How to Become a Skilled Professional

Contents:

• It's normal to be worried right now. But it's better to act.
• How to stay in demand in the labor market
• How to look for a job - life hacks

HeadHunter conducted a survey of Russian employers and found that approximately 50% of them have already reduced their workforce since February 24, 2022. Another 20% are planning layoffs in the near future. In a changing labor market, it is important not to panic and adapt to new requirements. At the Skillbox Holding Limited online conference, strategies for becoming a sought-after specialist in today's environment were discussed. Conference participants shared relevant tips on improving qualifications and developing career skills, which will help to remain competitive in the labor market.

• Elena Londar — HR expert, consultant at hh.ru;
• Irina Petrushova — Gestalt therapist, curator of the Yasno service;
• Gleb Mikheev — Director of Technology at Skillbox.

Skillbox Media presents the highlights of the experts' presentations. In this article, you will find key insights and recommendations that will help you gain a deeper understanding of the topics discussed and apply the acquired knowledge in practice. We will discuss the most pressing issues and trends in the industry, and also share useful tips from professionals. Read on to stay up to date with the latest news and improve your skills in your chosen field.

• how to reduce anxiety due to difficulties at work;
• what will help you stay in demand in the labor market;
• how to look for a job now.

It's normal to worry now. But it's better to act.

We find ourselves in an environment of significant uncertainty, when it is difficult to predict what will happen in the future. In such a situation, anxiety is a natural reaction. Psychologist Irina Petrushova recommends not giving in to panic, but rather using anxiety as motivation for action. It's important to focus on transforming anxiety into positive steps that will help you confidently face the future and overcome emerging challenges. There are many factors in our lives that we cannot influence, such as politics, macroeconomic changes, and the moods and attitudes of others. However, there are aspects within our control, including our physical condition, behavior, the acquisition of skills and competencies, career choice, and income level. Therefore, it makes sense to focus your efforts on areas that can be changed, such as education and finding fulfilling work. This will not only improve the quality of life but also develop potential, which will have a positive impact on our well-being in the long term.

Reading is also an important aspect of development and learning. It helps to broaden horizons, improve analytical and critical thinking skills. In addition, reading contributes to the development of vocabulary and improves written language. In today's world, there are numerous sources of information, including books, articles, and blogs. Each of these formats offers a unique approach to presenting material and can be useful depending on your interests and goals. It is important to choose quality sources to obtain reliable and up-to-date information. Regular reading not only enriches your knowledge but also helps you stay informed about the latest trends and developments in various fields.

Only our reactions and actions are within our control. They are what will help us overcome difficulties. The ability to manage our emotions and make informed decisions plays a key role in successfully overcoming life's challenges. Understanding this fact allows us not only to cope with problems but also to grow, developing resilience and self-confidence.

How to support yourself during difficult times

The importance of self-support is invaluable, especially during difficult periods in life. You can use various methods to improve your psycho-emotional state. First, pay attention to physical activity. Regular exercise promotes the production of endorphins, which has a positive effect on your mood.

Second, don't forget the importance of a healthy diet. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals will help strengthen the immune system and improve overall well-being.

It is also helpful to find time for hobbies and interests. Activities that bring joy help you take a break from everyday worries and stress.

Communicating with loved ones and friends is another important aspect of support. Don't be afraid to share your experiences and emotions; this can significantly ease the internal burden.

Paying attention to your thoughts is equally important. Mindfulness and meditation practices can help you cope with negative emotions and increase your level of self-awareness.

In conclusion, supporting yourself during difficult times requires a comprehensive approach that includes physical, emotional, and social well-being.

• Find points of support. For example, assess your savings and calculate how long your safety net will last. If possible, try to increase it. Make a list of people you can turn to for help and support.
• It is important to have moderate physical activity in your life. It helps relieve tension caused by anxiety and fear. Fitness, running, swimming, or regular walking are suitable.
• Remember to get enough sleep and eat well.
• Making long-term plans is difficult now, but you should not give up on planning completely. Think about what you will do in the near future - tomorrow, next week, and next month. This will give you a sense of control, reduce anxiety, and help you not freeze in place.
• Use relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety. For example, look at the objects in the room and list them: a black chair, a green vase, and so on. Pay attention to smells and concentrate on sounds—this will also help you calm down.
• If you can't cope on your own, seek the help of a therapist.

Making decisions in a state of panic can put you in an undesirable situation. Therefore, it's important to allow yourself time to acknowledge your fear, but it's also worth exploring it and better understanding your inner feelings. This will help you make more informed and thoughtful decisions in the future.

A Gestalt therapist and curator of the Yasno service provides professional assistance in the field of psychology and personal growth. Gestalt therapy focuses on awareness of the present moment, which allows clients to better understand their feelings and behavior. The Yasno service offers individual consultations that help people cope with emotional difficulties, improve their quality of life, and develop self-regulation skills. A professional approach and attention to each client make the work of a Gestalt therapist effective and productive. Fear of losing your job can be quite overwhelming. To understand its roots, it's worth asking yourself: what exactly is causing this fear? Perhaps it conceals a deeper concern, such as the fear of disappointing your loved ones. It's important to develop an action plan in case your fear comes true. This will allow you to feel more confident and reduce anxiety. A prepared plan will not only help you cope with the situation but also give you a sense of control over your life. How to Stay in-Demand in the Job Market Developing an effective job search action plan and properly focusing on your resume are key to successful employment. Here are three helpful tips to help you in this process.

The first tip is to clearly define your career goals. Understanding the specific position you want to achieve will allow you to focus on the relevant skills and experience to highlight on your resume.

The second tip is to tailor your resume to specific openings. Each resume should reflect the employer's requirements and preferences, so it is important to highlight key points that align with the job description.

The third tip is to actively use professional networks and job search platforms. Participating in relevant communities and interacting with professionals in your field can significantly increase your chances of successful employment.

By following these recommendations, you can create an effective job search plan and make your resume more competitive.

In today's constantly changing world, people often change careers several times in their lives. To make this transition more comfortable, it is worth considering openings in related fields. For example, if you have experience in sales, you may want to consider opportunities in marketing. Similarly, if you've worked in logistics, it's worth exploring retail openings, as these fields share similar processes. This will not only help you expand your professional horizons but also increase your value in the job market.

If you're concerned about your employability due to your age, it's important to understand that not all employers prefer younger professionals, even if they possess advanced professional skills. Many companies value the experience and maturity of employees who can bring unique knowledge and life experiences to the team. This opens up opportunities for job seekers of all ages, emphasizing the importance of skills, personal qualities, and learning ability.

The HR expert and consultant of the hh.ru platform provides professional services in the field of HR management. Possessing deep knowledge and experience, he helps companies optimize the processes of recruitment, adaptation, and training of employees. The specialist focuses on implementing effective strategies to increase productivity and improve corporate culture.

Collaborating with an HR expert from hh.ru allows organizations to find the best talent and retain them, which in turn contributes to achieving business goals. The consultant also offers recommendations for developing an HR brand and increasing employee engagement, which is especially important in today's labor market.

By engaging an HR expert, companies gain access to relevant methods and tools aimed at building a strong team and effectively managing human resources.

People over 50 often exhibit a high degree of empathy—the ability to understand and empathize with another person's experiences. They are also able to effectively process large volumes of information while remaining emotionally neutral, unlike younger people, who may make quick decisions and leave their jobs in stressful situations. It is important to pay attention to professions that require developed empathy skills, patience, and the ability to interact with a large number of people. Over the past two years, such vacancies have increased significantly in government agencies and non-profit organizations.

Soft skills, or personal and social skills, play a key role in successful work. These include the ability to work effectively in a team, develop critical thinking, and listen and give constructive feedback. These skills help improve interactions with colleagues, increase productivity, and create a healthy workplace atmosphere. Developing soft skills not only contributes to personal growth but also improves the overall performance of the team.

The Skillbox Chief Technology Officer plays a key role in the development of the educational platform, ensuring the implementation of modern technologies and innovative solutions. He is responsible for strategic planning of the IT structure, project management and process optimization. The director's primary responsibility is to create an effective and convenient learning environment using the latest advances in technology. The director's professional experience and knowledge contribute to improving the quality of educational content and increasing student engagement. A key aspect of the job is collaborating with a team of developers and teachers to achieve shared goals and implement new educational ideas.

In the field of information technology, there are two key criteria that inform hiring decisions. The first criterion is hard skills, which refers to professional skills. This refers to proficiency in programming languages ​​and an understanding of the basic concepts required to perform tasks in a specific position. The second criterion is soft skills, which relate to personal qualities and the ability to collaborate with a team, manage time, and adapt to change. Both of these aspects play a significant role in a successful career in IT and in selecting the right candidate.

When selecting candidates, it is important to consider not only technical skills but also personal qualities. For example, if one candidate has stronger technical skills but is withdrawn and struggles with communication, this may hinder their integration into the team. Meanwhile, another candidate with less programming knowledge but who is proactive, eager to learn, and network may adapt more quickly. In such cases, HR may prefer the second candidate, as developing technical skills is easier and faster than changing personal qualities. Therefore, personal qualities and communication skills play an important role in selecting the right candidate for the team.

I prefer people with bright eyes, who are ready to take on challenging tasks, and who strive for development. They understand that the path to success often involves trial and error, and it is this desire to grow that makes them valuable. This approach not only promotes personal development but also has a positive impact on the team and the project as a whole.

It's important to remember to mention your soft skills on your resume. Avoid generalities and try to be more specific about your skills. For more tips on how to properly describe your skills, we recommend reading our article "How to Write a Resume and Cover Letter." Properly presenting information about your soft skills can significantly increase your chances of successful employment.

A high-paying job can become a real torture if you don't enjoy the process itself. It's important to find pleasure in your work so that your workday brings not only financial reward but also satisfaction. If your work doesn't spark interest, even the highest salaries won't compensate for the discomfort and stress. Therefore, it is worth choosing a profession that will match your hobbies and interests.

The Chief Technology Officer at Skillbox is responsible for the strategic leadership and development of the company's technological infrastructure. He coordinates the implementation of new solutions, ensures the high quality of educational platforms, and manages development teams. The CTO's primary responsibility is to ensure that technology aligns with current online education requirements and trends. It's crucial for the CTO to actively collaborate with other departments, including marketing and instructional design, to create integrated solutions that enhance the user experience and improve learning effectiveness. Experience in technology, knowledge of modern educational methods, and the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing market are key qualities of a successful CTO. Work should be enjoyable every day. It's important to understand that any changes shouldn't be driven solely by salary or career prospects. This approach resembles a marriage of convenience: we make decisions based on benefits, hoping that over time this will lead to a true love for the work. However, in practice, this rarely works. True satisfaction from work comes only when it aligns with our interests and values. If you started learning programming at 8 PM and still want to continue at 2 AM, this is a clear sign that you're on the right path. In that case, it might be time to consider changing jobs. The most undesirable situation is doing something you're not interested in, especially in complex fields like IT. It's important to focus your efforts on an area that inspires and excites you.

How to look for a job - life hacks

• Make a list of your "dream companies." Check if they have any openings. Even if not, write that you'd like to work there and explain how you can help. For example, you can send your resume to a company on hh.ru, even if they haven't posted any openings. Employers are always more interested in candidates who are already motivated to work for them.
• Respond to openings as often as possible. Simply posting a resume on a website isn't enough, especially when the market is hectic.
• Recruiters actively search for candidates during the day, so update your resume on websites between 7 and 9 a.m. – it will rise in search results and be noticed by more recruiters.
• The main goal of a resume is to attract a recruiter so they invite you to an interview. It takes an HR specialist about six seconds to evaluate a resume and make a decision. Therefore, organize your resume and avoid overloading it to attract the employer's attention.
• Spread the word about your job search on social media. Interesting offers may come from former colleagues, classmates, partners, and clients. Employment through connections is still a fairly effective method. Some companies fill almost all vacancies with the help of their employees.

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