Essential Employability Skills

What Do Employers Want?

Employers are concerned about more than a particular technical skill. They also want people with good employability skills, regardless of the job you are in.  What are employability skills, you ask?  “Essential employability skills are those general skills that are required to be successful in all sectors of the labor market and are separate from the technical skills attained in career pathways or academic skills such as math and reading.”

There are four major categories of essential employability skills: Personal Ethic, Work Ethic, Teamwork, and Communication. 

Personal ethic

Integrity

* Treats others with honesty, fairness, and respect

* Demonstrates respect for company time and property

* Is present and engaged in the workplace

* Demonstrates appropriate use of technology in the workplace

* Accepts responsibility for one’s decisions and actions

Respect

* Works effectively with those who have diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures

* Exhibits respect for authority

Perseverance

* Stays on task when provided with strategies for overcoming barriers

Positive Attitude

* Cooperates in a pleasant and polite manner with clients, coworkers, and supervisors

* Exhibits flexibility and adaptability

* Takes direction and correction willingly

Work Ethic

Dependability

1. Shows up on time and ready to work
2. Fulfills obligations, completes assignments, and meets deadlines
3. Behaves consistently and predictably
4. Regular Attendance
5. Demonstrates minimum absenteeism
6. Communicates absenteeism with direct supervisor

Commitment

1. Desires to effectively work toward the employer’s goals
2. Takes the initiative in seeking new responsibilities, maintaining professional

goals, and striving to exceed standards and expectations of their position

Professionalism

1. Maintains a professional demeanor at work
2. Demonstrates self-control by maintaining composure and keeping emotions

in-check, even in difficult situations

2. Exhibits professional appearance by dressing appropriately for the workplace

and maintaining personal hygiene

3. Understands employer’s objectives

Team Work

1. Critical Thinking
2. Demonstrates sound decision making
3. Exhibits problem solving skills
4. Effective and Cooperative Work
5. Demonstrates an ability to work effectively with others
6. Is willing to ask questions and seek clarification or guidance
7. Uses appropriate strategies and solutions in dealing with conflicts/differences to maintain a smooth workflow

Communication Skills

1. Active Listening
2. Listens to and considers other’s viewpoints
3. Maintains open and factual lines of communication appropriate to one’s position
4. Clear Communication
5. Follows directions
6. Is open to correction

Comprehends written material

1. Effectively explains a process or problem verbally and/or in writing

For more information on the  Illinois Essential Employability Skills Framework, go to: https://icsps.illinoisstate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Essential-Handout-2.pdf