Welcome back to our Get Hired job search series! Today is day 3.
Question of the Day: Where Are You Now?
The question has two meanings and I hope you take the time to respond to each one.
Tip #2 – Take Inventory of Your Skills and Experiences
1. Where are you now in your employment status?
This is an important first step as every potential employer will want to know the answer but also because the implementation of the strategies provided in this blog series will vary based on your current employment situation. Are you:
- Unemployed more than three months
- Employed full-time but looking to change jobs or careers
- A recent college graduate seeking an entry level career
- A recently laid off seasoned professional
- A college student seeking summer employment
- Other
2. Where are you now in your attainment of marketable and transferable skills?
Before you being a job search you should always determine your marketable skills. If you plan to start in a new industry you must assess your transferable skills.
Skills are abilities that make it possible to perform tasks.
Basic Skills – Speaks, listens, reads, writes, performs mathematical and arithmetic functions
Securing a job is about selling yourself — your strengths and abilities are “marketable” skills. Marketable skills are of value to employers. Marketable skills can be applied to specific jobs but must be paired with the right temperament and social skills to succeed in the workplace.
Marketable skills are abilities that are in demand in the job market because they are useful for tasks that are valuable in the marketplace. Marketable skills are always changing with the changes in demand in the job market.
- Critical Thinking Skills – Thinks creatively, makes decisions, able to reason and solve problems, sees the big vision, learned how to learn
- Interpersonal Skills – Responsible, self-confident, sociable, self-manages, and displays integrity and honesty
- Job Specific Skills – Carpentry, Computer Programming, Photography, Electrician, Curriculum Development, Counseling, Group Facilitation, Food Preparation
Transferable Skills – are basic skills that transfer from one job to another.
These include the communication and interpersonal skills of managing, organizing, coordinating, and writing.
Action Step: Get a piece of paper and list your marketable and transferable skills. Begin with the categories listed above.
Related Post: Who Are You Listening To?
Nicki Sanders, MSW, Chief Visionary Officer
The Teen Toolbox utilizes youth portfolio development and civic engagement and academic empowerment strategies to help teens set goals for life after high school and create a road map to reach those goals through its PACKAGED FOR SUCCESS™ Programs. We are committed to supporting and raising awareness about the needs and potential of teenagers in the foster care system.
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