Job Search Workshop for MetroWest Transferrable Skills, Considerations & Interviewing Exercises Table of Contents Page 2-3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Transferable Skills Examples Work Ministry Transferable Skills Worksheet Work Ministry Considerations Worksheet Richard Boles, What Color is Your Parachute Interviewing - Behavioral Questions Job Search Workshops for MetroWest is a ministry that assists faith-based and community organizations by providing free workshops comprised of a unique blend of best practices in career planning and job search. The advice has been collected from many sources including best seller books, outplacement agency advice and personal experience. Copyright 2009, Job Search Workshops for MetroWest. All rights reserved. 1
Transferable Skills Examples What Are They? Exercise Transferable Skills Transferable skills are gathered through various jobs, volunteer work, hobbies, sports, or other life experiences that can be used in your next job or new career. What Can Be Considered Transferable Something you did before in one field and can do again in another field Or something you did that is similar and can be adjusted What Type Of Skills Do You Need For All Positions? Attention to detail Communication Self starter Punctual Communications, Sales/Marketing Administrative Tasks Speaking and listening effectively Creatively expressing ideas Negotiating Persuading Reporting information Describing feelings Plan and arrange Bring order out of confusion Attention to detail Use of technology to organize and present information Flexibility: see obstacles as a challenge rather that a setback Research & Planning Forecasting, predicting Creating ideas Identifying problems Gathering information Solving problems Analyzing Manage multiple tasks Human Relations Developing rapport Being sensitive Listening Providing support Motivating Counseling Delegating with respect Perceiving feelings, situations Thanks to Work Ministry, Ltd. 2
Example Transferable Skills Organizational Leadership Initiating new ideas Handling details Delegating responsibility Teaching Coaching/Counseling Promoting change Decision making Managing conflict How Do I Sell My Transferable Skills To An Employer? Upgrade your resume with keywords from your transferable skills list Research opportunities that match your skill Identify examples that show the employer your transferable skills In other words you have to sell you! Thanks to Work Ministry, Ltd. 3
Skill Level Worksheet Instructions for Completing this Worksheet Complete a separate worksheet for each job or activity. 1. In the Tasks column list each function of your job or activity. 2. Then in the Skills column list the skill you use or used to complete the corresponding task. 3. In the Skill Level column rate yourself according to your level of competency (1=highly skilled; 2=moderately skilled; 3=needs improvement). 4. Place a check next to those skills which you enjoy using. 5. After you have completed all worksheets, write a list of those skills which you both enjoy using and in which you are highly skilled [1]. 6. Then list those skills you both enjoy using and in which you are moderately skilled [2]. 7. You can also keep a separate list of those skills in which you need improvement [3] but enjoy using. Set that list aside. Job or Activity: MY SKILLS Tasks Skills Skill Level 4 Thanks to Work Ministry, Ltd.
Exercise- Considerations Top 6 Skills Considerations on One Page ( The Flower - Richard Boles) Where? (Location) People Environments (Culture - Relationships / Mgr Style) Values/ Interests/ Goals Working Conditions ( shift, overtime, amount of travel ) Salary and Level of Responsibility Thanks Richard Boles, What Color is Your Parachute. 5
Interviewing Answering Behavioral Questions Always Answer with IAR (Issue, Action, Result) Stories Can you describe one of your strengths and one of your weaknesses? Tell me about a time when you Handled a difficult situation with a co-worker Worked effectively under pressure Were creative in solving a problem Had to deal with an irate customer Were forced to make an unpopular decision Had to adapt to a difficult situation Were tolerant of an opinion that was different than your own Were unable to complete a project on time Persuaded team members to do things your way Anticipated potential problems and developed preventive measures Had to make an important decision with limited facts Surmounted a major obstacle Lost or won an important contract Made a bad decision Demonstrated your skill as a team player 6