Employability skills – the top 5 essential skills for youth

The world of work is very different to high school and the quicker you understand these key differences, the quicker you will adapt and be successful in your job search and then in your place of work.

Understanding these top 5 skills and how an employer defines them will really benefit you in securing and keeping a job. Employees who are successful and do a great job are going to get ahead faster.  So if you want to be at the front of the competition read on!

Employers need you to be a:

POSITIVE WORKER – ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING!

• You are willing to learn new skills and have a “can do” attitude.
• You have a friendly approach, are polite and have a positive self image.
• You show passion and interest for the industry or elements related to the job.
• You are adaptable and can cope with change.

GOOD COMMUNICATOR

• You actively listen to and understand the messages and ideas of others.
• You have an understanding of work place speaking etiquette regarding other adults, employers and customers.
• You accept and learn from constructive feedback (some call this criticism!).
• You can communicate effectively in many ways – by talking, by listening, through writing, through numbers (numeracy), using on-line and digital technologies.

TEAM PLAYER

• You can work well with others, including different ages, cultures and backgrounds.
• You listen to and are respectful of others and their different points of view.
• You participate and contribute to the team but can also work alone when required.
• You can relate to others and display honesty and integrity in your actions.

PROBLEM SOLVER

• You’re not afraid to seek help and ask questions.
• You can identify and resolve problems by being creative and enterprising.
• You can use a range of information sources to identify effective and/or innovative solutions and then you can translate these ideas into action.

RELIABLE WORKER

• You turn up on time and ready for work, appropriately dressed with the right attitude and equipment for each work day.
• You are respectful of people and equipment and can manage time and other people’s property if required.
• You are dependable, responsible and able to follow instructions – no surprises for your boss!
• You are honest and committed to your job, your workplace and your employer.
• You understand your own capabilities but you’re also keen to “give new things a go”.

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