Tips on improving your employment prospects

1. Invest in yourself

You might be asking yourself what we mean by investing in yourself. New York Times bestselling author of the Knock 'Em Dead series and professional career counsellor Martin Yate says the first place you should look is at your resume. "When it comes down to it, your resume is the single most financially important document you'll ever own". There are a number of aspects that you need to think of, when investing in yourself. You need to go on a journey of self-discovery by reflecting on where you are now and where you would like to be? You also need to reflect on how you can do things differently.

If you have been retrenched, have retired, resigned, matriculated, are a recent graduate or have been out of work for a while; you should consider speaking to someone who can assist you with a resume such as Career Counsellor's or a Professional resume writer or using an online resources to guide you in creating a suitable resume. These types of professionals can assist you in terms of exploring your interests; showcasing your skills in a way that could lead to securing an interview and being able to target specific jobs according to your skills and interest.

2. Enlarge your network

Your networks can be a valuable asset in this economy. When a person is unemployed it might seem that getting the word out there, one might be viewed as vulnerable. Be assured that talking to different people about your needs might end up opening doors for you in the world of work. People in your network can share job opportunities with you and introduce you to other people to expand your network.

Building your personal brand is important because personal branding opens up professional opportunities such as employment, or a better job. It can assist you in boosting your confidence and your job search. Your personal brand should be your tool to demonstrate your personal success to others and what your abilities are. If you're looking for employment or a better job, you want your potential boss at your ideal company to associate your personal brand with something that she/he is looking for.

Five ways to expand your professional network:

• Start locally, enquire about jobs from people you know
• Join Facebook (focus on career or industry specific groups)
• Use LinkedIn (communicate with other professionals)
• Attend events (events with a career focus)
• Network through your industry and outside your niche

3. Enhance your skills.

Searching for a job might take time and it can become frustrating. There are ways that you can enhance your skills which can assist you build your career. These are the skills enhancement programmes that you can consider:

• Volunteering programmes
• Job shadowing
• Part- time jobs/freelancing
• Learnerships
• Internships
• Entrepreneurship

4. Online audit

More companies are recruiting on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin. Sometimes job-seekers find opportunities in these digital spaces. It's extremely important that your online profile benefits your job hunt, not jeopardises it.

Avoid posting embarrassing photos or comments that might be seen negatively by employers. Be mindful of what you tweet or retweet; social bravado and criticism of past employers is not acceptable for instance.

Does your Linkedin photo look professional? Is your online network matching your real life network and being leveraged for new opportunities?