Job Search Realities • You will not be given a job because you need a job, no matter how much you need it. • YOU WILL GET A JOB BECAUSE AN EMPLOYER NEEDS YOU. • If you show that you can produce results to fit an employer’s needs, you will be a desirable candidate. • To show you fit the employer’s needs, you must know the strength and extent of your skills and communicate their relevance to the employer. GETTING STARTED
Identify Your Skills Finding a job can be a complex and time-
consuming process. One of the first steps is to identify skills you have to offer an employer. Along with the knowledge you received during your education, you also possess transferrable skills; these are skills you have developed in previous jobs and volunteer experiences that can also be applied to your new career opportunity. Identifying these skills may seem overwhelming at first, but use the guidelines below and list examples of when you used these skills in the past.
In the space provided, list 3 different experiences where you developed and used your skills. Examples are provided to help you get started identifying skills from your experience.
EXAMPLE: Worked in a busy restaurant 1. _______________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________________ EXAMPLE: Explained menu items and answered questions 1. _______________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________________ EXAMPLE: Ensured that the needs of all guests were met 1. _______________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________________ EXAMPLE: Operated a point of sale system/cash register 1. _______________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________________ EXAMPLE: Resolved customer complaints 1. _______________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________________ EXAMPLE: Trained new staff members 1. _______________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________ 3. _______________________________________________________
People Skills—This refers to a person’s ability to interact with others.
Communication Skills—How well do you communicate? Are you able to speak in front of an audience or group? Customer Service—Are you patient and attentive to the needs of others? Are you able to remain calm under pressure?
Technical Skills—What tools, software and/or machinery are you competent in?
Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills—This involves recognizing and researching a problem and finding a solution.
Leadership Ability—Have you taken the lead on a task or managed people or things?
CCAC Job Search Manual 3
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online