You know it’s tough to stand out from the crowd when you’re applying for jobs. One way you can to add value to your résumé is to add some relevant skills, in addition to your degree.

Demonstrating that you’ve taken time to learn additional skills, shows recruiters that you’re self-motivated and you’re taking responsibility for your personal development.

Here are a few online resources you can use to grow your skill set without shrinking your bank balance:

• Canva – this is a free online graphic design tool for ‘non-designers’. You can alter or resize images or create different types of documents.

• Adobe Suite – these products aren’t free, but Adobe does offer a free trial before you commit to a subscription. If you want to learn or improve your skills in Photoshop or InDesign, this is your chance to give it a go.

• WordPress – you can set up a website or blog for free on WordPress, and use this to demonstrate a whole range of skills from content creation to blogging to design.

• Accounting software – some accounting packages offer a free 30-day trial period. If you already understand bookkeeping and accounting basics but are keen to find your way around a new system, this is an opportunity to get some experience under your belt.

When you identify a skill you’d like to have, always investigate whether there’s a tool, tutorial or an app that you can learn from, or practice with, online. You’ll grow your skill set and your confidence at the same time.