So here is a small task for any self-determined learner who is looking for practical ways to learn and grow. Get a piece of paper and write down your top 3 job positions you are interested in. Then go on the internet and search for 5 job ads on each positions (15 in total).

Please carefully read the job specifications and descriptions. What skills and certifications did you notice on all job ads for each position.

Now create a table ( A and B) and write MUST HAVE skills & NICE TO HAVE skills.

Once you are done. Plug this into your skills inventory and personal skills gap analysis so your mind is mentally prepared to IMPROVE/ENHANCE/UPDATE those skills that will make you become employable and very confident when you are applying for jobs amd other opportunities.

What is your personal skills gap analyis?

You can identify the skills a job requires and compare them to an your actual skill level.

Also, learn to leverage access, resources and opportunities. You are responsible for your own personal growth and career advancement.

Be very much aware of the MUST-HAVE skills for each role (read: what’s absolutely needed to get the job done). Similarly, consider the skills that fall outside of the must-have zone but would be beneficial to have — your preferred skills.

Then identify the "Non-core skills"

Differentiate what skills are necessary for a role’s basic functions and what can be learned over time — what you thought was a required skill may actually be a bonus.

What skills can you learn pre and post-onboarding at a job.

Also identify the "Basic skills"

If you already know the job positions you are interested in, at least have the basic skills required and you don't neceessariy have to list them on your resume depending on the role or experience level.

You know your level of competence.

Reminder: Don't take random online courses that will not make any difference in your career journey. Be intentional. Be strategic.

My next paid training with @graceiheji will be next month. Watch out for registration.

Let me go and continue with Netflix this evening.

Don't forget to apply for jobs on LinkedIn, Facebook marketplace (check jobs), http://Indeed.com , and other job boards.

Please check these threads for list of platforms to apply for remote hob opportunities https://twitter.com/MomentsWithBren/status/1080167195336982533?s=19

I forgot to add this:

Take note of the MUST-HAVE skills and the NICE-TO-HAVE skills.

Some say REQUIRED SKILLS and GOOD TO HAVE skills.

It's great to get relevant employability skills but also watch out for red flags on job ads (some companies are going to stress your life).

A). Required skills

Skills that are necessary. Candidates who lack these will not be selected. For example, required skills for a Java Developer are HTML 5, CSS, JavaScript, Unix/Linux, and Window.

b. Good to have skills

Skills that are nice to have in addition to required skills. Candidates who have these receive preference. For example, good to have skills for a Java Developer are Oracle, MS SQL Server, NoSQL, and DB2

Skills vs Qualities

When we refer to skills, we are talking about something that we learn to do over a certain time. E.g, during education or work, you will learn new skills that you can use differently. You can refine those skills through further training or life experience.

However, when we talk about qualities, we refer to them as parts of people’s personalities, with which they are usually born and that describe them as individuals. You cannot learn qualities or transfer them to another; you can grow and develop them through time.

Doing your skills inventory or personal skills gap analysis is not just for preparing for job application.
You can use the awareness (now that you're aware of your skills, skills you need to learn & what your industry requires) to launch your own business as a service provider.

The next thing to do is to go on the internet again and type "customer service jobs that I can do from home."

You will see different services that you can offer using both your soft & hard skills, nice- to-have & must-have skills.

One intentional act can change your situation.

FYI: You can use MS Excel to keep track of things (job ads, specifications, descriptions, required skills/must-have, nice-to have skills, certifications required, and other things related to the specific job. Note taking helps in doing this.

You can use mindmaps & flow charts

Best Note-Taking Apps for Your Personal and Professional Life

Evernote
Notion
Simplenote
Google Keep
OneNote
Zoho's Notebook
Roam Research
Dropbox Paper
Squid
Bear
Notability
Standard Notes
Apple Notes
Ulysses
Slite
Typora

So what’s the best note-taking app out there?

Well it depends on what your needs are. Check these 3 categories:

Writing Experience (Typora & Slite)

Organization (Ulysses & Roam Research)

General Note-Taking (Evernote, Notion & Standard Notes).

I like Evernote & Notion.