Start with the right mindset
Youre never too old to learn new skills or acquire a degree.
Today, there are many ways to bolster what youve learned over your career.
Enjoying this free article?
AARP Members can enter the full"25 Great Ways To …" series in AARP Members Edition here.
Identify the key skills necessary to succeed and pursue it, Salemi says.
Not sure what your career skills are?
Use the Department of Labors free skills matcher onCareerOneStopto get a quick assessment.
AndCareerBuildercan help you improve useful skill sets like negotiation, customer service and problem-solving.
See if your company will pay for it, Salemi adds.
Externally, use a search engine to find online platforms that provide paid and free online learning classes.
Many colleges, such as Cornell, Drexel and Notre Dame, offer online certificate programs.
Google also hasfree course listingsin digital marketing, career development, and data and tech.
Take advantage of free training
6.
Seek out videos produced by reputable sources you already trust and videos with a high number of views.
Use a ring light or other lighting to illuminate your face from the front.
And dress as though you would for an in-person meeting.
Do online practice interviews with a family member or a friend and ask for feedback.
Include action steps details on what you need and when you need it.
Lastly, be sure to proofread for grammar and spelling mistakes.
Be a connector
Think of introductions as a way to show your networking prowess.
Get both of their permissions for a so-called double opt-in, and then send an e-introduction, she says.
If youre not listening, she warns, you may miss clear instructions for a project.
Or maybe a deadline was too extreme, and the deadline was extended by a week or two.
But you werent paying attention and missed that key piece of information, she says.
Describe how you know each other and how long youve worked together.
And focus on one or two ways this person went above and beyond in your time working together.
Include a line about why you think others should work with him or her.
Without the spontaneous conversations that happen organically at work, interacting with colleagues can fall to a minimum.
You might not realize who could really use a visit from you.