How do you Rate for Workplace Readiness?
Rate yourself in the areas below: Scale 1-5
1 – I have not spent time developing myself in this area
2 – This in an underdeveloped area and needs some attention
3 – I am developing myself in this area
4 – I am proficient in this area
5 – I consistently evaluate and development myself in this area
1 – ______ Self Assessment. Ongoing self-assessment is a requirement. Where am I? Where am I going? What are my strengths and areas of opportunity? Take time to evaluate and understand your values, skills, and interests. Taking a critical look inside will only make us better as we develop ourselves for the future!
2 – ______ Stay Current! Keep your resumé up to date. Personal Development is essential! Be an advocate for your self-development. Take a class and enhance your personal and professional life. When was the last time you made a visit to the library? Do you have a mentor? To develop personally is the ability to continuously improve upon one’s skill set. It is to be dedicated to lifelong learning.
3 – ______ Communications Skills (listening, verbal, written). The ability to effectively communicate is by far, the one skill mentioned most frequently by employers. Having the ability to listen, write, speak effectively and facilitate communication are absolutely critical in whatever profession you are engaged in. The bottom line is that if you can communicate well (and have the ability to showcase this,) you are ways ahead of the competition. Good eye contact, a diverse vocabulary and the ability to tailor your speech to suit your audience are all vital characteristics of a poised speaker. It gives you presence and makes you memorable to those who are listening.
4 – ______ Analytical & Research Skills. Your ability to assess a situation, seek multiple perspectives, gather more information if necessary, and identify key issues that need to be addressed are critically important. Since every potential employer, regardless of the profession, is seeking employees who can help them to solve problems, the more that you can showcase your abilities in this area, you will certainly catch their attention.
5 – ______ Computer & Technical Literacy. Regardless of your profession, just about every job requires a basic understanding of computer hardware and software, especially word processing, spreadsheets, and email. Your ability to showcase your proficiency with technology and its applications are critical in the world today.
6 – ______ Flexibility/Adaptability/Managing Multiple Priorities. Or in other words…MULTI-TASKING! Society today demands proficiency in this area. Your ability to manage multiple assignments and tasks, set priorities, and adapt to changing conditions and work assignments are absolutely critical.
7 – ______ Interpersonal Abilities. Are you a team player, do you relate to your co-workers, inspire others to participate, use soft skills and mitigate conflict with co-workers? With the amount of time that we spend “at work” each day these are essential attributes that employers seek.
8 – ______ Accountability. Self-management is the ability to manage oneself in personal and professional situations. When you manage yourself, you are able to respond appropriately to various situations. Accept responsibility, both for successes and failures. If you want other people to respect you, acknowledge your errors rather than trying to blame someone else. Everyone makes mistakes, but the real test is how you react to them!
9 – ______ Self-Presentation. Wardrobe Call! Learning how to present yourself to others is another major aspect of being ready for the job. Good grooming and, in particular, the right /appropriate attire will project an image of success to other people — before you have even said a word. The way you look also enhances the way you feel about yourself, making you more confident. This definitely can be done on a budget!
10 – ______ Networking. Network and build relationships, both within and outside your organization. Find a mentor, coach, sponsor; developing relationships not only provide knowledge and experience, but can help expand your professional and personal network. Get involved in professional associations and organizations at work and in the community. But be cautious on Social Media Sites. Remember to be “Smart” when networking online. Be “Professional” and realize that employers do use these sites as applicant screening tools.
Now that you know where you are, get started in the areas that need some attention!
Until Next Time, Be sincere, Kind and Intentional
Jackie Warner, Career Development Facilitator
The Bridge “Where Community Matters”
