4 Ways to Build Your Career Skills at Home

So, you’re stuck at home due to the many restrictions that Covid-19 has brought to our lives, or perhaps the winter conditions are less than desirable where you live.

Whatever the reason, with more time spent indoors, it could be a good time to start developing your skills for the future.

What are some things you can do to make sure you’re perfectly ready for the jobs you want in the future and not only the job you may have right now? Part of having a successful career is being aptly prepared for what you want to do. Consider these following four tips that can help you become indispensable at any job you may work in.

1. Identify your need-to-work on areas

You may know your strengths well. Perhaps, those strengths have steered you towards the career you’re working on building now. You know what you’re good at. This is why it’s good to take some time to be honest and consider the skill gaps that could affect your future. For example, you could be a talented writer with a unique voice, but do you know how to effectively incorporate SEO techniques into your work? If not, consider taking a course or simply read-up online to learn all you can. Sometimes talent is enough to see you through to success. Other times, knowledge in various aspects of your career can make you an even better candidate for future jobs.

2. Find online classes and build knowledge and hands-on skills

Along the same vein of the above-mentioned tip, knowledge and new skills can go far in making you an attractive candidate for all kinds of jobs. In some scenarios, it could be helpful for you to actually get certified or take courses that provide you with skills you’ll be using in the future. For example, you may want to work in mortgage. This is where NMLS training courses could benefit you.

If you have the money to spare, there are numerous online courses that you may need to pay for. However, there could be others that offer free lectures and assignments that can help you learn all the skills you want to develop while allowing you to practice what you’re learning.

3. Speak with peers in your desired career

Do you have connections or friends already in the field? Take time to speak with them about how they have gotten to where they are now. Ask them what skills they may have developed for their job and ask for their advice for your career. This can help you get insights from the other side, so that when it comes to applying to jobs in the future, you know what’s expected and can plan accordingly.

4. Practice your skills—even if it’s just for free

Do you know what is one of the best ways to get good at something? Practice. While you might have heard this plenty as a child, from teachers or parents, it is solid piece advice. If you want to be confident that you’re bringing a valuable skill into your future career, take time to work on it—even if you’re not paid for it.

There have been countless stories about people who took time to work on their skill and put it out there for free, only to end up winning awards for their work or being hired on the spot for jobs they were simply dreaming of. For example, if you’re a writer, there are many sites out that offer money prizes for writing challenges. While you may or may not win, you’ll be getting the practice you need.

Final Thoughts

While the pandemic hasn’t been everyone’s favorite experience, the extra time spent at home could end up being beneficial for your job prospects. Consider these four tips that can improve the future career you want to have.