Career Programs Employability Skills Portfolio

Introduction What is an Employability Skills Portfolio? An Employability Skills Portfolio is a carefully organized selection of documents called evidence that highlight: your skills abilities knowledge talents If you cannot talk about these in a persuasive manner during an interview, you won’t be selected!

reflect sell yourself to employers Why should I develop a portfolio? have up-to- date info available for applications identify the fields you are suited for Identify areas to improve

Why should I have a portfolio and not just a resume? A resume states what you can do. A portfolio demonstrates what you can do. It’s a presentation of evidence of your skills.

Instructions for completion To complete your portfolio, you will need a three ring binder or duo tang.  Your portfolio must include:  The completed checklist as the front page of your portfolio. DO NOT make your own cover page. Ensure your name is clearly PRINTED on this page.  The following sections separated by dividers  Section I: Personal Profile  Section II:Employability Skills  Section III: Reflection

What you need to do: Section 1: Personal Profile  Tell Us About Yourself  Career Plan  Current Resume

Section 1 Personal Profile Capture “who you are” through the use of photographs, art, creative writing or whatever you choose. If you make a collage, you must also include a short paragraph explaining how this collage represents you. 1. Tell us about yourself

3. Current Resume Include a current (error free) resume. Username: Burnaby Password: North 2. Career Plan You have already used Career Cruising (for your Graduation Transition Plan) to explore careers that interest you. In your own words briefly ( words) describe your career plans. Without mentioning money, describe the aspects of this job or career that you think you would enjoy.

Section 2 Employability Skills Employability Skills -These are personal skills, behaviours and attitudes seen as essential for success both personally and in the world of work. You must be able to identify the skills that make you unique and employable.

What are the 3 types of Employability Skills? 1. Fundamental  Communication, Manage Information, Use Numbers, Think and Solve Problems 2. Personal Management  Positive Attitudes & Behaviors, Be Responsible, Be Adaptable, Learn Continuously, Work Safely 3. Teamwork Skills  Work with Others, Participate in Projects and Tasks

Everything you do contributes to your skills bank YOUR EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS COME FROM YOUR: SCHOOL HOME COMMUNITY WORK

Example of a Fundamental Skill Document Description: This is a picture of me participating in a chemistry lab. Skills Identified: In this lab, I had to measure the chemical ingredients, slowly increase the heat and record the findings. Then I had to measure the residue. This demonstrates my ability to manage information, use numbers, and think and solve problems.

Example of a Personal Management Skill Document Description: I work part-time at Metrotown Mall as a cashier. I have included a pay stub from my job. Skills Identified: Personal Management Skills: I deal with the public in my job and have to be very patient. I must be very calm and sometimes have to deal with upset customers. I have a lot of responsibility as a cashier. I have to give the correct change, and balance every shift. I have to be trust worthy and dependable.

Example of a Teamwork Skill Document Description : Photo of me playing defense for the Girls Burnaby Metro Soccer Team, season. Skills Identified : As a soccer player you must work well with others. If I am not focused and do not practice, I let the team down.

Section 3 –Reflection Reflection – divide this into 3 subheadings: Fundamental Skills Personal Management Skills Teamwork Skills Under each subheading indicate both your strengths AND weaknesses. For the weaknesses, clearly indicate how you plan to improve them (use specific examples, not wishy-washy language)

DUE DATE Friday, March 30 th 2012

What’s this project worth? 90 hours of work experience80% Employability Skills Portfolio20%