Employability vs Employment

Employment

Answers:

"Do you currently have a job?"

Employability

Asks:

"What capabilities, experience and evidence can help you obtain and contribute to work, and how can you continue developing them?"

Someone can be employed but need to strengthen their employability.

For example, their industry may be changing rapidly and their skills may require updating.

Likewise, someone currently unemployed may possess substantial employability through education, skills, experience and evidence.

Why the Difference Matters

Focusing only on employment can produce short-term thinking:

"I need any job."

Employability encourages a broader question:

"What capabilities am I developing that can help me contribute and progress over time?"