Employability Skills

Employability Skills are a group of skills that you need to do any job well. All employers look for applicants to jobs who have: Employability Skills. A mixture of essential (Literacy, Nu-

meracy & IT) and personal skills (communication, Time Management, the ability to work with others etc) These are the skills which show an employer that you would make a good employee

Job-specific skills. These will depend on the job. For ex-ample, a doctor would need scientific and medical skills, whereas a games designer would need creative and tech-nical skills.

Qualifications: These provide evidence of employability, personal and functional skills

What are Employability Skills?

“What is going to make you more employable than somebody else? Things that are going to make you stand out...It may be a certain skill or apti-

tude you have or have demonstrated...”

David Gilchrist, Graduate Recruitment Coordinator, Logica

.

The world of work is:

Based on good communication - almost all modern workplaces need their em-ployees to communicate well with each other, their supervisors or managers, and their customers or service users. It is impossible for companies and organisations to offer a good service to their customers or service users, unless their employees work as a team and communicate.

Complex - more jobs need workers who have the skills and ability to use numbers, computers, telephones and the written word to get things done. About ten years ago for example, It may have been possible to do a basic practical job, using job-specific practical skills learnt at work, without using any reading or writing skills. Increasingly, all workers doing practical jobs now have to use literacy skills to keep records and follow instructions.

Most employers will expect you to train and continue to improve your skills, and sometimes qualifications, while you are working.

Changing - it is less likely that you will have a job-for-life in the future world of work. Most people will work for several employers, and even in different job sectors, dur-ing their working life. Some people will have a range of different part-time jobs, or maybe work part-time for an employer and be self-employed for the remainder of their working time.

Why are they so im-portant?

With around 2.6 million people currently unemployed in the UK today—it has never been more important to stand out in a crowd.

Common Skills Defined (I Can…)

Communication: The ability to clearly get your message across to a variety of people so that every-one can understand it. Communication can take place in a variety of ways, for example: Face-to-face (through meetings or presentations) Written (using letters, e-mails or posters); and/or By talking on the telephone Communication is also the ability to decide which of the above methods is the best way to get the message across. Team Working: When a group of individuals work together to reach a common goal. Each person within the team has a role to carry out to ensure the task is completed successfully Problem Solving & Decision Making: The is the ability to: Spot problems on time; and Use the information available to make the right decision to solve the problem Being Enterprising: This is the ability to use your imagination to come up with new ideas to improve the workplace. Enterprising people show a willingness and readiness to undertake new challenges even when the outcome is unknown Planning & Organising: To accurately decide the who, what, how and when of achieving a goal and com-pleting a task Using ICT: To use technology as a tool to help manage information, for example: Researching on the internet Storing information on a database; and/or Processing letters or communicating with the use of e-mail, Powerpoint or an-

other computer package Leadership Skills: This is the ability to inspire a team of people around you to get them to want to work to their best ability and create a vision that is shared by all in terms of achieving fu-ture goals

Qualities:

Values:

Qualities & Values (I am…. & I believe in…)

Dependable

Reliable

Hardworking

Independant

Punctual

Proactive

Co-operative

Enthusiastic

Integrity Quality

Honesty

Fainress

Lifelong Learning

Positive Relationships

Responsibility

Honesty

CV Writing

A good CV is an essential tool for selling your skills and getting that all-important in-terview. Make sure you get it right with our useful hints and tips: Make a note of your achievements to help you get in the right frame of mind

to write your CV, and so you don’t miss out any vital facts Presentation is important, so type your CV using a standard font such as

Arial. This will not only make it look neat but it will also be easier to read. If you don’t have a computer at home, visit your local library and use one of theirs. Alternatively, attend a CV Writing workshop and create one there and then

Keep it short, ideally no longer than two sides of A4 paper. Only write what’s needed, giving the recruiter enough information without over-loading them

Tailor your CV to fit the role and company you are applying to. Spend some time researching and use the Job Specification to mould your CV

Use positive language and emphasise your achievements, focusing on your skills and strengths. Remember to link your skills and abilities to real life achievements—giving examples of how these are demonstrated

Check for mistakes, since a recruiter with lots of CVs to work through may reject even a small error. Ask someone to proof read your CV and covering letter before sending it

There is no set style, but a CV should ideally include: Contact details, a personal profile, work experience, education and training history, interests and hobbies and references

The internet has a wealth of resources available to help you to develop an effective CV. Try one of the following websites—where you can download a ready-made template:

http://career-advice.monster.co.uk/cvs-applications/free-cv-templates/jobs.aspx

http://www.businessballs.com/curriculum.htm

Some common mistakes to avoid: Don’t attach photos to your CV Don’t use fancy or artistic fonts Don’t lie about qualifications or previous jobs—you might be asked for

more information at the interview

Job Application Forms

In many instances recruiters will invite applications via a standard application form. This is considered best equalities recruitment practice and demonstrates a more transparent process on the part of the employer.

When viewing a job advert, you may be invited to download or ask for an application pack. A good application pack will give clear instructions on how to complete your form. However, here are some “top tips” that should apply in every case:

1. Read Everything: The original job advertisement, the Personal Specification, Job Description and any research about the organi-sation. Make notes as you go along—matching any experience you have to the Personal Specification.

2. Practice Run: Photocopy the application form and practice your application before submitting a final draft. Be aware of neat pres-entation and handwriting. If your form is hand written—use black ink. In some instances, an organisation may offer an online facility. In this case, save a draft of your form until you are satisfied with the final result. Don’t forget to “spell check” your form for any errors.

3. Follow Instructions: Note the deadline for completion. Some or-ganisations will ask for your availability ahead of interviews. If you are unable to make the dates—be honest.

4. Be clear and concise: Try to give enough information without be-ing wordy or too brief. It should be concise not repetitive.

5. Be positive: Avoid negative statements—for example: “I am an excellent communicator” rather than “I feel I am a good communi-cator”.

6. Don’t Enhance the Truth: Otherwise be prepared to defend it at an interview!

7. Use empathy: Put yourself in the position of those reading it. If you were receiving the form, would YOU be happy reading it?

Personal Specification: This is a list of skills and qualifications considered essential for the job. When completing your form you should aim to include

as many “real life” examples of your experience in line with the Personal Specification. For example: to demonstrate good time management skills

you could include an example of when you prioritised your workload to meet a deadline.

Interview Skills

Here are some quick tips for a good first impression: 1. Practise and prepare: Research the company, look at their web-

site or their brochures. Practise a few questions and prepare posi-tive answers. Remember all questions will directly link to the job specification

2. Dress Appropriately: You don’t need new expensive clothes, but make sure you are neat, tidy and dressed appropriately

3. Think Ahead: Find out who will be interviewing you. Take their number with you in case of emergencies

4. Be On Time: Or, better still arrive early! This will give you time to relax before the interview. Plan your journey and allow for delays in traffic or transport

5. Stay Calm: Job interviews are daunting for everyone; be confident and professional

6. Be Convincing: You know that you will be good for the job—so show them why! Give relevant examples of what you have done in the past

7. Ask a Question: To show the interviewer that you are keen, pre-pare a few questions about the company, the job and training. Don’t ask about pay or perks!

Do:

Switch off your mobile phone

Be polite and friendly: make eye contact with the interviewer(s) as soon as you enter the room

Look interested: be positive, en-thusiastic and sell yourself and your good points

Listen carefully and ask for clari-fication if you don’t understand

Thank the interviewer(s) for their time

Don’t: Be late! It may cost you the job Sit down until you are invited Draw attention to your weak-

nesses (However some interview-ers will ask to identify your weak points. Don’t volunteer this infor-mation unless you are asked—and then try to this into a posi-tive—for example—”I tend to be a bit self critical—but this is be-cause I am driven to provide good quality work”)

Criticise your previous or current employer

X

Useful Contacts

Need More Advice…? Visit the National Careers Service website for use-ful information on job hunting and preparing for interviews: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk

For local information, advice and guidance, visit Careers Wales: https://www.careerswales.com

Connecting Learners in the Third Sector in South Wales offers FREE workshops on employability skills to paid staff and volunteers in the community-voluntary sector. For more information visit: www.connectinglearners.wordpress.com Or Telephone: 01792 646640

UNISON Union Learning Representatives (ULRs) can provide information, advice and guidance on matters related to per- sonal and professional development. To identify your local reps—contact your UNISON branch or visit:

www.unison.org.uk

Wales TUC Learning Services: Development Officers are available to offer support and guidance around lifelong learning. To find out more—visit: www.wtuclearn.org