The workshop aims to improve soft skills, help participants identify their skills, and increase job retention. It covers topics like proper appearance, punctuality, attitude, communication, ethics, conflict resolution, and career development. Participants learn about making good first impressions, dressing appropriately, asking questions, continuing education, and getting along with supervisors and coworkers. The goal is to provide tools to help participants succeed in the workplace.

2. Purpose of Workshop
•
Improve soft skills
•
Know your skills
•
Increase job retention
•
Get ahead in the job!

3. Where Do I Begin?
•
First impressions mean a lot!
•
Dress appropriately
•
Be punctual and prepared
•
Adjust your attitude accordingly
•
Ask questions

4. Appearance & Attire

Practice good grooming

Keep hair and makeup professional and subtle

Use cologne in moderation

Be mindful of mannerisms

Dress for the job you want

5. Punctuality

Be on time!

Know:

Where to report

Whom to report to

Where to sign in or clock in

Where to park

6. Getting to Work on Time

Have a reliable alarm clock and reliable transportation

Get up early and allow for the unexpected

Plan for special conditions

Keep your supervisor’s contact information in your cellphone, and notify he/she if you are delayed

7. Attitude is Everything …
•
Check your attitude at the door
•
Smile and be genuine
•
Be ready to learn
•
You many need to adjust your lifestyle
•
What’s okay at home is NOT always okay at work

8. Ask Questions

Whether it’s your first day or hundredth day, one of the most important things to do is ask questions!

Frame questions to demonstrate your eagerness to learn.

Take notes while you’re at it!

9. When Do We Stop Learning?

The answer is never - learning is a lifelong process

Continued education will improve your skills and increase job retention

Take advantage of opportunities for further training and workshops

Employers value your demonstrated desire to continue learning

10. The Employment Relationship: What Does My Employer Expect?
Dependability; Maturity; Reliability;
Trustworthiness; Cooperation

11. The Employment Relationship: Seeing the Employer’s Side of Things…
Is important for job success; Makes you a valuable employee ;
Allows room for advancement!

12. Most Common Ethical Problems in the Workplace

Favouring family/ friends

Cheating an employer out of time or using company items for personal use (this is considered stealing)

Abusing drugs/alcohol

Breaching confidentiality

Violating company policies

13. Guidelines for Making Ethical Decisions

Questions to ask yourself:
◦
Is it legal?
◦
How will it make you feel about yourself?
◦
How do others feel about it?
◦
Will the people in authority approve?
◦
How would you feel if someone did it to you?
◦
Will something bad happen if you don’t make a decision?

14. Getting Along with Supervisors

Follow instructions

Ask questions

Report problems immediately and to the correct authority

Report results if unsure how to proceed

Discuss job performance

Meet expectations of the job

15. Getting Along with Co-Workers

Get to know others

Don’t try to change everything

Be honest

Don’t gossip

Be positive and supportive

Show appreciation

Share credit when deserved

Return favours

Ask for help/advise when needed

Avoid battles

Follow group standards

Take interest in co-workers’ jobs

16. Dealing with Conflict

Identify the reason for disagreement

Try to talk it out directly with the person

Listen! Give the person time to respond

Discuss alternatives for resolution

Walk away calmly if no resolution is met. Arrange for another time or a mediator.

17. Check Your Attitude!

“Attitude determines your altitude”

People are more respective to others who are:
◦
Interested in the workplace and employees
◦
Confident
◦
Listens to others more than speaking
◦
Gets the job done

18. Identify your Skills: Self-Management Skills

These skills are related to the control you have over your life. Employers look for these skills and value employees who display them.

Examples:
◦
Arrive on time
◦
Follow instructions
◦
Get along with others
◦
Come to work every day
◦
Get things done
◦
Work hard and be self-motivated

19. Identify your Skills: Transferable Skills
Skills that help you achieve more responsibilities, advancement and higher pay
Meet deadlines
Problem solver
Public speaker
Good listener
Organized
Teacher/Counselor
Accept responsibility
Understand/controls budget
Manages time effectively
Provide good customer service

20. Identify your Skills: Job- Related Skills
Skills gained from: school, courses, or training; other jobs or volunteer work; and hobbies or extracurricular activities.

21. Identify your Skills: Technical Skills
Word processing; Spreadsheets; Database management; Graphic design; Knowledge of various software

22. Identify your Skills: Communication/Presentation Skills
Teamwork; Sales; Speaking effectively; Writing; Listening.

23. Identify your Skills: Customer Service Skills

Timely assistance

Friendly

Someone to listen

Nice appearance
Competence
Problem solving
Willing to go the “extra mile”
Courteous attitude

24. Possibilities of a Pay Increase

Completion of probation

Incentive increases to keep “valuable” employees

Reward for extra effort or taking on more responsibilities

25. How to Put Yourself in Line for a Promotion

Go above and beyond

Get noticed for your efforts

Keep track of job openings

Upgrade your knowledge

Network

26. Career Development

Keep your resume current

Explore job opportunities

Identify your skills

Set a goal

Develop a plan

Network, network, network

27. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
VISIT THE CAREER CENTRE: Room 11180 - 100 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston, ON
VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.stlawrencecollege.ca/careerservices
EMAIL: careerservices@sl.on.ca
PHONE: 613-544-5400 Ext. 1844
613-345-0660 Ext. 1844
613-933-3259 Ext. 1844