1. Strand 1: Employability and Professionalism
TAP1

2. Employability
A set of achievements, understandings and personal attributes that make individuals more likely to gain employment and to be successful in their chosen occupations. 

3. Professionalism
Being a professional in your chosen field means much more than wearing a suit and tie or possessing a college degree and a noted title.
Professionalism also has to do with how you conduct yourself during your business affairs. True professionals possess a number of important characteristics that can apply to virtually any type of business.
Appearance
Demeanor
Reliability
Competence
Ethics
Poise
Organization
Accountability
Respect

4. Skills/Attributes Appearance Demeanor Reliability
A professional is neat in appearance. Be sure to meet or even exceed the requirements of your school’s dress code.
Demeanor
Your demeanor should exude confidence but not cockiness. Be polite and well-spoken whether you're interacting with students, administrators or parents. You need to keep your calm, even during tense situations.
Reliability
As a professional, you will be counted on to find a way to get the job done. Responding to people promptly and following through on promises in a timely manner is also important, as this demonstrates reliability.

5. Skills/Attributes Competence Ethics Maintaining Your Poise
Professionals strive to become experts in their field, which sets them apart from the rest of the pack. This can mean continuing your education by taking courses, attending seminars and attaining any related professional endorsements.
Ethics
Professionals such as teachers and administrators must adhere to a strict code of ethics. You should display ethical behavior at all times.
Maintaining Your Poise
A professional must maintain his/her poise even when facing a difficult situation. For example, if a colleague, student or parent treats you in a belligerent manner, you should not resort to the same type of behavior.

6. Skills/Attributes Respect Accountability Organizational Skills
Professionals exhibit respect in all situations. Educators should be respectful of others viewpoints and beliefs.
Accountability
Professionals are accountable for their actions at all times. If you make a mistake, own up to it and try to fix it if possible. Don't try to place the blame on a colleague.
Organizational Skills
A professional can quickly and easily find what is needed. Your work area should be neat and organized.

7. Time Management Techniques
Create “To Do” lists.
Prioritize.
Control & minimize interruptions.
Take action against procrastination!
If important, JUST DO IT!
Daily planners ARE A MUST!

8. Goal Setting Specific Measurable Accountability Realistic Timely Types
Short-term- Daily+
Intermediate- Monthly+
Long-term- Yearly+
Characteristics - (Be “S.M.A.R.T.”)
Goals are only meaningful if Specific
Write down EXACTLY what is to be done.
For accurate feedback, goals must be Measurable (this monitors the progress).
Ensure Accountability to individuals responsible for the task.
Goal be challenging but Realistic.
Make Timely deadlines toward achievement.
Specific
Measurable
Accountability
Realistic
Timely

9. Professional Written Documents
1. Include a clear, direct subject line.
2. Use a professional address.
3. Think twice before hitting 'reply all.'
4. Include a signature block.
5. Use professional salutations.
6. Use exclamation points sparingly.
7. Be cautious with humor.
8. Know that people from different cultures speak and write differently.
9. Reply to your s — even if the wasn't intended for you.
10. Proofread every message.
11. Add the address last.
12. Double-check that you've selected the correct recipient.
13. Keep your fonts classic.
14. Keep tabs on your tone.
15. Nothing is confidential — so write accordingly.

10. Professional Written Documents
Application
Most business have a standard application form
Requiring basic personal information:
Name, address, phone number, brief work history, education and references
Write neatly and legibly

11. Professional Written Documents
Resume
A document you create to highlight yourself, including:
Personal information
Skills
Work experience
Education
Activities
Honors/awards
One page in length

12. Professional Written Documents
Cover Letter
Used when mailing a resume to a prospective employer
A brief, one page letter that introduces you to the employer
Explains why are applying for the job
Opportunity to present info not included in your resume

13. Professional Written Documents
Thank you
Following the interview, send a letter or note thanking the interviewer.
Good time to mention anything that you may have forgotten to say in the interview.