This document outlines key skills and attributes that contribute to employability. It identifies communication, problem solving, initiative, organization, teamwork, learning ability, numeracy, valuing diversity, negotiation, and basic IT skills as important. For each skill, it provides brief explanations of how the skill can be demonstrated, such as being articulate, considering innovative solutions, planning work logically, and understanding what computers can do. The goal is to provide a framework for how employees can treat each other and customers, make sense of work, and help an organization achieve its vision.

6. Employability depends on your knowledge,
skills and attitude
How you use those assets
How you present them to your employers

8. THE SKILL ATTRIBUTES/BEHAVIOUR
Communication
and interpersonal skills
• The ability to explain what you mean in
a clear and concise manner
• Being articulate both verbally and in
writing to different audiences
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9. THE SKILL ATTRIBUTES/BEHAVIOUR
Problem Solving
Skills
• The ability to understand a problem,
break it down into smaller, component
parts to identify key issues and
implications
• Using critical thinking to consider
new and innovative solutions
• Apply knowledge from all areas
of your life
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10. THE SKILL ATTRIBUTES/BEHAVIOUR
Using initiative and
being self motivated
• Independently and creatively using
ideas of your own
• Using your inner strengths to turn
your thoughts into reality
• Show a strong personal drive to act
and not waiting to be told to do things
i.e. a ‘self-starter’
(show this as much as you can!)
3

11. THE SKILL ATTRIBUTES/BEHAVIOUR
Working under
pressure to tackle
conflicting priorities to
deadlines
• All roles carry a degree of stress – it
is known to motivate and drive us
• The ability to demonstrate working in
stressful situations, but also being
able to identify, commit to and tackle
the most important issues with
energy to
pre-determined timescales
4

12. THE SKILL ATTRIBUTES/BEHAVIOUR
Organisational skills • Being organised and methodical
• Plan component parts of work in a
logical and sequential manner to
achieve deadlines and targets
• Continuously monitor progress of work
to ensure you are on track to meet
timescales
5

13. THE SKILL ATTRIBUTES/BEHAVIOUR
Team working • To work well with other people from
different disciplines, backgrounds,
levels and expertise
• Using interpersonal skills to work
collectively and adaptively to
accomplish a common, shared and
meaningful purpose, task or goal
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14. THE SKILL ATTRIBUTES/BEHAVIOUR
Ability to learn
and adapt
• To be enthusiastic, committed and show
energy and passion for a role
• Continuous learning and self improvement for
personal development in the role
• Learn from mistakes and recover quickly
showing resilience
• Agile and flexible to respond to sudden
challenges – even if outside your level of
competence
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15. THE SKILL ATTRIBUTES/BEHAVIOUR
Numeracy • Working with numbers
• The ability to gather, use and interpret
data (i.e. statistics and mathematics) to
support evidence, make a case or
demonstrate a point
• Important for any budget related work
(link to IT spreadsheet skills)
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16. THE SKILL ATTRIBUTES/BEHAVIOUR
Valuing diversity
and difference
• Knowing the value of diversity and what
it can bring
• Understanding and being considerate of
the needs of different individuals and
backgrounds from all sectors of the
community
• Enabling all employees to develop and
contribute to their utmost potential can
give a powerful competitive advantage
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17. THE SKILL ATTRIBUTES/BEHAVIOUR
Negotiation skills • To consider the feelings and perceptions
of others and yet express your own
requirements in an unemotional and
clear fashion to achieve a ‘win/win’
outcome
• Going beyond ‘conflict’
• Achieving a delicate balance of having
needs met while building a nurturing
relationships
10

18. THE SKILL ATTRIBUTES/BEHAVIOUR
IT skills • Most people need IT skills to find work
• Acquiring basic IT skills and being familiar
with using a computer will open up
employment opportunities and marketability
• Familiarity with computer applications
• IT literacy is understanding what computers
can and cannot do, e.g. emails, Internet,
word processing, spreadsheets
11 …Bonus!!

22. Provide a framework for how people treat each other
Provide a framework for how we treat customers
Make sense of working life and how we fit in with the big picture
Provide a framework for achieving the company vision and increasing
organisational effectiveness
Create an environment conducive to job satisfaction
Differentiate one organisation from another

25. Job advertised in the media based on a job role/outline
May comprise a description of the duties and the
skills/experience the ideal candidate should possess
Job application is usually based on a CV – ‘Curriculum
Vitae’ - Concise, engaging, accurate and thorough
Suitability for job is based on how your CV matches the
job specification. Possible flexibility with matches…even
for other company roles
Opportunity to sell yourself – skills, experience,
qualifications, ability, attributes
Hone it – maintain it – ensure relevant to job!

26. Job advertised in the media based on a ‘Job Specification’.
This comprises a ‘Job Description’ (range of duties) and a
‘Person Specification’ (skills and experience criteria for role)
Job application is by application form. Candidates must address all
skills criteria in the Person Specification and substantiate
statements with examples and outcomes
e.g. “I have …….” If a key skill requirement is not addressed in
your application you will not be shortlisted No flexibility
Suitability for job is based on how your application matches the job
specification (mindful of above)
Opportunity to sell yourself – skills, experience, qualifications,
ability, attributes. Be specific and outcome focused!

27. Source: UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES)

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