THE eighth wonder of the world is compound interest (attributed to Albert Einstein). Lifelong learning falls in the same category and once it has become a habit it will change any individuals life and finances for the better. Lifelong learning is important for an individual's competitiveness and employability, but also enhances social inclusion, active citizenship, and personal development.
1. The days are over when you send a curriculum vitae (CV) to an employer and an HR (human resources) manager ponders over it and decides whether it should be placed on a concise list for consideration. The advent of AI has changed the recruitment process and therefore applicants must be aware of how to prepare for the job application.
There are various platforms (free) that one can use to evaluate your CV and obtain a list of skills that the programme will pick up. In a recent case, a friend submitted her CV to such a platform and as many as 90 different skills were listed by the software, skills that the applicant was not even aware she possessed. Submit your CV and see where you can improve on skills required for certain jobs.
Certain working habits will go a long way. Some of those are showing up to work early, being available more often when your organisation needs you (such as when someone calls off), performing your duties better than your colleagues, showing a positive and refreshing attitude when you walk through the front door and ensuring your actions are furthering the goals of the company. Employees who have a purpose tend to put more effort into their work than their colleagues who simply show up to collect a paycheck.
2. Build yourself as if you are a company in your own right that needs to promote its products and services. We all have networks, even if we do not consciously cultivate them, but ensure you make proper use of them. Your network may include:
