1. Personal workplace skills

2. Published by Hodder Education  J Cousins, D Lillicrap and S Weekes Key factors for success Sound product knowledge. Well-developed interpersonal skills. A range of technical skills. An ability to work as part of a team.

3. Published by Hodder Education  J Cousins, D Lillicrap and S Weekes Essential attributes Professional appearance Knowledge and technical ability Punctuality Local knowledge Courteous and attentive Good memory Honesty Loyalty Impeccable conduct Sales ability Sense of urgency Good at dealing with complaints

4. Published by Hodder Education  J Cousins, D Lillicrap and S Weekes Personal presentation It’s important to:  be clean and smart  wear appropriate clothes for the job. Some roles require a uniform. Waiter in a correct uniform

5. Published by Hodder Education  J Cousins, D Lillicrap and S Weekes Contributing to the team Both within and between departments. It’s important to:  be reliable and courteous, because other people depend on you  manage your time and deadlines well  be able to prioritise.

6. Published by Hodder Education  J Cousins, D Lillicrap and S Weekes Working as a team Staff working as a team

7. Published by Hodder Education  J Cousins, D Lillicrap and S Weekes Understanding yourself This means knowing:  what you are capable of doing  what development you might need  your strengths  your weaknesses  when to ask for help  what training you might need.

8. Published by Hodder Education  J Cousins, D Lillicrap and S Weekes Communicating effectively Speak slowly and clearly. Avoid unfamiliar terminology and jargon. Check your writing for grammar and spelling mistakes. Listening is also an important part of effective communication. Communication can be non-verbal.

9. Published by Hodder Education  J Cousins, D Lillicrap and S Weekes Working with colleagues Work as a team and be supportive of each other. Seek guidance from other team members and your line manager in order to identify suitable role models. Ensure you know:  the work plan, duty rotas and work schedules  targets and required outcomes  how performance is being monitored and measured.

10. Published by Hodder Education  J Cousins, D Lillicrap and S Weekes Applying for a job Always keep your Curriculum Vitae (CV) up to date. Keep track of your experience, jobs, dates of employment, your employers and any awards you have won. Always check spelling, layout and punctuation in your application.

11. Published by Hodder Education  J Cousins, D Lillicrap and S Weekes Writing a covering letter Introduces you to the company. Explains why you are suitable for the job:  the skills you bring  the qualities you bring  the positive contribution you will make.

12. Published by Hodder Education  J Cousins, D Lillicrap and S Weekes Interview techniques Prepare before an interview. Ensure a good personal presentation. Conduct yourself well at an interview. Afterwards, reflect on your performance. Ask for feedback and learn from the experience.

13. Published by Hodder Education  J Cousins, D Lillicrap and S Weekes Your personal development plan Identify targets for your career with timescales. Identify the skills that you need to develop. Evaluate feedback from your mentor, manager or tutor – it will help you to improve. A plan will help you to achieve your goals.