Skills
Everyone has skills, hundreds of skills, many of which employers are looking for. The average person has between 500-800 skills, yet most people can only identify a few skills and are generally unable to describe them to an employer. You need to identify at least 5-10 skills that are most attractive to potential employers. The more skills you have identified, the easier it will be to convince a potential employer you have what it takes to do the job.
The three skill types: Job Content Skills, Self Management Skills, and Transferable Skills.
Job Content Skills are those skills specific to a job. Along with the skills you used in past jobs, you may have developed job skills through education, hobbies, community activities, volunteer activities and life experiences.
Self Management Skills are sometimes called "personality traits". These are the skills you use day by day to get along with others and survive. They're what make you unique. Read the list below and see which describe you.
| Able |
Accepting |
Adaptable |
Ambitious |
Accurate |
Assertive |
| Caring |
Cheerful |
Confident |
Dependable |
Determined |
Efficient |
| Enthusiastic |
Extroverted |
Fair |
Friendly |
Giving |
Helpful |
| Idealistic |
Intelligent |
Knowledgeable |
Loyal |
Mature |
Observant |
| Open Minded |
Organized |
Original |
Persuasive |
Realistic |
Relaxed |
| Reliable |
Respectful |
Sincere |
Tactful |
Timely |
Tolerant |
For each trait or quality you've identified, think of examples of times in which you have shown these qualities. Example: Dependable: "I have shown I am dependable by showing up on time or early for every shift that I have been scheduled for. When I was sick I made sure to find a replacement that would work my shift."
Transferable Skills are the skills that can transfer from one job to another. Many skills can be applied to a variety of activities. They can transfer from one activity to another, including hobbies and life experiences.
