When you are looking for a new job or to further your design career; you need to look for ways to add more value to your career. Whether you specialise in beach style homewares or corporate design jobs, you need to become an expert in your field. It is your job to set yourself apart from the rest of the crowd, and a good way to do that is to complete relevant industry online courses.
This is a great starting point and here are some reasons why you should include online courses in your education:
You get a better interview
Employers use interviews as their way to find reasons why you should be the person they pick for the job. This is why you need to set yourself apart from the rest of the crowd. Having some extra online course work can help you be the one that stands out. It invites conversations and it’s appealing to potential employers. Employers may ask several questions such as:
- What knowledge did you gain from these courses?
- What can you do now that you couldn’t before doing the course?
- What made you enrol in the course?
- What are your favourite interior design brands? (mine is the lovely bondi wash)
It shows extra sets of skills
Applicants can struggle when it comes to explaining what they can offer to the company. Speaking confidentially about a certain skill set that you have gained can help with the interview and steer it in the right direction. It shows what you can do and what you know.
It shows character
Going further with professional education can help with the development of important skills but it shows good character. Taking on online courses is impressive. It shows that you are disciplined, mature and that you have a burning curiosity and a willingness to learn. All these are important to future employers. Online courses show you are happy to go that extra mile. It also shows passion, and passion shows good value. This only applies if you have completed the course and are happy to talk about what you have learnt. Having an interest section on your resume is a great place for this. Employers are searching for different talents, but they are also looking for unique personalities.
How do you add these to your resume?
The best way to add these skills into your resume is through a cover letter. This allows you to connect with a hiring manager on a more personal level. This is where you can discuss your professional skills that you have acquired (that weren’t a mandatory part of your education). If you submit your resume online then you can often link in your course profiles.
You can also create a new section like skills and objectives, personal development or personal advancement. It can also be added into the education section of your resume. This is very useful if you have not completed a formal design degree, or if you are applying for a job that is not related to the degree that you already have.
There is no doubt that online courses add true value to your resume and to your career. You learn skills that can be kept for life and most often online courses have a shorter time frame, so they can be completed quickly and easily.
Forget going into the school for your education, most small courses can be done online, in the comfort of your own home and at a time that suits you.
