1. Basic Employability skills

2. Most companies have a mission statement that tells the companies philosophy
Learn about the company before you submit the application
Apply for jobs that match your skills and experience
Most jobs require you to pass a drug test

3. Lots of employers now advertise job openings on the Internet
If you see a problem on a job tell your supervisor

4. Contact info must be current, accurate, and easy to find
You may list personal information like hobbies
Make sure dates are easy to follow
Proofread
Seek jobs that will match your skill level
Network

5. Resume Writing Use a readable font
Use key words found in the job description in your objective
Format chronologically – most recent first
Use short sentences and bulleted lists to describe skills – key words
Include certifications and training credentials

6. Use references that know you well
Before taking a job – ask yourself
Is the salary enough, how are the benefits, will I like the work, company reputation, coworkers good/bad, travel required, training?, advancement opportunities, safety record

7. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Critical thinking skills allow you to solve problems effectively
Allows you to draw sound conclusions and make good decisions – when you?
Remain objective – don’t let your feelings get in the way
Determine the cause and effect before decisions are made

8. Think about expertise or experience of people who are sources of information
Compare new information with what you already know
Weigh the merits of each option – consider if one or more can be justified
Barriers – closed-mindedness, personality conflicts, general fear of change

9. How to solve a problem Define the problem
Analyze and explore alternatives
Choose a solution and plan its implementation
Put the solution into effect and monitor the results
Evaluate the final results

10. Planning and scheduling
What materials are needed for the job?
What equipment is needed?
Tools needed?
Labor – cost, time, numbers
How to handle delays – look forward in the job

11. Relationship and social skills
How you interact with others – from real actions and perceptions
Proper self-presentation – dress, act, speak and interact
Introductions – look in the eyes and stand with confidence
Make good first impressions

12. Be dependable – more trusting
Be organized – plan your day
Don’t do what you are not qualified to do
Help when you can
Be honest
Be a worker that can do things on their own
Be on time

13. Conflict Resolution – co-workers
Think before you react
Walk away if needed – explain that you need some time to think about the situation
Try not to take it personally
Avoid being drawn into other’s disagreement’s
Respect the people you are in a disagreement with – they believe they are right too

14. Be rational, respectful, and open-minded at all times
Admit there is a conflict
Analyze and discuss the problem
Let everyone speak
Compromise if needed

15. Conflict Resolution - supervisors
Take time to think about the cause before you approach your supervisor – approach with respect
Wait until they are free or arrange a time
Speak clearly and calmly – don’t be emotional, sarcastic, accusatory, or threatening
Only state facts – don’t include others unless they are directly involved

16. Suggest changes, but don’t be upset if your ideas are not taken
Accept the supervisor’s final decision

17. Giving and Receiving Criticism
Constructive criticism is given to help you do your job better or to correct a mistake
Don’t take it as someone thinking little of you
Use positive or supportive words and facts, not opinions
Do it occasionally
Never criticize in front of co-workers or supervisors

18. Point out problems the first time they occur
Compliment the person you are criticizing – before you criticize them
It is a chance to learn – take it
Take responsibility for your actions
You can disagree with their criticism – they may have misunderstood your situation – give your reasons for disagreeing

19. Destructive criticism
Designed to hurt, not help
It could be about something that needs improvement, but offered negatively
If you get this – be professional, stay calm
Don’t reply in a negative tone
Let them know how it made you feel
Tell them to offer suggestions for ways to improve

20. Social Issues in the workplace
Harassment or bullying
Stress
Drug and alcohol abuse
Harassment – negative social behavior – based on race, age, disabilities, gender, religion, cultural issues, health, or language barriers
Can be – ethnic slurs, racial jokes, offensive or derogatory comments or other verbal or physical abuse or comments

21. Sexual harassment – unwelcome sexual advances
Requests or exhibits verbal or physical behavior with sexual overtones
Harasser may threaten them to be quiet
Can be with same or opposite sex
Usually continues over a period of time

22. Bullying is usually more common than sexual harassment or racial discrimination – but not reported as often
Unwanted aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance
Be careful about cyberbullying

23. Drug and alcohol abuse
Drinking is an accepted, legal part of modern social life
It can turn into a problem – abuse or drinking in excess – is socially unacceptable – can be a risk to yourself and others
There is no room in the workplace for alcohol or marijuana use
Many have zero tolerance

24. Teamwork and Leadership
Everyone must contribute to their roles for the team to achieve their goal
Most all jobs are part of a team
Show respect for the other members of your team
Follow your leader’s/supervisor’s directions
Know that others may be better than you

25. Keep a positive attitude
Work is for the team, not for yourself personally
People work at different speeds
Goals may not be set by you
Trust and appreciate the work of others

26. Leadership skills With more experience you may become a leader
This can happen at any point in your career
Lead by example, communicate effectively, motivate your team, organize, plan, direct, resolve problems, be responsible, praise
Different types – autocratic, democratic, hands-off