Chapter 1

Learning skills and employment

I. What employers look for In General?

Below is a list of five broad skill areas, which are divided into more specific job skills: Communication Research and Planning Human Relations Organization, Management and Leadership Work Survival

Communication

Communication: defined as being the skilful expression, transmission and interpretation of knowledge and ideas. Its characteristics are Speaking effectively Writing concisely Listening attentively Expressing ideas Facilitating group discussion Providing appropriate feedback Negotiating Perceiving nonverbal messages Persuading Reporting information Describing feelings Interviewing Editing

Research and Planning

the search for specific knowledge and the ability to conceptualize future needs and solutions for meeting those needs. Forecasting, predicting Creating ideas Identifying problems Imagining alternatives Identifying resources Gathering information Solving problems Setting goals Extracting important information Defining needs Analyzing Developing evaluation strategies

Human Relations:
the use of interpersonal skills for resolving conflict, Being Sensitive Developing rapport Listening Conveying feelings Providing support for others Motivating Sharing credit Counseling Cooperating Delegating with respect Representing others Perceiving feelings, situations Asserting

Organization, Management and Leadership:

the ability to direct and guide individuals and groups in the completion of tasks and fulfilment of goals. Initiating new ideas Handling details Coordinating tasks Managing groups Delegating responsibility Teaching Coaching Counselling Promoting change Selling ideas or products Decision making with others Managing conflict

Work Survival
the skills needed on a daily basis to enhance effective production and promote work satisfaction. Implementing decisions Cooperating Enforcing policies Being punctual Managing time Attending to detail Meeting goals Enlisting help Accepting responsibility Setting and meeting deadlines Organizing Making decisions

II. What employers look for in Graduates

Transferable skills gained as a student Given that new graduates have little, if no, experience, they need to emphasise on what skills they gained as students:

Skills gained as a student

Ability to meet deadlines, thrive under deadline pressure Ability to handle multiple tasks: Ability to achieve goals: Your good grades are proof of that skill, so do boast about them if they're exemplary. You may have met other goals while in school, too, such as graduating in three years instead of four (which may be why you don't have any job experience). Any goal you've met while in school is potential coverletter fodder.

Skills gained as a student :cont

Ability to adapt: Your college years probably gave you your first opportunity to make adult decisions and act independently. Writing skills: Jobs that require good writing skills are a lot more common than you probably think they are. Research skills be sure to emphasize your research skills.

Activity 1.1
If you have access to anyone whoemploys graduates, ask them what they sek in recruits. Look in the recruitment section of a few papers ,or visit the web sites for companies you might like towork for,and build a list of the qualities mentioned as essential or desirable in interseting graduate vacancies.

III. Key skills and Application for learning and employment

As described by the Higher Education quality Assurance Authority Cognitive skills: critical thinking and analysis Problem solving skills: generate options to solve problems Research and investigative skills: use relevant information resources to solve problems Information and communication technology skills: learn business application

III. Key skills and Application for learning and employment:cont

Numeracy and quantitative skills: data analysis, construct models to drive conclusions Communication skills: oral and verbal: business report Interpersonal skills: talking and listening and negotiating Team working skills leadership and team building Personal management skills: time planning, motivation, stress management Learning skills: be able to assimilate and learn new tasks and skills Self awareness: being open to other views and cultures

VI. Careers within todays organizations:

Careers are becoming more changeable requiring new skills to be developed. This will bring you to the fact to decide on which skills you need to concentrate.

 More than that some traditional works have been conquered by technology improvements eliminating the needs for human intervention. Such changes have induced companies to cut off their labour force. Some companies have gone to outsourcing non-core businesses such as cleaning and security and even graduate recruitment. Thats why we emphasise the need for transferable skills so that a recruit can fill up multiple positions in case his own one is eliminated or being reduced

Activity 1.4
See page 10

V. Implication for graduate Employment

Some traditional work have been eliminated but some new ones have emerged. So you might expect to work for a wider range of organisation than in the past. You may change organisation for a higher position or because you are seeking to develop new skills. It is a must to take responsibility for your own development. This will maximise your employability.

Seeing yourself as a product:

SWOT analysis Strength: qualities you have and you can build on Weaknesses : you should reduce or work around Opportunities need to exploit the opportunities in the market Threats: be prepared for changes

Activity 1.5
See page 14

What working feels like

Hating of a job: may cause stress and ultimately absenteeism. This can result in a personal misery and inability to maintain a healthy life Loving a challenging and worthwhile job can increase your motivation to work efficiently

Activity 1.6
See page 15