Employability Skills

1. Employability Skills

2. What is Employability? • Employability has been defined as "the capability of getting and keeping satisfactory work“. • Employability skills have been defined as: • "A set of achievements, understandings and personal attributes that make individuals more likely to gain employment and to be successful in their chosen occupations"

3. Agenda • Four second impression • Employability skills • Where to look for employment • Resume • Cover letter • The interview process • Follow up • Writing goals

4. What are the top skills that employers want? • Verbal Communication • Teamwork • Analyzing & Investigating • Initiative & Self Motivation • Written Communication • Planning & Organizing • Flexibility • Time Management • Leadership

5. Other skills that are seen as important • Additional languages • Negotiating skills • Math • Computing • Self awareness • Confidence • Integrity • Independence

6. Other skills that are seen as important • Professionalism • Action planning • Interpersonal sensitivity • Creativity • Lifelong learning • Stress tolerance

7. In the beginning. . .The Job Search • Read the duties and the knowledge, skills and abilities required of each position CAREFULLY before applying. • Assess the value of what you have to offer to the position and the organization. • Become familiar with the organization so you can demonstrate how and why you will be an effective employee. • Be realistic! Know your qualifications and limitations. • Wanting a job does not necessarily mean you’re qualified for it. • Also, a job that pays well for duties you don’t like will not be rewarding in the long run.

8. How to write a Resume

9. Resume • First of all, there is no “perfect” or “right” resume format. The format you choose will depend upon the job you hope to find and your past experiences. • The purpose of a resume is to get you a job interview. The interview gets you the job!

10. General Resume Guidelines • Use your common sense and imagination to highlight your background and experience in a well-focused resume

11. Length • A one-page resume works well for most. • If you have an extensive work history, two pages are reasonable. Limit information to what is pertinent to your current job objectives. • Make sure the most important information is stated first.

12. Appearance • An organized, readable layout determines whether a resume is read. Direct the reader’s eyes with the format. Make sure it is well-organized and concise. • Always type your resume and have it professionally copied. • Make sure there are no typographical, spelling or grammatical errors.

13. Appearance • Consider using high-quality paper such as resume paper. • Ask someone to proof-read it.

14. Content • Design your resume with a particular objective in mind. Present information important to the objective. • List information in descending order of importance • Be selective in what you include -NEVER falsify or exaggerate information

15. Content • Sell yourself - attract attention to your special abilities • Concentrate on the positive and use action verbs to describe your background

16. Necessary Categories • Contact Information • –> Objective • Education • Experience • Accomplishments • Additional Information/Skills

17. Contact Information • Name Street Address City, State, Zip Phone (Cell/Home)Email Address Use an appropriate email! • John_Smith@gmail.com • Ashley.Smith@yahoo.com NOT • iLoveBoys@hotmail.com • skibunny007@gmail.com

18. Your voicemail message • Make sure your voicemail greeting is professional • Make it simple or automated • No trick voicemails • No music • Check your voicemail daily • Answering your phone: • “Hi this is Bob” • Don’t answer your phone if it’s loud in the background or you can’t talk

19. Objective (optional) • What do you want to do? If you include this section it should be a sentence or two about your employment goals. A customized objective that describes why you are the perfect candidate for the job can help your resume stand out from the competition. • Example: • To apply the knowledge that I have accumulated from the experience and training offered in our school, to achieve advanced skills regarding new technologies applied in our industry, and to acquire knowledge about the position to be applied for.

20. Career Highlights/Qualifications (optional) • A customized section of your resume that lists key achievements, skills, traits, and experience relevant to the position for which you are applying can serve dual purposes. It highlights your relevant experience and lets the prospective employer know that you have taken the time to create a resume that shows how you are qualified for the job.

21. Education • In the education section of your resume, list the schools you attended, the degrees you attained, and any special awards and honors you earned. High school students: Mt. Everett High School Sheffield Massachusetts Projected graduation date: June 2015

22. Experience • This section of your resume includes your work history. List the companies you worked for, dates of employment, the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and achievements. • Company #1City, StateDates Worked • Job TitleResponsibilities / AchievementsResponsibilities / Achievements • Company #2 Repeat same as above

23. Additional Information/Skills • Include skills related to the position / career field that you are applying for i.e. computer skills, language skills.

24. References available upon request • There is no need to include references on your resume. Rather, have a separate list of references to give to employers upon request. • They may ask when you apply or after the interview

25. Cover letters • The cover letter is another way of introducing yourself to a potential employer. • What it says about you can be the difference between getting in the door and missing your chance.

26. Cover letter – Structure! • A good structure will help you to express yourself more clearly, whether in a dissertation, an essay, a job application letter or a CV. The following tactics may help you to structure your writing: • Clarify your thoughts and the purpose of your communication before you start writing. In business communications, clarity is more important than style. • Identify the key points, facts and themes • Decide on a logical order for what you have to say • Compose a strong introduction and ending. The first will make an immediate and positive impression on the reader; the second will remain in their mind after they have finished reading • Use short paragraphs and sentences rather than long, rambling ones. Keep to one idea per paragraph and put your point in the first line, then add the supporting information. • Help key points to stand out by the use of headings, sub-headings and bullet points. This will allow your reader to quickly scan your message for the main points.

27. Sample cover letter September 12, 2013 Dear Mr. Smith: I was thrilled when Tom Townsend, a mutual friend, suggested I write to you about opportunities at Crooked Creek Farm. I already have some experience helping on my aunt and uncles farm and am interested in an internship with your farm. I am hardworking, reliable and like taking initiative. In the past year I have accomplished a lot: • Received one of only three prizes in school science fair • Organized a food drive and volunteer day at my school • Worked weekends and summers two years straight on my Aunt and Uncles farm • Attending the Massachusetts State FFA Winter Leadership camp and State Convention I’ve always believed in the quality of your farms products and have enjoyed them since I was a child visiting your farm stand. I would love the opportunity to work on your farm. Enclosed, please find a copy of my résumé. I will give you a call next week to see if we could set up a time to discuss my becoming a part of your company for the summer. Feel free to call me at (212) 555-5555 or send email to jhiggins@mail.com. I look forward to speaking with you soon. Sincerely, (Signature) Jess P. Higgins

30. What to wearWhat not to wear

32. Good, Bad or Ugly ?

36. ACE That Job Interview!!!

37. Advance Preparation Your interview starts before you walk into an employer’s door..

38. Step One 5 4 3 2 1

39. Understand Yourself Take an inventory of your attributes 1. Education 2. Experience, both paid and unpaid 3. Accomplishments and achievements 4. Skills and competencies 5. Community service 6. Clubs and organizations 7. Extra-Curricular activities 8. Work ethics 9. Values

40. Step Two 5 4 3 2 1

41. Create Your Personal Profile • Create a professional resume& cover letter • Look for ways to put a positive spin on yourexperiences. • Describe yourself and your accomplishments.

42. Create Your Personal Profile • Give yourself all the credit you deserve. • Be totally honest, but don’t shortchange yourself by underestimating or minimizing your accomplishments. • Have a professional critique of your resume.

44. Step Three 5 4 3 2 1

45. Know the Position Make sure you and the position are a match. • Duties of the position • Compensation range • Location • Work schedules

46. Step Four 5 4 3 2 1

47. Know the Organization • Organization’s name • What products or services

48. Know the Organization Where to find organization’s information: • Organization’s website • Search engines like Google • Networking • Library and newspaper archives

49. Step Five 5 4 3 2 1

50. General Tips • Map your route to the interview site so you’re not late. • Arrive 10-15 minutes early! • Appropriate dress is a must. • Prepare • Refer to your achievements often before your interview date, so they’re fresh in your mind. • Know your answers to probable questions before you walk in the door.