When it comes to employing new staff members, many managers have a very simple approach to their selection process. Employers are often under pressure to fill the positions as quickly as possible, meaning that they tend to look at a candidate's existing skills and qualifications, rather than considering their ability and eagerness to learn more.
Existing capabilities are essential for what the business needs at that current time, but experts believe that employers are taking the wrong approach when it comes to hiring. They should be looking to the future, in order to ensure growth for their business. That means the potential for development of each candidate is an essential consideration at the interview stage.
Employers should not underestimate the importance of an employee who is keen to learn new skills and invest their time in personal development and education, since they show an initiative and eagerness to improve that is incredibly attractive. The current superficial interview approach is short-visioned, but that does not mean employees cannot have an eye on the future.
Which Employee Group Do You Fit In?
Most employees can be divided into two groups. One group is for those who are able and want to learn new practices and skills. The other group is made up of those who prefer to master what they know and are uninterested in exploring new avenues, especially if they are not being paid for it. Both types of people are important for employers, but working practices are changing, thanks to the pandemic. There are more people working from home and business models have had to be adapted to cope with isolation or social distancing. Some businesses completely closed during the lockdowns and are only just reopening with a fresh outlook and new goals. That means the type of staff that is needed for a business is quite different now.
In uncertain times such as these, those employees with a readiness to learn new skills and become more knowledgeable will be more useful to a business that needs to be flexible and dynamic.
What Does This Mean for the Lifelong Learner?
In order to achieve a successful career progression, it is a good idea to stay open to new opportunities and course ideas that might come your way. Keep your eye on all different industries, as many skills are transferable, and a range of education shows an eagerness to learn.
There are many benefits of investing in your personal and professional development, including:
- Keeping your brain active while extending your ability to progress in your career.
- Higher earnings and better competitiveness for new roles or job promotions.
- Being able to take advantage of more opportunities in your career development.
- Being able to carve your own way in life, boosting your energy levels and helping you to feel impassioned, determined and satisfied with your career accomplishments.
Furthering your education in any area is much easier these days, with online courses accessible to all, so that you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your sofa to expand your mind. A great place to start is with some of the courses available at Vitacodis.com and other accessible platforms, with the aim of ensuring personal development so you feel better prepared for professional development.
It is a good idea to allocate a minimum of 7-10% of your working time to improving your knowledge and skills. This will ensure you are invaluable to any employer for long into your professional career and will have positive knock-on effects throughout your entire working life. A well-shaped employee is one that is always sought out.
