10 top tips for building your skills
- If you have gaps in your skills, don’t write yourself off.
- Sit down and think about the skills you’ve got – not just from your education, but from your hobbies and interests. You might surprise yourself!
- ‘Soft’ or personal skills are important – things like teamworking, communication, organisation and adaptability. Employers will often be looking for these. There’s some great information from the National Careers Service on soft skills (external website) and how to develop them.
- Being enthusiastic, motivated and professional are skills that can go a long way to getting a job.
- There might be straightforward ways to fill any skills gaps you have – many of which are free.
- Employers are often drawn to people who are actively developing themselves.
- Here are some options for ways you could boost your prospects:
- Take a look at our skills for work page to get you started.
- Skills for Careers (external website) has loads of help and advice on training options and support for young people.
- Taking a skills assessment (external website) can help you find out about the jobs that could suit you and the skills you need.
- Developing skills isn’t just about doing a training course. A part-time or weekend job can help you build valuable skills. Even if the role isn’t directly related to your ultimate goal, it can show potential employers that you’re hard-working and dependable (and you might get a reference out of it!).
- Youth Hubs are friendly spaces in your community where you can get practical help with skills, work, confidence and wellbeing, all in one place. Our ‘Personal support’ page includes information on Youth Hubs and other help.
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