Employers seek for generic job abilities in addition to talents particular to the position you’re applying for. These are sometimes referred to as “soft skills” or “employability skills.” These kinds of abilities will set you apart.
You have these employability skills even if you don’t think you have any job skills:
- trustworthy,
- amiable, and
- receptive to new experiences.
These are common abilities required to do the majority of professions, even if they may not be included in the job description. When getting ready for a job interview, it’s a good idea to consider these abilities.
Although different people have varied definitions for these abilities, they can generally be divided into these eight categories:
- communication
- teamwork
- problem solving
- initiative and enterprise
- planning and organising
- self-management
- learning
- technology
1. Communication
Depending on the position, communicating is being explicit about your intentions and goals whether speaking or writing. It entails paying attention and having empathy for other people.
Nonverbal communication, such as your body language, is another aspect of communication abilities.
You can hone your communication abilities in a number of methods, such as:
- writing assignments and reports as part of your studies
- using social media
- making oral presentations as part of your class work
- working in customer service (face-to-face or on the phone)
- getting involved in a local club
- being aware of how you hold your body
2. Teamwork
Being able to get along with your coworkers is essential to working as a team. It entails cooperating to accomplish a common objective.
You can enhance your teamwork abilities in a number of ways, such as:
- completing group projects as a component of your education
- volunteering for a community organization,
- considering how to collaborate more effectively with coworkers at work,
- joining a sports team, or planning a neighborhood working bee with friends or family.
3. Solving issues
When you encounter obstacles or failures, problem solving entails coming up with solutions. It entails having the ability to solve problems via a logical procedure.
You can hone your problem-solving abilities in a number of methods, such as:
- completing research assignments as part of your studies;
- handling complaints at work;
- taking a study skills course that focuses on problem solving;
- speaking with others about how they resolved their own problems;
- and repairing broken items around the house by watching online videos to learn how to do it.
4. Enterprise and initiative
Finding tasks that need to be done and completing them without being asked are examples of initiative and enterprise. This may also entail using innovative thinking to enhance current procedures.
Here are some examples of how you might hone your entrepreneurship and initiative skills:
- contacting companies and organizations about internships or work placements;
- organizing a community fundraiser;
- suggesting or implementing changes to the way a group you are a part of operates;
- and performing household tasks without being asked.
5. Organizing and planning
Determining what has to be done and how to do it is the process of planning and organizing. Creating project schedules and adhering to deadlines are examples of planning and organizing.
You can hone your organizing and planning abilities in a number of ways, such as:
- creating and adhering to a study schedule;
- traveling alone overseas or across state lines;
- juggling employment, school, and family obligations;
- assisting with the planning of a community event;
- and planning a family gathering.
6. Self-control
Self-management entails:
- being able to complete your work without constant supervision;
- managing your own deadlines;
- and assigning assignments to others to ensure timely completion.
7. Learning
Learning is the desire to comprehend new things and acquire them rapidly. It also entails taking on new responsibilities and being flexible.
Here are some ideas for enhancing or developing your learning abilities:
- taking a quick course or an online course;
- looking into courses and skills you’d like to take;
- taking up a new pastime;
- volunteering or participating in sports;
- or learning a new skill, like cooking the ideal omelette.
8. Technology
The ability to utilize a computer for word processing, spreadsheets, email, and office equipment like photocopiers are examples of technology skills.
They also entail using social media, employing software for design or video editing, or becoming proficient in computer languages. Other hardware-related technology abilities include operating an EFTPOS, cash register, camera, or recording studio.
Here are some examples of how to advance or enhance your technological abilities:
- taking a quick course or online course;
- requesting more training at work; learning about the technology used in the profession you want and how it’s used;
- and compiling a list of all the technology you now use on a daily basis.
Showcasing your abilities
You should emphasize your employability abilities in your job applications now that you’ve determined what they are and how to make them better.
Visit our Getting a Job section to learn more about applying for employment.
Visit our Job Interviews section to learn how to showcase your abilities during a job interview.
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