1. The Top Skills Employers Want AKA 6 Skills to Pay the Bills

2.  Write down the top 6 skills  Write down how YOU personally can show in your resume and/or cover letter that you have these skills.  Think about what you have done in school, clubs, activities, sports, jobs, etc. Notes

3. verbal (sounds, language, and tone of voice) aural (listening and hearing) non-verbal (facial expressions, body language, and posture) written (journals, emails, blogs, and text messages) visual (signs, symbols, and pictures) #1 Communication

4.  http://www.dol.gov/dol/media/webcast/20121015- softskills/20121015-softskills-3-Communication.htm http://www.dol.gov/dol/media/webcast/20121015- softskills/20121015-softskills-3-Communication.htm Communication Video

5.  To an employer, good communication skills are essential. In fact, employers consistently rank good communication skills at the top of the list for potential employees.  How can you show a potential employer you have good communication skills?  Verbal  Aural  Non-verbal  Written  Visual Communication Skills

6.  When employers look at prospective candidates, beyond skills, experience, and training, they look for those who demonstrate enthusiasm – those they believe will complete assigned tasks in an upbeat and cooperative manner.  In fact, many employers would rather provide job skills training to an enthusiastic but inexperienced worker than hire someone with perfect qualifications but a less-than- positive attitude. Managers sometimes worry that this type of person will not get along with supervisors and co- workers, treat customers disrespectfully, and not put much effort into his or her work. #2 Enthusiasm and Attitude

7.  http://www.dol.gov/dol/media/webcast/20121015- softskills/20121015-softskills-1-Enthusiasm- Attitude.htm http://www.dol.gov/dol/media/webcast/20121015- softskills/20121015-softskills-1-Enthusiasm- Attitude.htm Enthusiasm and Attitude Video

8.  How could you show a potential employer you are enthusiastic about the job and have a positive attitude? Enthusiasm and Attitude

9. Working cooperatively Contributing to groups with ideas, suggestions, and effort Communication (both giving and receiving) Sense of responsibility Healthy respect for different opinions, customs, and individual preferences Ability to participate in group decision-making #3 Teamwork

10.  http://www.dol.gov/dol/media/webcast/20121015- softskills/20121015-softskills-2-Teamwork.htm http://www.dol.gov/dol/media/webcast/20121015- softskills/20121015-softskills-2-Teamwork.htm Teamwork Video

11.  How could you show a potential employer you have good teamwork skills? Working cooperatively Contributing to groups with ideas, suggestions, and effort Communication (both giving and receiving) Sense of responsibility Healthy respect for different opinions, customs, and individual preferences Ability to participate in group decision-making Teamwork

12.  Networking shows that you know how to research, communicate and problem solve!  “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”  When it comes to finding a job, you’ve got to network! According to Cornell University’s Career Center, 80% of available jobs are not advertised. These jobs are often referred to as the “hidden job market.” #4 Networking

13.  http://www.dol.gov/dol/media/webcast/20121015- softskills/20121015-softskills-5-Networking.htm http://www.dol.gov/dol/media/webcast/20121015- softskills/20121015-softskills-5-Networking.htm Networking Video

14.  How can you demonstrate that you can network in a professional sense? Networking

15.  Problem solving and critical thinking refers to the ability to use knowledge, facts, and data to effectively solve problems. This doesn’t mean you need to have an immediate answer, it means you have to be able to think on your feet, assess problems and find solutions. The ability to develop a well thought out solution within a reasonable time frame, however, is a skill that employers value greatly. #5 Problem Solving & Critical Thinking

16.  http://www.dol.gov/dol/media/webcast/20121015- softskills/20121015-softskills-4- CriticalThinkingAndProblemSolving.htm http://www.dol.gov/dol/media/webcast/20121015- softskills/20121015-softskills-4- CriticalThinkingAndProblemSolving.htm Problem Solving & Critical Thinking Video

17.  How can you show a potential employer that you can solve problems? Problem Solving & Critical Thinking

18.  Professionalism does not mean wearing a suit or carrying a briefcase; rather, it means conducting oneself with responsibility, integrity, accountability, and excellence. It means communicating effectively and appropriately and always finding a way to be productive.  Employers want new workers to be responsible, ethical, and team oriented, and to possess strong communication, interpersonal, and problem solving skills. Wrap these skills up all together and you’ve got professionalism. #6 Professionalism

19.  http://www.dol.gov/dol/media/webcast/20121015- softskills/20121015-softskills-6-Professionalism.htm http://www.dol.gov/dol/media/webcast/20121015- softskills/20121015-softskills-6-Professionalism.htm Professionalism Video

20.  What can you do to show a potential employer that you have professionalism? Professionalism

21.  Assume employers will “Google” you and act accordingly now--YEARS before you will want your dream job.  Know that what you post is permanent and accessible EVEN IF you have all the privacy settings.  Join professional groups, organizations and have a “positive presence”. Give them good things to Google! A Word About Social Networking