Boost your employment skills: try these tips

Where there’s a place of employment, there’s the opportunity for promotion. And with promotion comes oodles of extra cash (unless you’re working in some kind of Dickensian nightmare, of course).

Much like a Dickens novel, you’re unlikely to get anywhere without a few great expectations. It takes a rigorous work ethic, an enthusiasm for gaining new skills and an ability to make new connections fast. More than anything, it takes that well-worn cliché of a phrase – going above and beyond the call of duty.

None of these are simple skills to acquire. But with the right amount of application, you can work your way up the employment ladder.

With that in mind, we’ve come up with a few ways to help you in your move to the top.

An online hand

As university prices skyrocket, the idea of gaining extra qualifications might seem like some kind of pipedream. But in reality, there are a lot more educational avenues open to you in 2015.

The tech industry is especially well catered for. A data centre course, for instance, can be tackled online from a number of high-quality distance learning providers.

With a data centre course, you’ll be taught managerial knowhow, leadership skills and be shown the technological leaps within data centres, effectively future-proofing the skills in your industry.

Distance learning courses are available for a ton of other courses – so take a look and see what they can offer you.

Get yourself connected

In an employment market increasingly filled with movers and shakers, the need to network in any industry is vital. Sites like LinkedIn (the world’s largest professional social networking site) are perfect for networking – but there’s nothing like meeting face-to-face with a prospective recruiter.

Networking events are regularly available for anyone looking to find opportunities in their local areas. Simply Google a few, don your finest interview gear and try to be as charismatic as possible when speaking to employers.

You might link up with new peers, high-flying businesspeople or recruitment agents. Either way, you’ll have taken positive steps forward in the employment market.

Make your position clear

Unless they’re narkier than Fagin, most bosses appreciate a clear cut kind of employee. They want to know what you’re hoping to gain in your job and your plans for the future.

So don’t be shy – arrange a meeting with your boss and see how they can help you attain your goals. They might or might not be receptive – but at least you’ll have tried your best.