Chapter 2: Employability Skills

1. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Employers look for specific skills and characteristics in employees. • Finding a job requires careful preparation of application materials and making a good impression at an interview. • Both employees and employers have rights and responsibilities.

2. Chapter 2: Employability Skills • active listening • body language • work ethic • flexibility • networking • trade publications • service learning • résumé • prioritize • empathy • foundation • responsibility • ethics • workers’ compensation • minimum wage • compensatory time • labor union • collective bargaining • discrimination • sexual harassment • probation Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills

3. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Sharpening Your Basic Skills Finding and keeping a job and advancing in your career requires a solid foundation of general skills. Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills foundation A base to be built upon; groundwork.

4. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Sharpening Your Basic Skills Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills A solid foundation of basic skills can transfer from job to job and is critical in helping you advance in your education and career. • Communication skills • Math skills • Thinking skills • Technology skills • Information skills

5. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Communication Skills Speaking Skills Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Needed to communicate to individuals, small and large groups, adults, and children. • Verbal communication must be clear, correct, and appropriate for the audience.

6. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Communication Skills Understanding what someone is saying requires active listening, not merely hearing the person’s voice. Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills active listening The skill of listening in order to understand the meaning of the speaker’s words.

7. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Communication Skills Listening Skills Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Active listeners avoid distractions and focus on what the speaker is saying. • To show that you understand, paraphrase the speaker and ask questions for clarification.

8. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Communication Skills Body language, whether or not you are aware of it, reveals your feelings and reactions to what you say or hear. Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills body language The way you move your hands and arms, hold your body, and use facial expressions.

9. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Communication Skills Body Language Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Observe and interpret another speaker’s body language to pick up on what the person is not saying aloud. • Pay attention to your own body language to practice effective nonverbal communication skills.

10. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Communication Skills Writing Skills Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills Job applications, business forms, letters to parents, memos, e-mails, and children’s records all require effective writing skills: • Adjust your message to the audience. • Polish your writing style, which includes word choice, tone, attitude, grammar, and punctuation.

11. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Communication Skills Reading Skills Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills Reading is an essential skill in any field. Child care professionals need strong reading skills to • read to children. • read care instructions from families. • keep up to date on research findings. • understand work policies.

12. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Math Skills • Working with numbers is a part of almost every job. Child care professionals will use basic math skills to Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • keep track of work hours, wages, and vacation days. • orders supplies, complete payroll and tax forms, and maintain budgets.

13. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Thinking Skills Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Think creatively and make good decisions based on facts. • Think critically to respond quickly and properly to a variety of situations. • Resolve small problems before they become big problems.

14. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Technology Skills In today’s workplace, you will use technology to Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • access, manage, and create information. • operate security systems. • update Web sites.

15. Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills Chapter 2: Employability Skills Information Skills • You gain information from countless sources each day. • Acquire and use information appropriately. • Learn the difference between reliable and useful information and opinions. • Knowing how to understand and interpret information helps you to communicate successfully. 15

16. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Work Ethic In addition to skills and education, employers also look for candidates who possess a strong work ethic. Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills work ethic A personal commitment to work hard and to do one’s very best.

17. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Work Ethic Responsibility and Commitment Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Show up for work on time. • Carry out your job duties consistently. • Accept the consequences of your actions. • Follow all procedures. • Support your coworkers. • Be enthusiastic. • Learn new skills. • Be committed to quality and excellence.

18. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Work Ethic Employers appreciate employees who demonstrate flexibility and a positive attitude when plans change suddenly. Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills flexibility The ability to adapt willingly to change.

19. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Work Ethic Reliability and Flexibility Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Perform consistently as expected. • Carry out tasks without being asked or reminded. • Willingly adapt to change without complaining. • Flexibility becomes easier as your skills improve.

20. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Work Ethic Honesty Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Be truthful in what you say and do. • Admit and correct errors. • Do not blame others for your mistakes. • Dishonesty may be grounds for termination.

21. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Leadership Skills • Leadership is the ability to motivate others to accomplish goals. • All effective leaders share key qualities that get the job done and keep the group together. Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills

22. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Qualities of Effective Leaders Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Integrity—honest, trustworthy, dependable, straightforward; use good judgment based on solid values and principles • Vision—open minded; look to the future for opportunities and challenges; use their vision and creativity to motivate others • Perseverance—persistent, focused, and resourceful • Consideration—aware and considerate of others • Team oriented—committed to the team effort; identify and value the backgrounds, viewpoints, skills, and talents of others on the team

23. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Qualities of Effective Leaders • All members of a team can be leaders: Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Support the common goal • Take initiative • Share constructive opinions Employees who display these traits are considered first for higher positions.

24. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Seeking Employment • Patience is the key to finding your first job in child care. • Stay organized. • Take initiative on job leads. Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills

25. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Employment Resources Networking is the most direct and successful way of finding a job. Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills networking Making use of all your personal and professional contacts to further your career goals.

26. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Employment Resources Networking Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Teachers and mentors know your strengths and how you could apply them, and they may provide reference letters. • Friends and classmates may be researching similar jobs and may be willing to share information. • Employers and coworkers may know about internal job opportunities as well as job openings outside your workplace. • Organizations in your school and community can often provide job information.

27. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Employment Resources The Internet Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Look for quality job-search and career-building information. • Review job postings online and apply electronically. • Network with people by participating in social network communities.

28. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Employment Resources Trade publications contain helpful articles on all aspects of the child care industry and often list job opportunities. Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills trade publications Magazines and newsletters published by professional organizations for their members.

29. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Employment Resources Professional Organizations Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Services offered to members may include • job listings. • job placement services. • scholarships. • workshops. • conferences. • networking opportunities.

30. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Employment Resources Employment Agencies Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Employment agencies and temporary (“temp”) agencies work for employers and seek potential employees for them. These agencies • keep lists of their clients’ job openings and potential applicants. • submit an applicant’s credentials to the employer for consideration for a fee. • offer fast placement for an entry-level position. • can give you a chance to see what the child care field is like without committing to a certain employer.

31. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Employment Resources Take advantage of any service learning opportunities provided by your school. Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills service learning Community service that is part of your schoolwork.

32. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Employment Resources Volunteering and Internships Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills To gain valuable experience working with children, consider • volunteering at a preschool, library, hospital, recreation center, or child care center. • participating in a hands-on internship, which may lead to full-time, paid employment. • taking part in service learning at your school.

33. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Applying for a Job Job Applications Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Make a good impression. • Read the instructions. • Print neatly and do not leave blank spaces. • Always be truthful. • Assemble key personal information. • Gather information about previous employment. • Collect references.

34. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Applying for a Job A concise, well-written résumé is one way to convince an employer that you are the best candidate for the job. Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills résumé A summary of your career objectives, work experience, qualifications, education, and training.

35. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Applying for a Job Preparing Your Résumé Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • A résumé should include your • contact information. • job objective. • relevant education. • work experience skills and abilities. • awards and honors. • professional and community activities.

36. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Applying for a Job Writing Your Cover Letter Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills A cover letter highlights your best qualities. • Keep it short. • Explain why you are writing. • Introduce yourself. • Sell yourself.

37. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Applying for a Job Creating Your Portfolio Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills A portfolio is a collection of samples presented to employers to demonstrate your skills and readiness for the job. An early childhood portfolio may include • sample lesson plans. • sample menus. • teacher evaluations of work. • observations of child development.

38. Chapter 2: Employability Skills The Interview Process Before the Interview Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Write down the date, time, place of the interview, and the contact person’s name. • Learn about industry trends. • Research your prospective employer and the job. • Choose appropriate clothing and be well-groomed. • Be prompt and courteous.

39. Chapter 2: Employability Skills The Interview Process During the Interview Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Shake hands. • Make eye contact. • Be poised and relaxed. • Answer questions thoughtfully and completely. • Ask questions. • Close the interview on a positive note.

40. Chapter 2: Employability Skills The Interview Process After the Interview Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Send a thank-you letter, even if you decide you do not want the job or if you are turned down. • Follow up appropriately. • Review the session to evaluate how you could improve your interview skills.

41. Chapter 2: Employability Skills The Interview Process Responding to a Job Offer Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Before accepting a job, ask yourself: • Is the offered wage fair? • Will I be able to get along with my manager? • How much time will I spend traveling to and from the job? • Will the job require working extra hours? • Is there opportunity for professional growth?

42. Chapter 2: Employability Skills The Interview Process Responding to a Job Offer Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Accept the offer. • Ask for time to consider the offer. • Turn down the job offer.

43. Chapter 2: Employability Skills On the Job The relationship between you and your employer is key to your professional success. Both parties have rights and responsibilities. When you accept a job, you agree to these responsibilities. Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills

44. Chapter 2: Employability Skills On the Job As a child care worker, it is your responsibility to do the best job possible for the children in your care. Child Care Today,2: Employability Skills responsibility Required task or duty.

45. Chapter 2: Employability Skills On the Job When you have a full day ahead of you, it is important to prioritize your tasks and assignments. Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills prioritize To put tasks in the order of importance, not in the order of your preference.

46. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Employee Responsibilities Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Earn your pay. • Use time responsibly. • Prioritize your duties. • Respect the rules. • Work safely. • Maintain confidentiality. • Work as a team. • Use resources (people, information, technology, money) wisely. • Show respect and a positive attitude. • Resolve conflicts effectively.

47. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Teamwork Empathy will help you understand the feelings and viewpoints of your coworkers, the children in your care, and their families. Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills empathy The skill of putting yourself in another’s place.

48. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Teamwork Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Positive Attitude • Contributes to the team spirit. • Affects your response to others, and their response to you. • Respect • Shows appreciation and empathy to team members. • Means you take responsibility for your actions. • Resolving Conflict • Uses negotiation and compromise skills.

49. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Ethics An employee with a strong set of ethics will do his or her best to make fair, honest, and beneficial decisions. Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills ethics Your internal guidelines for distinguishing right from wrong.

50. Chapter 2: Employability Skills Ethics • It is not always easy to know the right thing to do. When faced with a decision involving unclear choices, ask yourself: Child Care Today,Chapter 2: Employability Skills • Does the choice comply with the law? • Is the choice fair to those involved? • Does the choice harm anyone? • Has the choice been communicated honestly? • Can I live with the choice without guilt?