Discover the must-have skill employers seek today

Are you looking for a new opportunity? When searching for your next role, there's one attribute that holds huge significance in today’s job market.

This essential skill is being a constant learner.

Why is this skill so indispensable? In this era of constant, rapid change, the demands of the workforce are continuously evolving. The World Economic Forum reports that the average half-life of skills has reduced to just five years, demonstrating that what we learn today will lose half its relevance in the next five years. While many organisations invest in upskilling their employees, employers also look for jobseekers who take charge of their own learning requirements.

Showcasing yourself as a constant learner is the key to enhancing your appeal to potential employers. To ensure current and future career success, prioritising proactive and regular upskilling becomes essential. However, mere upskilling isn't enough. To truly stand out in your job search, you must prove your commitment to being a constant learner. Here's how:

1. Highlight continuous learning on your CV

Review your CV to incorporate the new skills you've acquired and experience you've gained. Remember to include any courses, learning seminars or events you've attended recently. These points can be listed under your key skills, qualifications, career history section or any other relevant segment. When updating your CV, strike a balance between being to the point and providing enough detail for employers to grasp the value of your learning – mention what you studied, when, with whom, and the skills you've acquired.

Employers seek tangible proof of any learning undertaken, so bring your learning to life on your CV by adding one or two quantifiable examples of how your newly acquired knowledge led to success in the workplace. For instance, if you completed a presentation skills course, mention the number of successful presentations you've delivered since and the value they offered the organisation you work for.

Learn more about crafting the best CV and download our template.

2. Enhance your LinkedIn profile with new skills

Refresh your LinkedIn profile by updating information about your studies, newly acquired skills and any qualifications you've earned. Ensure it accurately reflects your CV as well.

By tailoring your wording this way, your profile becomes more likely to appear in the search results of hiring managers or recruiters seeking employees with your expertise.

Similar to your CV, your LinkedIn profile will signal that you are committed to continuous learning, substantiating any claims you make about being proactive, professional or a knowledge leader in your field.

3. Share your knowledge on social media

Align your social media presence with your personal brand as a constant learner. Share helpful blogs you've recently read or podcasts you've listened to, highlighting key takeaways for your network.

Authentically showcase how the knowledge you gain benefits those aspiring to a role like yours. This isn't about showing off; it's about demonstrating the value of your learning to others.

4. Write blogs for industry publications and social media

Writing and publishing blogs about your learning journey and how it shapes your thinking is an excellent way to demonstrate your expertise.

Ensure your blogs are well-crafted by having them proofread by someone else, ensuring flow and error-free writing.

An added advantage is that the blogs will showcase your written communication skills. You can publish them through your own professional blog or your LinkedIn publisher profile. Sharing what you're learning and its relevance to your industry is a fantastic way to retain knowledge and build a reputation as a knowledge leader.

Employers highly value jobseekers who understand the pace of digital transformation and commit to continuous learning throughout their careers. By proving this attribute during your job search, you'll undoubtedly secure a spot on the shortlist of employers and achieve interview success.

About this author

Jane McNeill joined Hays in 1987 as a graduate trainee in their London head office after graduating with an MA (Hons) in Psychology from Edinburgh University. She began her career recruiting accountancy and finance professionals, before spending 11 years recruiting senior permanent professionals for London’s banking and finance sector. During this time she quickly progressed through management roles and in 1992 she was appointed Director after leading the London city business to a phenomenal post-recession recovery.

Jane transferred to Perth, Western Australia, in 2001. Over the next decade she grew Hays’ business in that state from a team of 15 to nearly 250 staff. She also established and managed Hays’ banking and financial services business.

She was appointed to the Hays Australia and New Zealand management board in 2007. Now based in Sydney, Jane oversees Hays’ operations in both NSW and WA. She is responsible for 400 staff located in two states that are separated by a five-hour flight and a three-hour time difference. At the same time, she retains her keen interest and passion in banking and financial services recruitment by adding national responsibility for Hays Banking and Hays Insurance to her remit.

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