the selection process. This process includes everything from revising the CV to the job interview. Here are a few tips:

Drawing up an attractive CV and presentation letter

Customisation: tailors the CV and cover letter for each application, highlighting the experiences and skills most relevant to the specific position. Using the keywords mentioned in the job advertisement will help to pass automated filtering systems.
Clarity and conciseness: every effort should be made to ensure that the CV is clear, concise and well organised.
Achievements, not just responsibilities: focusing on specific achievements rather than just listing responsibilities will demonstrate your impact on previous roles.

Preparing for job interviews

Research: before the interview, you should thoroughly research both the company and the role you are applying for. This will be a great tool to ask intelligent questions and show genuine interest in the position.
Interview simulations: practise answering out loud, ideally with someone who can give you constructive feedback. Another option is to record yourself to observe body language and work on confidence and clarity in speaking.

Maintaining a growth mindset: the key to success

There is no doubt that applying the above five steps will significantly improve employability, but this is not everything, as the key to a successful and sustainable career doesn’t end when you enter the labour market; it resides in maintaining a constant growth mindset. This approach allows us to adapt to change, face challenges and continue to evolve as a professional and as a person. Here are some strategies for cultivating and maintaining this mindset:

Commitment to continuous learning

Continuous education: remaining open to new learning opportunities is a good way to climb the ladder to a successful professional future. Whether through online courses, workshops, seminars or certification programmes. This not only enhances our existing skills but also equips us with new competences.
Self-learning: self-learning is a valuable skill in the information age. Making the most of the resources available on the internet, books and podcasts gives us the chance to keep learning about the industry, emerging technologies and working methodologies.

Adaptability and resilience

Flexibility in the face of change: the labour market is constantly evolving, and the ability to adapt to new roles, technologies and working environments is essential. This is why cultivating mental flexibility and openness to change is paramount.
Developing resilience: at some point in our career path, we are bound to face challenges and possibly failures. Learning from these experiences, using obstacles as opportunities for growth, will allow us to move forward with determination.

Take the next step in your career

Are you ready to transform your future and enter the job market with confidence? At Planeta Formación y Universidades we are committed to providing you with the tools, knowledge and networks needed to make your professional transition a successful and enriching experience.

Explore our training options and find out how our educational institutions can offer you a cutting-edge education, designed to equip you with the most in-demand skills.

If you have any questions or would like more information on how we can help you achieve your career goals, please do not hesitate to contact us! We are here to advise you every step of the way to success.

Your future starts today! Join Planeta Formación y Universidades and start building the professional path you have always dreamed of. We are waiting for you!