How to Get (or Keep) a Job
By: Melissa Rahko, Your Off~Site Secretary
In difficult economic times, many businesses try to manage not only their finances, but also their talent pool. The value of this talent pool is directly connected to the skills of individuals. The desired work skills in this economy may be surprising. Organizations and employees are expected to do “more with less.” Gone are the days when people are able to spend 25 years in one static, unchanging job position.
More with Less
The words “more with less” are often met with resistance. Usually the words are tossed out there without a workable plan to support the idea. I’ve heard it! We need to do “more with less,” we need to be “lean,” we need “more out of YOU.” It made me feel frustrated and many co-workers felt afraid.
If you are an individual in an organization hearing the words “more with less”, what practical steps can you take to achieve them – not only for your company, but also for you personally? If you are looking for employment, how can you apply this “more with less” trend to your skill-set?
Transferable Skills
The key is developing “transferable skills” ~~ skills that can be applied to numerous positions across multiple industries. Which skills are the most valuable in today’s job market? Check out this list…. Some things may surprise you!!
- Basic Computing: OK, this one is not surprising. Computer knowledge and ability is required in almost all positions. Can you send/receive email effectively? Word processing, spreadsheets, presentations are becoming common prerequisites… how are your skills developing? What about your internet skills… comfortable finding useful information quickly and accurately?
- Communication: Can you express your goals or your company’s goals effectively via email, phone, in person? Can you handle yourself during times of disagreement or conflict to communicate your concerns and thoughts effectively?
- Time Management: Are you able to meet deadlines, meet production goals, manage multiple tasks, and stay organized? Can you set priorities and still remain flexible to change?
- Leadership: Many people in leadership positions today have poor leadership skills!! Are you determined and prepared to “step up” and “step out” instead of “stepping back” in the face of a challenge?
- Teamwork: This skill is possibly the most important skill to develop in today’s workforce. Can you contribute to a plan, support a plan, execute a plan as a team member?
Good News About Transferable Skills
The good news is this: If you develop these skills, they become YOURS. You can take them with you throughout your life into whatever area you choose to pursue. One of my goals for this blog is to provide valuable information to grow these skills and to recommend effective learning courses and training to support these skills.
Are any of these skills easy for you? Hard for you? Any tips or tactics you can share with us? Let us know in the comments section below…
the attachments to this post:
Training for Work Skills
