Which UK qualification is most effective in improving employability?

Junis

What course, certificate and qualification can someone take to drastically improve their chances of being offered a job interview after sending their CV to a company?

In other words, which invaluable short-term qualification can someone take to drastically improve their employablity?

Studying time for the qualification/certificate should be less than 1 year, preferably not more than 6 months.

da_rule

Is there a particular industry you are looking at working in as their may be specialist ones that are more desirable than a general qualification.

Junis

I am prepared to go to any industry that would take me on after valuing that qualification.

My primary interests are computing. However, whilst reading some things on some webpages, I was under the impression that doing PRINCE2 and AAT could make jobseekers more employable.

elsien

Doesn't mean you'd be any good though. What are your aptitudes and interests.

leslieknope

that's not really the best attitude to have - employers would be able to tell in an interview that you're not focused on that specific industry.

why don't you try working out what qualification you would like to do? rather than doing one just for the sake of doing one.

atolaas

Find an industry that interests you, otherwise there's no point in getting any qualification for that industry. See about getting work experience or volunteering in industries that might interest you. If you like it, there maybe opportunities to have your qualification (whatever that may be!) completely or part funded by the company you've volunteered with. Approach companies with an up-to-date CV and see what happens.

TELLIT01

Simply plucking a qualification out of the air isn't going to make you more employable. Experience, interest in the industry, allied with relevant qualification is the way to achieve that.
Also, a bit of a generalisation, but qualifications which can be obtained in a few months of part time study won't be highly regarded.

Savvy_Sue

Do you have (the equivalent of) five GCSEs at Grade C or above, including Maths and English Language?

If not, sort that.

Hoochypooch

Work experience basically, what they want is the ability to do the job, a piece of paper does not guarantee that.
Depend on the job.

What jobs are available in your area?

Would be an idea to be qualified in something relevant to them but then some stuff if relevant to all.

bartelbe

I am going to disagree with allot of posters. Qualifications cost money, so it makes sense to find one which will be in demand. Also this idea you have to have passion for your work is annoying. For some people work is simply about money and there is nothing wrong with that.

My advice is to look at local job ads in your area and what qualifications they want. Often scarce technical skills, like having a licence to drive a certain vehicle or operate a certain type of equipment are more in demand than academic qualifications.

Ozzuk

If you want something practical, then gas or electric certifications. Or HGV license. Or offshore certification. Something tangible rather than things like Prince/ITIL (which sadly I have).