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4 Ways to Improve Your Employability

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The 21st-century job market is all about flexibility, both for employer and employee. In a world of constant change, being able to adapt to new circumstances and evolve your skills are amongst the most useful attributes you can have. In recent years, Barcelona has transformed into a hub for startups and industrial innovation, and it was ranked among the top 20 cities for global competitiveness in 2016. The highly competitive climate of Barcelona’s job market means setting yourself apart from the rest is essential if you want to get noticed by employers. Here are four ways that you can boost your employability and help secure the job you want.

1. PARLES CATALÀ?

It might seem obvious, but learning Catalan can give you a competitive advantage. While the ability to speak more than one language is attractive for many reasons, legal paperwork and platforms here are usually in Catalan, not to mention workshops, seminars and conferences. Many foreign residents speak Spanish, but fewer are fluent in Catalan. Having a basic command of the language will set you apart from others, and will also tell potential employers that you intend to stick around. Learning Catalan is also cost effective, as many institutes offer free Catalan courses. The Consorci per a la Normalització Lingüistica—a consortium of public entities in Catalunya that aims to disseminate the language—provides free classes for beginners, or for those wanting to perfect their professional use of the language, Barcelona Activa offers free Catalan business courses.

2. GO DIGITAL

Barcelona is one of the leading smart cities in Europe, playing host to several international events, such as the Mobile World Congress and Smart City Expo World Congress, and is generally recognized as an epicenter of technological innovation. To maintain its status and continue moving forward, the Ajuntament is offering various courses to help bring citizens into the digital era. From web creation and IT problem-solving, to online marketing and mastering multimedia, Barcelona Activa’s Cibernàrium is a training program for professionals that encompasses a broad range of activities. Other specialized skills, such as coding, can be an impressive addition to your CV. Bootcamps at academies such as Ubiqum Code Academy and Barcelona Code School promise to deliver you from beginner to pro in a short space of time. Investing in yourself with a course or training program will give you an edge over others and your new skills may just lead your career in a completely different direction.

3. NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK

"It’s not what you know, it’s who you know," and there’s probably nowhere that the age-old expression rings more true than here. Networking is widely recommended by recruiters, and friendly, word-of-mouth promotions are often a point of entry for job interviews. But beyond broadening your contacts and getting to know the right people, networking can be a great way to get up to speed on the industry. Receiving insider info on current trends and challenges can be invaluable for those wanting to transition from one industry to another, demonstrating to potential employers that you have done your homework and know what you’re talking about. Networking has become an integral part of Barcelona’s culture, with well-established, active networking communities and a choice of meetups, ranging from general to specialized interests. 

4. BUILD YOUR BRAND

Although the concept of personal branding has been around for centuries, the social media revolution has popularized it over the past decade. Forbes describes personal branding as a leadership requirement, and something that is becoming increasingly important for taking the next step in your career. It requires identifying your strengths and your unique selling points (USPs). Taking the time to consider what you can bring to a company allows you to tailor your application and increases your chances of landing the job. Whether it be specific talents and expertise, or creative thinking, make sure you showcase your USPs when writing your CV and cover letters, and when answering interview questions. Writing a blog or proactively managing your Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter accounts can be a great resource to reference during interviews, or can even attract new job offers. It’s important to remember that personal branding goes beyond cyberspace, and is about projecting a strong, consistent brand at all times. Make sure you always exhibit your unique brand during events, network and community meetups, and when applying for jobs and attending interviews. There are several personal branding courses available, such as Foment Formació’s 30-hour course, or why not book an appointment with a personal branding coach. Step Up with V offers tailored courses for both career coaching and personal branding. 

Networking in Barcelona

Originally published December 2017, updated April 24, 2019.

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