Employability Skills

Employability Skills

2

Objectives

•To define employability.
•To learn the parts of employability.
•To learn employability skills.

3

Employability

•Is used to describe the positive work
behaviors and personal qualities which
make individuals more likely to gain
employment and succeed in their chosen
career

4

Employability

•Involves skills which are needed to be
effective in any job market or workplace,
examples include:

−attendance
−on-time arrival
−meeting deadlines
−working toward personal and team goals
−ethical use of technology

5

Employability

•Is often more important to employers than
having specific job-related skills

−employers know they can train employees, but

want employees with rudimentary capabilities
which are difficult and time consuming to teach

6

Employability Skills

•Are the skills and attitudes necessary to
gain employment and participate effectively
in the workplace
•Can be developed in many ways including
school activities, interactions within the
community, working with others, hobbies
and sports
•Are important skills which will continue to
develop throughout a career
•Are also known as transferrable skills

7

Employability Skills

•Include the following:

−professionalism
−effective communication
−ethical behavior
−academic preparation
−critical thinking
−problem solving
−teamwork

8

Employability Skills

•Include the following:

−leadership
−time management
−knowledge of technology
−stress management
−work-life balance
−productive work habits

9

Professionalism

•Is a specific style of behavior
in the workplace
•Is performing in a manner
appropriate for the
profession and workplace
•Can be conveyed through
dress, speech and manners
appropriate to the profession

10

Professionalism Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−dressing and grooming appropriately

• creates a first impression
• proper grooming and appearance

demonstrates respect and shows an individual
is taking the job seriously

−speech

• proper speech can show an individual as

mature, intelligent, confident and professional

11

Professionalism Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−mannerisms

• style of speaking or behaving
• method of interacting with others respectfully,

courteously and with dignity in the office or
workplace

12

Professionalism Example

•Jane dresses according to the employee
handbook and participates actively in group
conversations presenting herself with
integrity
•John wears shorts and ball caps to work,
speaks with sarcasm and does not take his
job seriously

Which of the two is acting with more

professionalism?

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What are interpersonal Communication skills ?

Open Ended

What are interpersonal communication skills ?

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Effective Communication

•Is possibly the most important skill in the
workplace
•Is transferring information from one place
to another, whether it is vocally, written,
visually or non-verbally

−good interpersonal communication skills allow

individuals to work more efficiently in groups

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Effective Communication Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−effective speaking

• being prepared, engaged and practiced

−active listening

• making a conscious effort to hear and

understand what people are saying

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Effective Communication Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−writing

• using correct grammar, punctuation and

spelling

• includes items such as memos, reports,

e-mails and faxes

−non-verbal communication

• using body language, eye contact and facial

expressions to show interest in the
conversation

• making non-verbal communication agree with

verbal communication

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Effective Communication Example

•Jane is an active listener using body
language to show she is interested in the
conversation
•John does not seem to pay attention to the
speaker and never proofreads his memos,
e-mails or business letters for correct
grammar, punctuation and spelling

Which of the two have better communication

skills?

17

Ethical Behaviors

•Are values or standards which direct the
way individuals live
•Govern the way people behave towards
family members, employers, supervisors,
co-workers and customers

18

Ethical Behaviors

•Often provide job advancement
opportunities and may include the following
employee practices:

−regular attendance
−wearing proper attire
−providing a clean and safe environment
−taking pride in work
−flexibility
−taking initiative

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Ethical Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−productivity

• demonstrating positive and productive work

habits by performing assigned tasks efficiently

−reliability and dependability

• arriving at work on-time and successfully

completing the tasks assigned

−dedication

• striving to ensure a quality performance, such

as putting in extra hours beyond what is
expected

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Ethical Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−cooperation

• putting effort into working

well with others

−character

• being self-disciplined, pushing to complete

work responsibilities, being honest and
dependable and representing these positive
traits daily

−initiative

• beginning a process or project without direct

managerial influence, sharing ideas and
helping to improve the business

21

Ethical Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−positive attitude

• being appreciative, recharging yourself,

volunteering and avoiding negative work
attitudes

22

Ethical Skills Example

•Jane has appropriate relationships with all
colleagues and exhibits a positive attitude
and is willing to help out others
•John uses unfair behavior towards
employees, abuses cell phone and Internet
usage and calls in sick when he is not sick

Which employee practices more ethical

behavior?

23

Academic Preparation

•Is required for professional advancement
•Consists of the desire and ability for
life-long learning
•May require the following:

−certifications
−licensure
−registration
−continuing education
−advanced degrees

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Academic Preparation Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−obtaining necessary or beneficial licensures

and or certifications

• preparing for a career by learning job-related

skills

−joining professional organizations

• collaborating with other professionals in a field

to better understand what skills are required

25

Academic Preparation Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−attending continuing education classes and

tutorials

• finding relevant and beneficial continuing

education which applies to a selected career

− identifying new technologies and methods of

improving

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Academic Preparation Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−working on projects

• creating and following a plan while keeping a

timed schedule

−working in groups

• learning teamwork strategies and taking

responsibility for an assigned portion of the
project

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Academic Preparation Example

•Jane has joined a professional
organization, receives a publication
detailing new advancements in her field
and attends continuing education courses
occasionally
•John is the last to learn of changes related
to his profession and company

Who is utilizing academic preparation skills?

28

Critical Thinking

•Is being able to evaluate arguments and
information quickly, solve problems
creatively and identify mistakes with
efficiency
•Is developing more ideas and making
fewer mistakes

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Critical Thinking Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−identifying the elements

• recognizing the questions which relate to

goals, purpose and needs

−collaboration

• knowing how to assess information and

analyze it for validity and relevance with team
members

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Critical Thinking Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−breaking new ground

• developing new innovative ideas

−creating a final product

• using a critical eye and a willingness to look for

flaws to ensure a quality product

31

Critical Thinking Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−looking at conflict objectively

• step back and away from the conflict and look

at the facts, recognize assumptions and
alternative viewpoints

−focusing on the problem and not people

• separate a problem

from people and
moderate the
resolution process

32

Critical Thinking Example

•Jane remains relevant to the point, seeks
information as well as precision in
information and is open-minded to new
ideas
•John does not take the entire situation into
account, uses the first thought which
comes to mind and searches for short-term
solutions

Which of the two is using beneficial critical

thinking skills?

33

Problem Solving

•Requires gathering reliable
information, assessing the
information for answers and
selecting a suitable solution
based on the situation

−every job will present problems

which must be solved effectively
and efficiently

−Is especially helpful in management and

customer service professions

34

Problem Solving Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−developing a process

• making decisions by creating

a step-by-step process which
allows an employee to work
through problems in a systematic way

−anticipating problems

• resolving problems through planning,

negotiation or by devising a new approach to
correcting the problem

35

Problem Solving Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−brainstorming

• coming up with as many solutions as possible

−trial and error

• trying out all of the possible solutions and

ruling out those which do not work

−experience

• using solutions which have worked in the past

36

Problem Solving Example

•Jane take initiative and implements a plan
to solve a problem and brings about a
positive result
•John panics and gives up when presented
with a problem

Who is the better problem solver?

37

Teamwork

•Is working effectively and efficiently with
others

−allows tasks to be completed quickly and

accurately, allowing a company to take on
more work and generate more revenue

•Can lead to positive working relationships,
improved working environments and a
decrease in stress both at home and in the
workplace

38

Teamwork Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−collaboration

• knowing how to assess information and

analyze it for validity and relevance with team
members

−conflict resolution

• setting aside personal emotions and finding an

answer which benefits each position allowing a
fair decisions which benefits the company as a
whole

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Teamwork Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−reliability

• understanding roles and responsibilities within

the group and making an effort to implement
them successfully

−differing points of view

• bringing together different view points helps

create solutions to an issue

40

Teamwork Example

•Jane is an effective team member by
clearly explaining her ideas to the group
and listening carefully to the ideas of others
•John sits back in a group, lets others make
the decisions and does not speak up if he
has an opinion

Which of the two is demonstrating positive

teamwork?

41

Leadership

•Is the ability to motivate people to
accomplish a better result for an
organization
•Is having a strong sense of self
•Is understanding the qualities which make
other people want to follow and recognizing
how to adjust those qualities when
conditions require it

42

Leadership Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−getting to know people

• understanding an individuals strengths,

weaknesses and motivations can allow for a
more productive working relationship

−treating everyone fairly

• giving everyone an equal chance to participate,

contribute and be recognized in the workplace

43

Leadership Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−making expectations clear

• setting specific goals and requirements to give

people direction and motivation

−giving and receiving constructive criticism and

feedback

• giving advice which is

useful and providing
possible solutions for
work improvement;
listening to peer advice
and solutions

44

Leadership Example

•Jane participates in group discussions and
inspires others while facilitating success,
she encourages individuals to get on board
and upholds herself to a high standard to
lead by example
•John on the other hand, has a lack of
energy, is pessimistic and lacks
interpersonal skills

Who is the better leader?

45

Time Management

•Is the ability to plan and execute control
over the amount of time spent on specific
activities to effectively accomplish goals in
a timely manner
•Includes punctuality, which is defined as
the ability to complete tasks and fulfill
obligations in a timely manner

Fun Fact: Punctuality is also referred to as being “on time.”

46

Time Management

•Can lead to the following:

−greater productivity and efficiency
−better professional status
−less stress in the workplace
−increased opportunities for advancement
−greater opportunities to attain important career

goals

−providing reliability
−building personal

relationships

−inspiring others

47

Time Management Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−prioritizing

• deciding what tasks are urgent or important

and completing those items first

−setting goals

• ability to designate short-term goals such as

deadlines and long-term goals such as growth
within the company and strive to complete
each

−avoiding procrastination

• ability to schedule tasks within the correct time

frame and understanding the task must be
completed on time

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Time Management Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−productivity

• developing a regular work

routine by finding more efficient
ways to complete tasks

−performance

• breaking down tasks into easy

to complete steps and keeping
a positive attitude toward
frustrations and failures

49

Time Management Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−responsibility

• organizing personal workloads, developing and

practicing good work habits

−teamwork

• assisting with other duties in the business as

needed

50

Time Management Example

•Jane always works on tasks with the
highest priority, sets aside time for planning
and scheduling and finishes projects within
the deadline
•John procrastinates, misses deadlines and
allows other people to pick up his slack

Who is best utilizing time management

strategies?

51

Knowledge of Technology

•Affects nearly all aspects of life and has
brought about a revolution in the business
world
•Allows businesses to expand quickly and
efficiently, examples include:

−video conferencing
−social networks
−virtual office technology

•May allow businesses to target a wider
customer base and increase profits

52

Knowledge of Technology Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−communication

• knowing what people are discussing and

actively participating in the conversation

−organization

• storing information from physical filing cabinets

to flash drives, shared servers and the cloud

53

Knowledge of Technology Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−relevance

• an individual is more likely to gain employment

in today’s job market with technological
knowledge

−efficiency

• saving time by using office technology to speed

up the work flow process

−willingness to learn

• learning new technology and methods without

having to be asked

54

Knowledge of Technology Example

•Jane always exhibits professional use of
technology, uses technology as a tool in
her everyday job and is open to learning
new technology skills
•John has a lack of knowledge of
technology and struggles to perform
common functions in everyday programs

Who has a better knowledge of technology?

55

Stress Management

•Is the ability to cope with job stress which
benefits an individuals personal and
professional life
•Can result in the following:

−greater productivity in the workplace
−improved mental and physical health
−greater success in life

56

Stress Management Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−identification

• recognizing what causes stress and

developing ways to reduce it both mentally and
physically

−utilization

• managing workloads and productivity by using

available in-house and outside resources

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Stress Management Skills

•Can be implemented through:

−positivity

• reacting in a manner which maintains a

positive attitude

−flexibility

• easily making changes to better meet business

needs

−separation

• setting boundaries and establishing routines to

be able to separate home and work stress

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Stress Management Example

•Jane is experiencing stress at work, she
has decided to try walking for one hour
every day to help alleviate her stress
•John does not create a balanced schedule,
prioritize his tasks or take care of himself
physically

Who is displaying good stress management

practices?

59

Work-Life Balance

•Is defined as an employee prioritizing
between work productivity, responsibilities
and their lifestyle outside of work, such as
family life
•Includes:

−creating downtime

• making a point to schedule time with family

and friends during the week

−exercising

• making time for exercise, it will reduce stress,

improve health and create more energy for the
day

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Work-Life Balance

•Can be implemented through:

−dropping activities which reduce your time or

energy

• avoid negative gossiping and venting by other

employees and limit time on the web and
social media

−taking time for relaxation

• take a few minutes out

of the day to do something
to recharge yourself

61

Work-Life Balance Example

•Mary often spends time in the morning with
other employees gossiping about others
and complaining about their work
•Jennifer takes a few minutes out of her day
to recharge and often exercises during her
lunch break

Who is displaying better work-life balance

practices?

62

Productive Work Habits

•Are choosing to work smart every day
through consistent behavior, resulting in
increased productivity
•Include:

−taking more breaks

• after several long hours of work, take a

moment to refresh by going for a walk or
grabbing lunch or a snack

−using the morning to focus

• start the day by ignoring e-mails and getting in

a good breakfast, meditating or working out to
fuel for a productive day

63

Productive Work Habits

•Can be implemented through:

−tackling challenging tasks before lunch

• finish the most challenging work first and save

meetings or busy work for the afternoon

−creating a system

• plan and create a schedule for the day and

stay organized

−stop multi-tasking

• concentrate on one task at

a time and work at a
steady pace

64

Productive Work Habits

•Can be implemented through:

−developing a positive attitude

• create goals, provide a strong work ethic, value

good attendance and punctuality and realize
the importance of rest and relaxation

65

Productive Work Habits Example

•Jim is always multi-tasking several projects
and forgets to take breaks during the day
•Smith tackles his challenging work in the
morning and concentrates on one task at a
time

Who is displaying productive work habit

practices?

66

Employability Skills

•Are extremely important in the workplace
and are often used to determine the
following:

−securing and maintaining employment
−employment advancement
−terminating employment

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Securing & Maintaining

Employment

•Is the assurance an employee will secure,
maintain and keep a job
•Requires employees to practice effective
employability skills and includes the
following tips:

−work hard

• stay productive and use time wisely

−be on time

• do not show up late, take long lunches, over

use sick time or leave early

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Securing & Maintaining

Employment

•Includes the following tips:

−be a team player

• work well with others and do not gossip about

other employees

−do not complain

• stay positive and appreciate your current job

−offer to help

• volunteer time for new projects and take on

more responsibility

−keep your thoughts to yourself

• do not discuss issues about your job to the

world

69

Securing & Maintaining
Employment Example

•John is often late to work and is always
complaining about the work he has to
complete
•Christi volunteers her time to work on a
new project and shows up to work on time
every day

Which of the employees has more job

security?

70

Employment Advancement

•Is one of the most
important factors for
employee satisfaction
and retention
•Leads to the following:

−a clearer career path
−increased motivation
−tangible goals to work towards

•Opportunities often include:

−increased salary or benefits
−promotions

71

Employment Advancement

•Often requires employees to take an
initiative and perform the following:

−talking to your boss
−asking for more work
−volunteering
−working on interpersonal skills
−being innovative
−finding a mentor
−selling yourself
−keep learning
−expanding your network
−building your reputation

72

Employment Advancement

Example

•Katie speaks to her boss about her career
goals and often asks for more work
•Gary has not spoken to his boss about his
career goals and does not ask for extra
work

Who is more likely to advance in their

career?

73

Terminating Employment

•Is defined as an employee leaving a company
and is referred to as “quitting a job”
•Is often required by employees due to the
following workplace problems:

−overworked
−no recognition or rewards for good work
−poor relationships and interpersonal skills in

the workplace

−employers dishonoring commitments
−employers hiring and promoting the wrong

people

−employers failing to engage creativity

74

Terminating Employment

•Requires an employee to perform the
following:

−notify the boss

• schedule a meeting and notify the boss in

person

−give plenty of notice

• give at least two weeks or more in order to

make the transition process easier

−prepare emotions

• contain feelings of regret, anger, frustration or

sadness and do not feel obligated to explain
the reason for leaving

75

Terminating Employment

•Requires an employee to perform the
following:

−finish with a strong performance

• continue working well on projects, do not leave

employers or colleagues in a bind and leave a
good impression

−show gratitude

• verbally thank employers

and colleagues and be
positive

76

Terminating Employment Example

•James feels overworked and is
overwhelmed with his current job. He quits
unexpectedly without any notice.
•Allison has accepted a position at a new
company and schedules a meeting with her
current boss to give her two weeks notice.

Who has terminated their employment more

successfully?

77

Resources

• Heathfield, Susan Human Resources

http://humanresources.about.com 2014

• Mind Tools The Toolkit http://www.midtools.com/fulltoolkit.htm 2014
• Employee Motivation Skills www.employee-motivation-skills.com

2013

• Employability Skills from Framework to Practice

http://www.nssc.natese.gov.au/_data_assets_pdf_file/0010/69454/em
ployability_skills_from_frameowrk_to_practices.pdf 2006

• Top 10 Employability Skills

http://www.exeter.ac.uk/ambassadors/HESTEM/resources/General/S
TEMNET%20Employability%20skills%20guide.pdf

• Employability Skills – Skills You Need for a Job

www.skillsyouneed.com/general/employability-skills.html 2014

78

Acknowledgements

Production Coordinator
Stevi Huffaker

Graphic Designer
Melody Rowell

Brand Manager
Megan O’Quinn

V.P. of Brand Management
Clayton Franklin

Executive Producer

Gordon W. Davis, Ph.D.

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CEV Multimedia, Ltd.