VCAL SENIOR – WORK RELATED SKILLS
E R U T U F R YOU It is important to acknowledge that while finding employment is sometimes difficult, you already possess a variety of skills that can be used in the workplace. Do not underestimate any skills or abilities you have because they may impress future employers. In order to identify your talents, answer the following questions in as much detail as possible.
SKILLS & ABILITIEIS i.
Level of schooling
ii.
Favourite Subjects (over the last few years)
iii.
Past Employment/ Work Experience/Work Placement
iv.
Tasks Performed/Skills Learned (list as many as you can)
v.
Outside School Activities
Sport/Hobbies/Community Group (don’t be afraid to list anything – you never know what can be useful in the world of employment)
vi.
Skills Learned (e.g. team work as part of a sporting team)
vii.
Is there any special talent that your friends often tell you about you haven’t listed so far (again, list anything you can – are you a good speaker, listener, motivator, carer, singer etc.)
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VCAL SENIOR – WORK RELATED SKILLS
THE FUTURE i.
What do you want to be doing next year?
(If you still want to be at school – list your subjects/if out of school – where?)
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In five years?
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In ten years?
ii.
What do you need to achieve your goals?
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What qualification(s) do you need to obtain?
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What skills do you need to gain?
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What experience do you need to gain?
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What barriers/challenges do you need to overcome?
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VCAL SENIOR – WORK RELATED SKILLS
COMMUNICATION Applying for a job is a skill that needs to be practiced. The aim of the process is to prove to your potential employer that you are the right person for the job. Think of it like an ad for yourself – where you put forward your best attributes. The only way to do this is through communication – and this is a three-part process Step One – ensure your resume is up to date. If you have a resume – bring it in on a USB. If you don’t have a resume - start from scratch – examples are on the WRS Wiki. You will work on perfecting this next term. Step Two – the application. The aim of this is to get an interview. Choose a job and write an application letter or email – again you will work on perfecting this next term. Eventually you will put it with your resume and present it in an envelope. Step Three – your portfolio. Gather all relevant documents in a presentation folio. Step Four – the interview – the aim of this is to secure the position. Your Mock Interview is the final part of this unit.
INTERVIEWING & PRESENTATION SKILLS
To prepare for future interviews (and the mock interview next term) you need to think about how you present yourself. It is important to note that how we see ourselves is often quite different to how others see us. Mock interviews can help us gain a new perspective on ourselves if we can listen to, and act on, constructive criticism. In groups of two or three – answer the following. i.
Firstly – list 3 things you think a potential employer would look for in a person’s appearance.
ii.
Is there anything you would need to change about how you all look today to prepare for an interview?
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VCAL SENIOR – WORK RELATED SKILLS
iii.
What should you keep in mind about the way you do the following in an interview? (Provide one suggestion for each)
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How you speak (think about your use of language)
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How you stand & sit (think about body language)
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Interact (think about shaking hands, making small talk)
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List three questions you would expect in an interview.
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Provide three good answers to those questions.
BEFORE YOUR MOCK INTERVIEW Preparation
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Know how to keep yourself calm
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Know why you want the job
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Know why the employer should choose you instead of someone else (you need to be able to communicate, specifically, the relevant skills you have to offer)
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Be prepared for the standard interview questions and know how to answer them
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Don’t be fazed by a ‘killer’ question. If you are really stuck – don’t be afraid to say ‘I don’t know’ (honesty is most often the best policy)
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Prepare questions to ask – but avoid questions you could have easily found the answers to yourself – or questions that relate to holidays, hours and money (until you are offered the position)
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Line up your referees in advance – and make sure they will say what you would want them to
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VCAL SENIOR – WORK RELATED SKILLS
Presentation
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Dress appropriately
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Arrive early
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Bring extra resumes, notepad & pen
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Be sure you know your interviewers name & how to pronounce it
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Be polite at all times
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Be friendly as well as professional
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Do not eat, smoke, swear or use slang
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Be aware of body language, vibes & reactions
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Assume there is a good reason for every question & answer accordingly
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Don’t assume the interviewer will ask all the questions required for you to communicate all your skills. If there is something else you wish to add – just ask for the opportunity to do so.
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Feel free to ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question.
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Think before you answer.
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Answer all questions honestly – but show yourself in the best, most positive light
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Do not criticize old employers
Determination
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Send a thank you email or letter
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If you’re not offered the position, ask for feedback so you’ll know what to do at your next interview
Remember – practice makes perfect. Practice with friends and family. Practice in front of the mirror.
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