March 8 is International Women’s day and the theme for 2024 is Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress.

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8, with a focus on gender equality. At CoAct we’re investing in women through the thousands of women we support into employment and post-employment each year with mentoring, funding, skills training and resources.

For International Women’s Day this year we’ve written this article as a resource for people looking for work, and we hope it serves as a reminder of how important it is to invest in yourself.

Here are some key strategies to help when considering a career change, reentering the workforce, or stepping up to the next level professionally.

Invest in self-care

Self-care is crucial for job seekers because the process of searching for employment can be demanding, stressful, and emotionally taxing. Job searching often involves uncertainty, rejection, and pressure to perform so engaging in self-care practices can help to alleviate stress and prevent burnout.

Self-care can also support mental health by providing coping mechanisms for managing negative emotions, anxiety, self-doubt, frustration, and keeping a positive mindset

Good sleep, healthy eating and establishing a routine that makes time for exercise, walking, jogging, or yoga, can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy levels.

Invest in skills development

Continuously upgrading skills is helpful for staying competitive in the job market. Online courses, workshops, or training for new certifications relevant to your desired role or industry are a great place to start. They’re also a great way to show employers that you’re committed to professional growth.

Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and market developments relevant to your field. Subscribe to industry emails and newsletters, follow relevant thought leaders on social media, and join webinars and seminars when you can to stay up to date.

Being informed and up to date is a great way to position yourself as a valuable asset to potential employers.

Invest in personal branding

Building a strong personal brand can set you apart from other job seekers. Take the time to write a resume, LinkedIn profile, and professional profile pages that showcase your skills, experience, and unique strengths. A personal website or blog to highlight your expertise and credibility in your field is always a great idea.

Invest in networking

Networking is a powerful tool for finding job opportunities before they hit job sites, and for expanding your professional circle too. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums and networking groups, and reach out to contacts within your network to get information, insights, and open the door for mentorship opportunities.

Building meaningful connections can lead to valuable insights, referrals, and introductions that can lead to finding the right role.

Invest in YOU

Job searching can be stressful and challenging, so it’s essential to prioritise yourself and your emotional wellbeing throughout the process. Spend time with people who support you for guidance and encouragement, take advantage of opportunities for professional development and growth within your current role, or volunteer if that’s a better fit, and try to take up as many leadership opportunities as you can to broaden your skill set and show future employers your work ethic.

Investing in yourself is for building a successful and fulfilling career, as well as for finding your next job. Invest in yourself to position yourself as a strong candidate and get ready to unlock new opportunities for your employment journey and the career you’re working towards.

At CoAct, we’re committed to supporting job seekers in their journey toward personal and professional growth.

Register here today to find out more about how CoAct and our service partners in your local area can provide dedicated job search support, jobseeker programs, investing in you to help you reach employment goals.