Continuous Learning: Why It’s Important for Jobseekers

Continuous learning, or ongoing learning, is the process of acquiring new skills and knowledge on an ongoing basis. It is essential for jobseekers who want to stay competitive and relevant in the changing labour market. In this blog post, we will share some of the benefits of continuous learning for jobseekers and some of the ways that career development practitioners can support them in their learning journey.

Five Benefits of Continuous Learning for Jobseekers

1. Continuous learning allows jobseekers and employees to adapt to the changing needs and expectations of their prospective or current employers, clients, and industries. This continuous learning strategy can also help them develop critical skills such as emotional intelligence, leadership, collaboration, adaptability, and change management.
2. Continuous learning helps individuals keep up with the rapid pace of technological change, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence. As a result, they will be able to think of new ways of doing things and navigate their roles more efficiently.
3. Through engaging in not just ongoing learning, but active learning, jobseekers and workers stay competitive and current with industry trends and evolving skill sets. In turn, they’ll be able to improve their job performance and find resourceful solutions to complex problems.
4. Ongoing learning helps jobseekers impress potential employers with their up-to-date knowledge and motivation. Once they secure a job, ongoing learning helps them advance their careers and stand out as candidates for promotions, leadership roles, and challenging projects.
5. Jobseekers and employees take a big step toward future-proofing their careers and maintaining their employability when they pursue continuous learning. This is especially important during periods of recession or economic downturn. They’ll discover their efforts yield a personal and professional ROI. Many continuous learners report finding greater meaning and fulfillment in their work, too, while also enjoying the benefits of salary increases, promotions, or expanded job responsibilities.

Five Ways to Support Jobseekers in Their Continuous Learning

As career development practitioners, we can support jobseekers in their continuous learning by:

1. Helping them assess their current skills and identify their learning needs and goals, including their learning quotient or “learnability”, so they can develop their capacity for learning.
2. Guiding them to find and access various learning or professional development resources that are relevant, affordable, and flexible. There are numerous learning materials and/or training courses available online that are cost-effective and strategic.
3. Assisting them to create and follow a personalized learning plan that aligns with their career aspirations and interests.
4. Encouraging and motivating them to pursue their learning passions and challenges, and acknowledging their achievements and progress.
5. Showing them how continuous learning can benefit their careers, such as enhancing their competitiveness, performance, and job satisfaction.

Conclusion: Continuous Learning is Important for All

Continuous learning is the key to thriving in the dynamic and uncertain world of work. Jobseekers who embrace self-directed learning can position themselves as leaders and innovators equipped to embrace the challenges and changes of the future. As career development practitioners, we can serve as our clients’ champions and change advocates, supporting jobseekers in their continuous learning by helping them assess, find, access, plan, and pursue interesting and relevant learning opportunities.

If you want to engage in your own continuous learning and discover more ways to support jobseekers/clients in their career development, enrol in Career Professionals of Canada’s Career Development Certificate (CDP) program. You may find the Certified Work-Life Strategist (CWS) course of special interest. It teaches us about how to holistically support our clients to get the most out of living, learning, and working. This program will help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to become a leading-edge career development practitioner in the 21st century.

CPC offers a comprehensive array of professional development opportunities, including self-directed studies, facilitated workshops, and national industry certifications. Register and start your learning journey today.

Lori Jazvac is a passionate, award-winning Master Certified Résumé Strategist and Certified Employment Strategist through Career Professionals of Canada. As a multi-certified Master Résumé Writer and Certified Career Transition Coach, she specializes in helping clients navigate challenging career transitions. In 2013, an empowering vision inspired Lori to launch Creative Horizons Communications, a holistic career services firm where she virtually supports jobseekers around the globe to embrace their next career milestone.

Ksenia Lazoukova is a dynamic adult educator and Learning Facilitator with the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia. She designs, develops, and facilitates employment readiness curricula and workshops for skilled newcomers to Nova Scotia to help them obtain professional jobs in their industries. Ksenia is a Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP) through the Career Development Association of Nova Scotia. She also holds the Career Development Practitioner (CDP) designation from Career Professionals of Canada (CPC), having successfully earned all five of CPC’s certifications: Certified Résumé Strategist, Certified Career Strategist, Certified Employment Strategist, Certified Interview Strategist, and Certified Work-Life Strategist. Ksenia is a proud CPC member and active volunteer for the association.