17 Ways to Make Yourself Much More Employable

If you are someone who has to work for a living, and let’s face it, that applies to most of you reading this right now, then it is always a good idea to make yourself as employable as you possibly can, because no matter how secure you rethink your job may be, there may one day come a time when you need to start looking for a new job or career, whether due to being laid off, or simply because you want to advance your career and make more money.

That being the case, let’s take a look at some of the most effective ways you can go about making yourself much more employable right now:

1. Become a First Aider

Let’s start with something that could literally save a life—getting your first aid certification. Not only does this tell potential employers that you’re prepared for emergencies, but it also screams, “I’m responsible, I can keep a cool head when things get heated, and yes, I can totally put a Band-Aid on that for you.” Plus, it’s a skill that’s useful everywhere—from corporate offices to pirate ships (though the latter might require some additional sword-fighting skills).

2. Master the Art of Communication

Being a great communicator is about as crucial as having oxygen at a space station. It’s the difference between a smoothly run project and a chaotic game of telephone where the message starts as “Please file the reports” and ends up as “Bees hive the sports.” Sharpen those verbal and written skills until you can persuade, inform, and entertain with the finesse of a seasoned diplomat (or at least a very convincing infomercial host).

3. Tech Up Your Life

In today’s world, if you’re not somewhat tech-savvy, you’re about as behind as someone using a pager. You don’t need to be the next Steve Jobs, but understanding the basics of the digital tools and platforms your industry uses is key. Whether it’s mastering Excel, getting cozy with coding, or simply not needing to call IT every time your computer does something unexpected, these skills can make you a digital dynamo.

4. Speak the Language of… Someone Else

Being bilingual—or even better, multilingual—is like having an international passport in the job market. It opens doors worldwide and makes you more attractive to employers, especially those with global ties. Plus, it gives you the undeniable power to eavesdrop on a wider range of conversations. “Yes, I did overhear you planning a surprise party for me in Italian. Grazie!”

5. Get Creative (Even If You’re Not an Artist)

Creativity isn’t just for folks who wear berets and paint in studios filled with dramatically posed fruit. It’s about thinking outside the box, solving problems in new ways, and bringing fresh ideas to the table. So, flex those creative muscles! Start a side project, brainstorm solutions to hypothetical business problems, or take up an artistic hobby. Show potential employers that you can think differently—about everything from marketing campaigns to how to organize the office fridge.

6. Be a Team Player (But Also Be Able to Fly Solo)

Employers love a candidate who can collaborate effectively, share ideas, and not hog the whiteboard. But they also value someone who can take the ball and run with it on their own. Showcase examples of successful team projects you’ve been a part of, as well as times when you’ve taken initiative and achieved results independently. It’s like being a superhero who’s awesome in the Avengers but also rocks their solo missions.

7. Learn to Love Feedback (Even When It Stings)

Feedback is the breakfast of champions—and also the occasional lunch of humble pie. Embracing constructive criticism and using it to improve shows that you’re not only resilient but also committed to personal and professional growth. It’s about showing potential employers that you can take a hit, adjust your cape, and fly higher because of it.

8. Network Like It’s 1999 (Or Just Use LinkedIn)

Building a strong professional network is like planting a garden of opportunity seeds. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and yes, keep your LinkedIn profile so polished it gleams. Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards like Pokémon; it’s about forming genuine connections that can lead to job leads, collaborations, and mentorships.

9. Volunteer Your Time (And Boost Your Karma)

Volunteering shows you’re motivated, compassionate, and willing to go the extra mile (literally, if it’s a charity run). It can also provide you with valuable experience, new skills, and the kind of glowing aura that comes from doing good deeds. Plus, it’s a chance to meet people and expand your network in a meaningful way.

10. Stay Curious, Keep Learning

The job market is always evolving, so your knowledge and skills should be too. Take courses, attend workshops, read industry news, and stay curious about your field (and beyond). Showing that you’re a lifelong learner demonstrates adaptability and a proactive attitude—traits that are music to an employer’s ears.

11. Cultivate Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Having a high EQ is like being a Jedi in the workplace. It’s not just about controlling your own feelings; it’s about understanding and reacting to the emotions of others. Showcasing emotional intelligence means demonstrating empathy, managing conflicts with grace, and building strong relationships with colleagues and clients alike. “Yes, I can feel your frustration with this project, let’s channel that energy into finding a solution.”

12. Develop a Can-Do Attitude

Positivity is contagious, and a can-do attitude can make you a beacon of hope in any office environment. It’s about more than just smiling through the 9-5; it’s about approaching challenges with a solution-oriented mindset and being the person who lifts the team’s spirits when the chips are down. Employers are on the lookout for individuals who can turn a “Well, this is a disaster” into a “This is a challenge we can overcome.”

13. Flex Your Adaptability Muscles

The only constant in life is change, especially in today’s fast-paced work environments. Demonstrating adaptability means showing you’re comfortable with change, whether it’s a sudden shift in project priorities, learning new technologies, or adjusting to a new team dynamic. It’s about being as flexible as a Cirque du Soleil performer, but in the context of meeting deadlines and tackling tasks.

14. Get Involved with Public Speaking

Even if the thought of public speaking makes your knees buckle more than a romantic knee-slide gone wrong, developing this skill can significantly boost your employability. Public speaking showcases your ability to articulate ideas clearly and confidently, making you a strong candidate for leadership roles and client-facing positions. Plus, acing a public speaking gig is an instant confidence booster.

15. Brush Up on Your Project Management Skills

Even if your job title doesn’t include “Project Manager,” understanding the basics of project management is incredibly beneficial. Knowing how to plan, execute, and wrap up projects efficiently is like having a Swiss Army knife in your skillset. It demonstrates organization, foresight, and the ability to keep multiple balls in the air without turning the workplace into a circus.

16. Nurture Cultural Competency

In our globalized world, cultural competency is more important than ever. Understanding and respecting cultural differences, and being able to communicate effectively across those divides, can make you a valuable asset to any team, especially in organizations with a diverse workforce or a global reach. “So, you’re telling me not every culture appreciates a firm handshake and direct eye contact? Fascinating!”

17. Hone Your Listening Skills

Listening is an art form, one that’s often overlooked in a world where everyone wants to be heard. But being a good listener can make you a standout employee. It’s about actively understanding messages, showing empathy, and responding thoughtfully. In negotiations, team collaborations, and customer service, effective listening can be the difference between success and misunderstanding.

As you can see, there are a number of fairly simple things you can do to make yourself a much more attractive candidate should the time come that you need to apply for a new job in the future. So, although you ay not have the time or inclination to do the ma ll right now, working your way through as many as you can is sure to enrich your career, and probably your wider life too.