You’re looking to learn new skills. What’s the best way to get started? (2024)

Last updated on Mar 16, 2024

  1. All
  2. HR Management
  3. Resume Writing

Powered by AI and the LinkedIn community

1

Identify your goals

2

Choose your format

3

Plan your time

4

Seek feedback

5

Apply your skills

Be the first to add your personal experience

6

Keep learning

7

Here’s what else to consider

Learning new skills can boost your resume, enhance your career prospects, and enrich your personal life. But how do you find the time, motivation, and resources to learn something new? Here are some tips to help you get started on your learning journey.

Top experts in this article

Selected by the community from 23 contributions. Learn more

You’re looking to learn new skills. What’s the best way to get started? (1)

Earn a Community Top Voice badge

Add to collaborative articles to get recognized for your expertise on your profile. Learn more

  • You’re looking to learn new skills. What’s the best way to get started? (3) 3

  • Mary Jane Werneth CAREER MOTIVATOR providing EDUCATION and CAREER COACHING

    You’re looking to learn new skills. What’s the best way to get started? (5) 3

You’re looking to learn new skills. What’s the best way to get started? (6) You’re looking to learn new skills. What’s the best way to get started? (7) You’re looking to learn new skills. What’s the best way to get started? (8)

1 Identify your goals

Before you dive into any learning activity, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. What skills are relevant to your current or desired job? What skills are in high demand in your industry or field? What skills are you passionate about or curious about? Write down your learning goals and prioritize them according to your needs and interests.

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

    • Report contribution

    Figure out your goal first - new job or just for fun? Then, explore! Tons of online courses, workshops, even YouTube can teach you. Finally, practice makes perfect! Set aside some time each day to use your new skill. Don't forget to update that resume - new skills make you a star!

    Like

    You’re looking to learn new skills. What’s the best way to get started? (17) 3

    Unhelpful
  • N S Pavoo Prasad Metaphor Mixologist Helping you get that much awaited interview call ⏐ Resume and Cover Letter Writer ⏐ Veteran
    • Report contribution

    Identify desired skills and their importance.Create a learning plan with milestones.Practice regularly and seek feedback.Research available resources.Start with manageable steps.Stay motivated and curious.Set specific learning goals.

    Like

    You’re looking to learn new skills. What’s the best way to get started? (26) 1

    Unhelpful

Load more contributions

2 Choose your format

There are many ways to learn new skills, from online courses and books to podcasts and webinars. Depending on your learning style, budget, and availability, you can choose the format that suits you best. Some factors to consider are: the quality and credibility of the source, the level of interaction and feedback, the pace and flexibility of the schedule, and the availability of support and resources.

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

  • Mohamed Khattab I help people to get hired | Talent Acquisition | Head Hunter | Freelance Recruiter | FMCG | SPHRI
    • Report contribution

    evelop a structured plan that outlines what you will learn, how you will learn it, and when you will dedicate time to learning. Be realistic about your time commitments and set aside dedicated time for learning regularly.Practice regularly as learning new skills requires practice and repetition. Make time to practice consistently, and be patient with yourself as you progress.

    Like
    Unhelpful
  • Mary Jane Werneth CAREER MOTIVATOR providing EDUCATION and CAREER COACHING
    • Report contribution

    The abundance of resources online can make choosing a course, book, or podcast challenging. While I prioritize free options, their value isn't always guaranteed. Assess outcomes to ensure alignment with your goals. Opt for delivery methods that suit your schedule, offering flexibility for completion. Many virtual platforms offer optional chats, live discussions, and feedback opportunities. Confirm if the course is entirely online with no in-person requirements. Determine if it's asynchronous, allowing self-paced learning within a timeframe, rather than synchronous or self-paced.

    Like
    Unhelpful

Load more contributions

3 Plan your time

Learning new skills requires time and commitment. You need to carve out some time in your daily or weekly routine to dedicate to your learning. Set realistic and specific goals for each session, such as completing a module, reading a chapter, or practicing a skill. Use a calendar, a planner, or an app to track your progress and remind you of your deadlines.

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

  • Mary Jane Werneth CAREER MOTIVATOR providing EDUCATION and CAREER COACHING
    • Report contribution

    Before embarking on learning a new skill, inquire about the expected time commitment from individuals who already possess it. Set realistic goals to ensure timely completion, considering life's inevitable interruptions. Compile a list of potential obstacles that may derail your progress and strategize ways to overcome them. Refer to this list when challenges arise, enabling you to stay on track towards achieving your goal.

    Like

    You’re looking to learn new skills. What’s the best way to get started? (51) 3

    Unhelpful
  • JACI NATAL TASCA Reitor na CNEC - Campanha Nacional de Escolas da Comunidade
    • Report contribution

    Analise o que é importante para você e reserve tempo para isso, se não consegue, ou não é importante ou sua fase de vida não permite tais aspirações.

    Like
    Unhelpful

Load more contributions

4 Seek feedback

One of the best ways to improve your skills is to get feedback from others. Feedback can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, correct your mistakes, and refine your techniques. You can seek feedback from different sources, such as instructors, peers, mentors, or online communities. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to improve your performance.

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

  • Dillon Alexander Cathro, LMSW Social Work Practitioner | Higher Education Professional
    • Report contribution

    We all have different approaches to learning: aural vs visual, hands-on vs observant, in-person vs virtual. When figuring out which approach(es) will work best for you, it’ll be key to identify someone who has achieved mastery or expertise in the skill, and to ask them about their learning process. They might provide some insight/nuggets of knowledge that you hadn’t thought about, which could better facilitate your learning journey. For example, I love learning languages, and I’m always asking folks for advice on how to diversify my learning approach, especially since I’m not in a structured classroom or an immersive environment. Building community and connection, in my opinion, is essential to skills development and retention

    Like
    Unhelpful

5 Apply your skills

Learning new skills is not enough. You need to apply them to real-world situations and challenges. This will help you consolidate your knowledge, test your abilities, and showcase your achievements. You can apply your skills in various ways, such as taking on a project, volunteering for a cause, creating a portfolio, or updating your resume.

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

6 Keep learning

Learning new skills is a lifelong process. You need to keep learning to stay updated, relevant, and competitive in your field. You also need to keep learning to satisfy your curiosity, creativity, and personal growth. You can keep learning by following the latest trends, joining online forums, attending events, or taking more courses.

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

    • Report contribution

    It’s never too late to add new skills and continue learning.Many of us don’t really see ourselves ever “retiring.” As long as you stay relevant and continue on your quest you will always present value to others.For example I just recently started a PhD program after years of hemming and hawing. After much consternation, I set clear goals, established a vision and strategy to execute my path while seeking guidance from mentors.It is now crystal clear why I want a PhD in Executive Coaching and Strategic Leadership, and what I will add once I’ve obtained it.

    Like

    You’re looking to learn new skills. What’s the best way to get started? (76) 1

    Unhelpful

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

  • Thomas Powner 🧿 Executive Resume Writer ➜ Recruiter ● LinkedIn Trainer/Strategist ● Interview Coach ● NCOPE LinkedIn Instructor 🧿 Empowering People to Reach Career Happiness 🧿 𝔹𝕖𝕖𝕟 𝕋𝕠𝕝𝕕 𝕀’𝕞 𝕒 ℕ𝕚𝕔𝕖 𝔾𝕦𝕪!
    • Report contribution

    📌 The landscape of professional skills required is constantly evolving. Maintaining a mindset of lifelong learning is essential. I suggest listing skills you need to learn for your current and target jobs for your next move.● Ask your boss for extra assignments/projects that include these skills. ● Tech skills: review LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, Udemy, or other online platforms for courses/certifications.● Create a Dedicated Learning Schedule● Volunteer at organizations that require these skills. ● Seek Feedback and Mentorship. Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback from peers, mentors, or through online communities related to your skill.● Stay Updated, especially for skills in fast-evolving fields (like technology or digital marketing)

    Like

    You’re looking to learn new skills. What’s the best way to get started? (85) 1

    Unhelpful
  • Janice Coleman I help high-performing professionals achieve career satisfaction and progressive companies create more productive work environments.
    • Report contribution

    I would identify what direction to go in: new industry or function. Then I research that area to determine what are the skillsets needed to be successful in that. Then I'd employ all of the other technics mentioned in this article to posture myself for new opportunities in that field.⭐

    Like
    Unhelpful

Load more contributions

Resume Writing You’re looking to learn new skills. What’s the best way to get started? (94)

Resume Writing

+ Follow

Rate this article

We created this article with the help of AI. What do you think of it?

It’s great It’s not so great

Thanks for your feedback

Your feedback is private. Like or react to bring the conversation to your network.

Tell us more

Report this article

More articles on Resume Writing

No more previous content

  • What do you do if your colleague's resume needs improvement? 2 contributions
  • What do you do if your remote work achievements need to shine on your resume? 5 contributions
  • What do you do if you receive criticism on your resume without getting defensive? 15 contributions
  • What do you do if your resume needs a strategic boost to showcase your key skills and achievements? 8 contributions
  • What do you do if your resume needs to showcase virtual teamwork skills?
  • What do you do if you receive resume feedback that contradicts your own beliefs?
  • What do you do if you want to showcase your capacity for added duties on your resume to secure a promotion? 4 contributions

No more next content

See all

Explore Other Skills

  • Training and Development (HR)
  • Job Search Strategies
  • Human Resources (HR)
  • Performance Management
  • Training
  • Career Development Coaching
  • HR Operations
  • Recruiting
  • Global Talent Acquisition

More relevant reading

  • Information Technology What are the best ways for IT professionals to keep learning throughout their careers?
  • Staff Development You're in a new job and need to learn new skills. How can you do it quickly?
  • Personal Development What do you do if you're struggling to find time for continuous learning and professional growth?
  • Information Technology What are the most effective ways to learn new information systems skills?

Help improve contributions

Mark contributions as unhelpful if you find them irrelevant or not valuable to the article. This feedback is private to you and won’t be shared publicly.

Contribution hidden for you

This feedback is never shared publicly, we’ll use it to show better contributions to everyone.

Are you sure you want to delete your contribution?

Are you sure you want to delete your reply?

You’re looking to learn new skills. What’s the best way to get started? (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Maia Crooks Jr

Last Updated:

Views: 5946

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Maia Crooks Jr

Birthday: 1997-09-21

Address: 93119 Joseph Street, Peggyfurt, NC 11582

Phone: +2983088926881

Job: Principal Design Liaison

Hobby: Web surfing, Skiing, role-playing games, Sketching, Polo, Sewing, Genealogy

Introduction: My name is Maia Crooks Jr, I am a homely, joyous, shiny, successful, hilarious, thoughtful, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.