What is a skill that you can learn in 6 months that would impress employers on a resume?

scrimshaw on 18/09/2015 - 14:06
Last edited 18/09/2015 - 15:18

So, my skills have somewhat begun to stagnate — one year out of university and now working a mind-numbing sales job, I haven't really learned anything new or earned any new achievements. Or more to the point, as of lately I feel rather unmotivated to really learn anything, as I often feel that there's too many choices and not all of them have practical uses in the workforce.

I do have plans down the road to perhaps pickup a MOS certificate. And probably get better at mental maths, which is mighty useful in a lot of real world scenarios.

There are quite a few suggestions on the internet as to what skills are deemed desirable. The ability to code, use Excel, and create apps/ websites were amongst the top three recommended skills. Then there's some interesting ones like learning how to draw, how to cook, play an instrument, but…. as if you can put those skills down into a professional resume.

What are some useful skills that you'd really like to learn, and have / have not get around to doing it?

EDIT: This thread isn't about me, but rather your experiences — if you have any interesting stories or thoughts, please don't hesitate to share.

Education & Work

Comments

  • ProjectZero on 18/09/2015 - 14:23
    +7

    I'd have to say that this is highly dependent on what kind of job you are looking for.

    6 months is more than enough time if you are looking to learn microsoft office for any clerical and admin job.

  • Looking4Bargians on 18/09/2015 - 14:33

    Vmware , Cisco

    • scrimshaw on 18/09/2015 - 15:09
      -4

      Very techy, but with my current business degree and my lack of involvement in anything IT-related over the last two years means VMware or Cisco won't benefit me.

      Well, that's unless I find a sales job related to IT products, that could be somewhat useful??

      • GnarlyKnuckles on 19/09/2015 - 05:46
        +11

        "This thread isn't about me…"

        But then:

        "VMware or Cisco won't benefit me… (etc.)

        So Scrimmers, is it actually 'mainly about you', but with potential applicability to others'?

        I'm all confused.

  • inherentchoice on 18/09/2015 - 14:38
    +13

    So are you trying to get a new/better job? Have you been applying for jobs?

    Maybe just revise your resume by adding a new heading at the top called "Highlights" or "Key achievements" and try to identify specific examples (i.e. instead of generic assertions or tasks). You can tailor these according to the job you are applying for. For example maybe you could put something like:

    • Have made $xx,000 worth of [products/services] sales in the last XX months, working with difficult customers in a competitive industry.
    • I took initiative to improve our processes by implementing changes to XXXX which enabled us to better serve customers. Sales subsequently increased by xx%.
    • At xxx university I completed an assignment on [relevant subject] for which I received a VHA.
    • Received feedback from [customers/supervisor] which stated that "[insert brief quote/s of glowing feedback]"

    These are just examples, you can probably think of different and better points. And like I said you can tailor these to the specific job you are applying for.

    Anyways, just my 2 cents maybe others can give you better advice.

    • GameChanger on 20/09/2015 - 01:02

      Great advice, though the underlying issue with this, is you need experience to have such great achievements. Most graduates will just have one major one.

      • inherentchoice on 20/09/2015 - 07:49

        True. I guess I was suggesting that doing this exercise may help to identify things that the OP could achieve in his current job in six months and then add to his resume.

  • Islund on 18/09/2015 - 14:52
    +5

    VBA

  • NancyCat on 18/09/2015 - 14:58
    +1

    Learn another language? But as ProjectZero said, it depends on the job.

    • scrimshaw on 18/09/2015 - 15:07
      +6

      In the process of learing Mandarin and Japanese. 日本語はおもしろいです!

      The looks my Chinese customers get when they realize I can speak mandarin is hilarious.

      • rompastompa on 18/09/2015 - 15:17
        +10

        If you're learning Mandarin, you don't need to learn Apple.

        :D

      • subywagon on 19/09/2015 - 00:50

        Japanese is pretty interesting ;)

      • [Deactivated] on 19/09/2015 - 21:21

        Hey, FYI, Korean will be much easier for you once you've learned Japanese! (or vice versa)

        Syntax is pretty much the same, and the difference is the words. Also the writing system will be much easier to learn, as Korean uses an alphabet (Hangul).

        • iridiumstem on 20/09/2015 - 12:27
          +4

          But Korean is not widely used, unless you go into business with Korean businesses (coming from a Korean here).
          Many Koreans learn English as well. It is part of the education/high TOEIC scores (An English Skills test, like IELTS) is usally asked for companies that trade with foreign companies.
          Not to mention, it's bloody bloody hard.
          The only time I thought Korean was useful was when I was watching "The Adventure Time"

        • [Deactivated] on 20/09/2015 - 13:07

          @Oversimplified:

          Yeah… But my point is that it's easy once you know Japanese… and vice versa, because of the similarities.

          (BTW serious question, since you're Korean… Is there a place where Koreans hang out in Sydney? Besides churches? lol… I'm looking to meet some Koreans to practise.)

        • iridiumstem on 20/09/2015 - 13:19

          @inose: Stratfield, that place is filled with Koreans. Go to a Korean church or something to make Korean friends. I am not too certain because I live in Canberra and I dislike meeting Koreans in Australia; My personal experience taught me that it really helps to know the language before you take advantage of someone.

          I don't know. Korean is messed up in that the connecting words can change depending on syllables of the adjacent word, sentences can be mixed, etc etc. It'd be a hard language to be fluent in.

          Though, the horror of having no subject wouldn't be something new for him at least. For people who wouldn't understand, Japanese and Korean do not strictly require subjects in the sentence, even in written form.

        • [Deactivated] on 20/09/2015 - 13:23

          @Oversimplified:

          THe few extra rules in Hangul is nothing compared to all the Hiragana / Katakana / Kanji you've g2 learn for basic everyday Japanese comprehension though. So once you've got Japanese down, the Hangul will be a walk in the park.

          (Yeah… Korean churches, not what I"m looking for, but thanks for the sugestion1 )

        • iridiumstem on 20/09/2015 - 13:33

          @inose: Many Korean communities I've seen are based on Churches, it's something that I dislike as well.
          Other than that… I can't really think of any groups that has Koreans in it dominantly. TOEIC study groups since TOEIC is pretty much dead in other countries other than Korea?

          From what I've gathered, there are many similarities (i.e. sentence structure, words, etc), but it'd be hard to become fluent. Though the level of fluency I am thinking of probably is beyond what you'd want to achieve. It'd be easy to learn how to communicate on basic level.

      • rodinthink on 19/09/2015 - 21:55
        +3

        Scrimshaw rudd

      • Cluster on 19/09/2015 - 22:49
        +1

        Japan's economy has been stagnant for 25 years. The working age population began shrinking in 1997 and the population overall in 2010. It's a country with public debt to GDP ratio of 240% and climbing fast.

        I like Japan and have been to both China and Japan. China is the future.

        • GameChanger on 20/09/2015 - 01:00
          +3

          China is most certainly the future, but if you have been brought up in Australia, the high work ethic demanded will kill and most will quit.

        • DeafMutePretender on 20/09/2015 - 02:24
          +1

          The working age population began shrinking in 1997 and the population overall in 2010.

          They're just ahead of the curve. Depopulation (or slower birth rates) has to happen ASAP to lessen the long-term pain.

          It's a country with public debt to GDP ratio of 240% and climbing fast.

          The debt is owed to itself though so although it's bad, it's not that bad.

        • scrimshaw on 20/09/2015 - 02:38
          +1

          Mandarin is definitely more useful than Japanese. While my vocab of mandarin only consists of about 300-400 words, I can say having a second language gives me an advantage over my other english-only peers. Half of the chinese I deal with are high-rollers and spend about 2x more than locals.

          On the other hand, the japanese don't have that much spending power.

          TLDR salespeople should learn mandarin, it's your ticket to phat commissions.

        • iridiumstem on 20/09/2015 - 19:44
          +1

          @scrimshaw: This talk of Japanese and Chinese reminds me of what my dad told me. He works in an manufacturing/sales related industry (it's nothing fancy, it's tissues and wet wipes industry) where he gets to see the different samples of finished products by Chinese and Japanese (and Korean ones). He worked in China for awhile and he has has been in the industry for awhile.

          What he've told me was, products from Japan has fine touches that people who've been in the industry for awhile would be able to pick upon. At least from the countries I've listed, he told me that Japanese ones tend to have better quality. However, since it's far far more expensive than Chinese or Korean ones, it fails to compete in that regards. Also, the quality gap, while it is still there, is getting smaller and smaller.

          I think I am frankly seeing a similar pattern in headphone industry as well. Chinese products have become strong in headphone/earphone industry by being extremely cheap for what they've used. For awhile BA earphones and hybrid earphonds have been over $100 at the very very least, until Chinese manufacturers started to come in. While I don't think Chinese headphones are up to the level of the industry leaders, I think they are catching up. Though I am not sure whether they will be able to replace those old leaders of the industry (i.e. Sennheiser, Beyerdynamics, Audio Technica etc).

          EDIT: fail by me, I was trying to reply to Cluster.

        • ItsMeAgro on 21/09/2015 - 08:20

          @scrimshaw:

          I speak Japanese, but never found a job where I could use it in Sydney (only bad customer service jobs, paying less than any other job).

          By all means buy some of those cheap tickets to Japan, awesome place to visit or live, but don't count on Japanese skills making you more employable.

        • DealzEddy123 on 21/09/2015 - 09:54

          @scrimshaw: wat do u sell

        • Binchicken22 on 21/09/2015 - 15:21

          @Oversimplified:

          Thats because the Chinese stuff your only paying for the raw material + cheap labor costs, where as the japanese stuff you are probably paying for the R&D costs of which the Chinese just then copy.

          If everyone took the Chinese method means the products will stagnate and never get better.

        • iridiumstem on 21/09/2015 - 15:50

          @brad1601: Yes and no? My dad was referring more to the details like how the packaging was made etc etc.

          Also, at least, China is moving away from the cheap labour market as well (increase in minimum wage in China, while it is not comparable to places like Australia, have made China less attractive as an option for factories). I am not certain how much of it is market driven and how much of it is planned though. That said, the things you describe (Cheaper labour) applies more to other countries now, like Vietnam and such.

          While I don't deny that there are many companies that just crap on the idea of copyrights, i.e. Xiaomi, there are companies like Huawei that owns fair bit of patents that actually can officially release their phone in other countries.

        • hayne on 21/09/2015 - 17:53

          @brad1601: It's less the "Chinese method" and more about the stage of development of economies. 40 - 50 years ago, everyone said the same thing about Japanese products - all they knew how to do was copy and they produced cheap, low-quality products. As their manufacturing know-how evolved, Japan developed a system of manufacturing that outstripped everyone else and produced quality products with defect rates a fraction of their US and European competitors in the auto industry. They probably were more advanced even by the 1970s and early 1980s than people gave them credit for.

          Then it was Korea - 20 years ago, they sold cheap cars that fell apart but sold in volume. Now Korean car makers and electronics manufacturers are no longer consigned to "cheap rip-off" status and produce competitive, quality products.

          China is already in the process of transitioning away from being a cheap labour economy (ask anyone with knowledge of labour costs in China and across Asia - companies are already in the process of investing in manufacturing facilities in other Asian countries because China is becoming too expensive) and towards a knowledge economy. But it's a process that takes time.

        • Serapis on 21/09/2015 - 22:20

          @gamechanger:

          Oh please, China was so 2008. India and Africa are the future…

          *Edit: India was 2014 when Modi was elected, Africa alone is the future:

          http://www.forbes.com/sites/pascalemmanuelgobry/2014/08/25/c…

        • GameChanger on 21/09/2015 - 22:30
          +1

          @Serapis: They say India could achieve great things, problem is that it has a demography with far too many smart people and cultural issues that will prevent what we have seen in China.

        • Serapis on 21/09/2015 - 22:36
          +1

          @gamechanger: Hoping that would change under the direction of Narendra Modi… but when you start noticing India and China putting money into the African economy, you would be safe to bet that it's going to the next big superpower

        • GameChanger on 21/09/2015 - 22:38
          +1

          @Serapis: Big question is how many years for this occur? Could make some of us very rich :D

        • Serapis on 21/09/2015 - 22:51
          +1

          @gamechanger: maybe a decade or two? Who knows, don't think there are many ways to invest in their market at the moment and we're even more restricted just by being in Australia…

          Investopedia has a fair bit of info if you wanted to have a read :)

        • DeafMutePretender on 22/09/2015 - 00:01

          @Oversimplified:

          Also, at least, China is moving away from the cheap labour market as well (increase in minimum wage in China, while it is not comparable to places like Australia, have made China less attractive as an option for factories).

          Interesting times ahead.

        • iridiumstem on 22/09/2015 - 00:05
          +1

          @DeafMutePretender: This is actually fairly old news, I've been hearing about this since I left China (around the time of the Beijing Olympic). Many economists are interested in what would happen during the Great Convergence as well. I assume it'd be chaotic, changes bring chaos.

      • juki on 22/09/2015 - 21:08

        Good on you ! (I also pull that trick but i suspect the hilarity is from my accent )

    • juki on 22/09/2015 - 21:06
      +1

      I speak 4 languages, over the years i find that has lost value, people get by speaking gibberish with google trad or their school language and everyone is happy. I find this even more so in English speaking countries in which a lot of people expect the rest of the world to speak English.

  • plmko on 18/09/2015 - 15:32
    +1

    Accounting programs like XERO, MYOB etc. Although they're for accountants there are many admin/clerical jobs that require basic data entry or understanding of how to draw data out of them. Also shows you're into business and enterprise type organisation.

    • CleverCounter on 21/09/2015 - 20:04
      +1

      Second that, add excel skills.

      Most important skill in any job is soft skills. They get you noticed and promoted…

  • threeball on 18/09/2015 - 16:27
    +6

    Broadly determine the type of job would you want in 3-5 years time.
    Search job sites like Seek for said job.
    Pay close attention to any specific skills they ask for which you don't have.
    Seek a mentor who is 5-12 years down the track from you.

    As a Junior Web Dev I more or less did this. I looked for opportunities within the business, learnt new programming languages and tried to upskill myself in communication and team leadership. I'd also recommend any training in psychology and understanding personalities. I found this helps immensely when working with people, and also helps you understand how you can influence and motivate others.

    • magikz on 21/09/2015 - 20:20

      Hi mriethmulle,

      I want to break into web dev or apps. I studied mechanical engineering, and whilst I have a glancing understanding of coding, I could do a lot better. I'm learning Javascript, have basic HTML and CSS knowledge, and hoping to learn JQuery too. In time, I'm hoping to turn this into app knowledge with Cordova/Phonegap. Can you offer any advice for what I may be missing? I'm about 1 year out of uni too

  • paaj on 18/09/2015 - 16:32
    +2

    For Business Degree holders - i'd say it is worth heading down the excel way. advanced Pivot tables, Macros, VBA etc. Can you do if statements and vlookups? There is so much to learn in excel.

    Lots of free stuff out there too.

    • scrimshaw on 18/09/2015 - 17:01
      +4

      That reminds me, I have udemy courses on pivot tables thanks to EC…

    • vietbargain on 20/09/2015 - 20:26
      +3

      this.

      Learning how to organise data and reporting it up to managers/senior stakeholders is something I do almost everyday, and its something you could learn in 6 months. Sometimes I ask myself how some managers got to where they are without knowing how to work with excel.

  • pjetson on 18/09/2015 - 16:53
    +14

    Juggling always impresses me.

    • tight-a55 on 21/09/2015 - 10:23

      juggling can improve your focus, attention span and brain thinking speed. hard to put on a resume, but does have other benefits!

  • iridiumstem on 18/09/2015 - 17:05

    Pole dancing. That'd impress… wait, you are not going into that kind of industry, are you?

    Jokes aside, if you are going to learn Chinese, why not get HSK certification?
    Those looks nicer on the paper than "I can speak basic Chinese". If you are very fluent in Chinese, you could try to get those translator certification thingy, which would definitely be harder than HSK.

    Also slightly digressing from what I was saying, how hard is it to learn how to programme things? I always wanted to learn, but never had the chance to do so.

    • scrimshaw on 18/09/2015 - 17:33
      +1

      I've never been a math person, and coding requires pretty much the same sort of problem solving capability in math. I never got past week 5 of Fundamentals of Programming (C++). that was six years ago. Dropped out once they got into arrays and matrices. Still have no idea what arrays is all about.

      • Donaldhump on 18/09/2015 - 20:43
        +1

        arrays confused me in uni, and i had a fear of while loops….

        • Diji1 on 18/09/2015 - 22:28
          +1

          I was cool with loops, can do those all day.

          I did have a bit of a brain melt when i got to recursion though :|

        • Donaldhump on 21/09/2015 - 16:58

          @Diji1: goto scrimshaw

        • ItsMeAgro on 23/09/2015 - 12:34

          @Diji1:

          I'm a quite successful senior software developer and recursion still hurts my brain. I've used it once or two in my 12 year career (it's handing for iterating around tree structures, but not too much else - all the tricky maths-type stuff is built into the frameworks now. I haven't implemented a sorting algorithm since C# got generics and a built-in List.Sort method).

      • Diji1 on 18/09/2015 - 22:27

        Coding doesn't require maths, program design requires maths.

        Fortunately most maths is already worked out somewhere so you can simply Google and adapt it.

        But yes if you struggled with the concept of arrays you might have been wise to stop ;) One of C's strong points is being able to step through arrays very fast using pointers :D

        • Donaldhump on 21/09/2015 - 16:59

          been programming for 20 years now… now i just have a problem understanding BAs

      • ItsMeAgro on 21/09/2015 - 09:03
        +1

        Goods news, then, scrimshaw: as a programmer for over a decade, I can tell you: you don't need good maths skills to be a software developer.

        You do if you're writing a game engine or something. But you won't be: 99% of the jobs in software are making custom in-house applications for businesses. If your programming course emphasises heavy maths like matrix multiplication, it's simply a decade or two out of date.

        I hated maths in school, because our school system teaches it very poorly (the real reason why Asians are "good at maths" is because their schools teach it properly, showing you what problems it solves, instead of just saying "memorise this formula"). I got lucky in Uni, had a brilliant maths lecturer who actually knew how to teach, but most of us go our whole lives never having an actual problem-oriented maths lesson.

        I learned ASP.NET in uni, got an awful entry-level job ($25,000 including super, no joke). After 6 months someone else offered me $45,000.

        But that was 10 years ago. Right now we're advertising for software developers with 6 months of commercial software development experience for $70,000 to $85,000. And we're struggling to find anyone.

        My advice:

        • Choose a language/framework. Google around to find out what languages/frameworks people are using. Want to make web applications? Look at ASP.net, JSP, ruby, node.js, etc. Prefer mobile apps? look at objective C and Android and such. Then look at entry level software developer jobs on SEEK and see which language/framework has the most jobs.

        • Do a course in that language/framework. (TAFE course or whatever is fine, no need for a degree. Even a free online course might be fine if you can build something decent at the end to show). (An MS certification might help if you have zero experience, but personally I'd rather hire someone who built something in the time it'd take you to study for it).

        • Get ANY entry level programming job for whatever crappy pay, and get that experience

        PM me in a year or so, we'll probably be hiring again. Good luck!

        • Bullzye on 21/09/2015 - 09:14

          I would be very interested in these jobs. Can you PM me some more details?

        • ItsMeAgro on 21/09/2015 - 09:21

          @Bullzye:

          Here's some, including our ad (SEEK, Sydney, min 70k, keywords "ASP.NET Junior"):

          http://www.seek.com.au/jobs/in-sydney-nsw/#dateRange=999&wor…

        • Bullzye on 21/09/2015 - 09:43

          @mgowen:
          Thats pretty good for a junior developer. I have close to 5 years experience I earn close to the max value you have on offer including performance bonus. But I am based in Melbourne.

  • pyramid on 18/09/2015 - 17:07
    +2

    Good post Scrim, i m in same boat with almost 12 yrs in industry now and feel like i need change. Don't know where would i like to go.

  • 2jzzzz on 18/09/2015 - 18:57
    +43

    Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

    I don't know, I don't have 2020 vision.

    I'll let myself out.

  • Donaldhump on 18/09/2015 - 20:44

    learn excel/vba/web scraping etc, make some $$$ of rentacoder.com

    • Cluster on 19/09/2015 - 22:47
      +8

      People working on coder rental web sites are competing with talented coders in Asia and Eastern Europe who won't mind working for $10 per hour.

      • Donaldhump on 21/09/2015 - 17:00

        true, could get $5 an hr to learn and have some fun aint so bad… i wouldnt bother tho…

  • Vampyr on 19/09/2015 - 08:28

    Volunteer your time at a soup kitchen one day a week for 6 months. You'll have fun, feed people that need it and the interviewers will be interested in it/you.

    • GameChanger on 20/09/2015 - 00:52
      +1

      Employers are interested in money, volunteer work will only help show you're not a lazy person.

      On the other hand work experience even if free, will make them interested.

      • DeafMutePretender on 20/09/2015 - 02:31
        -1

        volunteer work will only help show you're not a lazy person.

        As essential volunteer work is to society, it also shows (to the employer) that your time and effort isn't even worth paying. :(

        • GameChanger on 20/09/2015 - 02:41
          -1

          Also it can make it hard to negotiate a salary, they will know you're desperate and will pay under market rate.

        • DeafMutePretender on 20/09/2015 - 02:42
          +1

          @gamechanger:

          Good ol' disparity in market bargaining power eh?

        • DeafMutePretender on 20/09/2015 - 22:25

          @gamechanger:

          Interesting, we both had +1s and now we're back to 0.

          Who was the culprit?
          A volunteer worker that took offense?
          Or a human resource manager trying to hide the truth?

        • GameChanger on 20/09/2015 - 22:49

          @DeafMutePretender: hahah perhaps a volunteer HR manager :P We all know HR are for the good of the people lol. You know what I find funny is that many volunteer positions these days ask quite detailed questions and are selective of the people they choose.

        • DeafMutePretender on 20/09/2015 - 22:51
          +1

          @gamechanger:

          You know the economy is going out of control when there is even competition for volunteer positions (and "internships" AKA legal sub-minimum wage jobs)

      • ItsMeAgro on 21/09/2015 - 09:16

        Yep. As an employer, volunteer work on your resume absolutely gains you a few points.

        Obviously it won't get you a job over more experienced candidates, but it can (and has, for me) made candidates stand out from the pack.

        Hard work and altruism are extremely valuable in employees. The dishonest ones and the lazy ones both waste a lot of time and money.

        (As some unrealistically cynical folks in this thread speculate, perhaps there are employers stupid enough to look down on you for it, but do you really want to work for a person nasty or dumb enough to think helping people is for suckers? I'm sure they treat there employees well…)

  • jimtulloch on 19/09/2015 - 08:55
    +2

    Start from the ground up
    Personal appearance
    Personality
    Being able to present oneself eloguently
    air of confidence…take a confidence course
    Interest in employers line of business

    These traits show through in any written application

    • GameChanger on 20/09/2015 - 00:49

      Personal appearance- more like how attractive you're, which can't be inherently changed.

      And how does any of this show on a written application? You do know most hiring managers spend 30 seconds on a resume.

      • secondstory on 20/09/2015 - 01:23
        +1

        Good personal appearance == decently groomed - from what I understand.

        The rest on that list can be apparent in a written application. I've done recruitment before - I carefully read all applications (unless they are write-offs, completely unrelated, no skillset, etc.) and most of these listed are what I'm checking for. I would think generally one would shortlist based on skills/capability/experience, if you can pass that, particularly if there are many applicants, it comes down to personality and presentation for further shortlisting even before they decide to meet you face to face.

        • GameChanger on 20/09/2015 - 02:47

          I don't anyone with half a brain goes in with bad appearance. What I know you can dress up smart, but ultimately your physical attractiveness plays a larger role in landing a job.

          But again how will they asertain your personality/presentation without meeting you?

          Unfortunately most jobs have more supply than demand and it be naive to think those in charge don't chuck resumes out for arbitrary reasons. A lot of personal bias is involved, which ultimately leads to a crap hire.

        • secondstory on 20/09/2015 - 22:26

          @gamechanger:

          I don't anyone with half a brain goes in with bad appearance

          I know a few and have seen many myself. I don't judge them by it until it comes down to being a deciding factor or if they've got a poor personality already it kind of accentuates it.

          Having a normally glum or serious person try smiling a little more, or someone who is naturally gruff trying to practice being more sincere when dealing with people. This is also part personal appearance. Your personality's appearance is also your personal appearance. This can be changed.

          But again how will they asertain your personality/presentation without meeting you?

          This cannot be ascertained even after meeting in person.

          I at least take home the fact that I wouldn't want to be working with people who hire for such shallow reasons not to mention working alongside those who were already hired for those exact reasons and are possibly underskilled or difficult to work with.

          On the other hand personal bias doesn't always mean a bad hire. Some people will hire for personality over skill just to ensure that their new work-mate will not be a mis-fit for the existing team - this is definitely sometimes more important. One could also argue that the hot new team member could lift work morale too (also just because someone was hired from their looks doesn't automatically make them crap).

    • DeafMutePretender on 20/09/2015 - 03:10
      +2

      I would also add:
      If you have a foreign-sounding name, change it to something less foreign-sounding. Resumes are thrown out for all sorts of arbitrary reasons, this is one of them.
      Be attractive. Don't be unattractive.

      Being able to present oneself eloguently

      It might be a good idea to check beforehand if any of your interviewers show appreciation for poetry before going all out performing an exquisite masterpiece.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/09/2015 - 08:58
    +1

    Pursue what you enjoy. Being paid to do what you love does not feel like work and will have great benefits long term.

    • DeafMutePretender on 20/09/2015 - 02:28
      +1

      Pursue what you enjoy. Being paid to do what you love does not feel like work and will have great benefits long term.

      What if this particular dream job doesn't actually pay enough to pay the bills? Or is "income earned sufficient for day to day expenses" an assumed variable?

  • joffmc on 19/09/2015 - 11:14
    +4

    First aid.

    • sparkles on 20/09/2015 - 14:55
      +1

      Yep. A good general life skill. And a lot of employers require a certain amount of people to be certified in CPR and/or First Aid.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/09/2015 - 20:19
    +1

    learn to play the yoyo or be accurate with a nerf gun work places need to be fun…

  • Icecold5000 on 19/09/2015 - 21:38
    +2

    Maybe you should try and enhance your sales skills. It does sound like your job sucks but excel and web coding skills are quite common these days with low barriers to learning make them commodities. Really good sales people are thin on the ground and you can make more money out of that in the long run than knowing pivot tables.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/09/2015 - 21:39
    -3

    Scrimp, save, don't waste money - drink water, etc. Save every spare cent. Stop buying things here! Then buy real estate. Commercial if you can. The tenant pays rent and all things that a landlord has to with a residential property. Once you have enough rent coming in - quit working - and do whatever you like.

    • DeafMutePretender on 20/09/2015 - 02:25
      +3

      It's funny how you can be so right and then go so wrong so quick.

      • [Deactivated] on 20/09/2015 - 13:19

        Since you seem to be indicating a sequential order, I can only assume you mean retiring early, devoting that time to your family, etc. is wrong. Not many people during their deathbed regrets say, "Gee, I wish I had spent more time working."

        Besides "do whatever you like" means just that - work, not work - that's everyone's own decision.

        But if I were clearing a few thou$and a week, after all management and repairs were taken care of by someone else - then why on earth devote your life to a boss. Take your family and go see the rest of the planet. Or at least do something that helps other people, instead of just selling them something (which is what many jobs boil down to).

        You could mean this whole, "do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life" - but realistically, few people achieve that. And some of those kid themselves they are doing it when they're not, because if you asked if there was something they'd like to be doing instead, they'd have a list. If you're financially free, you can do whatever you thoroughly adore, improve yourself, help other people, whatever you like.

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