chapter 2: employability skills

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.

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• foundation• responsibility

• active listening• body

language•work ethic• flexibility• networking• trade

publications• service

learning• résumé• prioritize• empathy

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• ethics•workers’

compensation•minimum

wage• compensatory

time• labor union• collective

bargaining• discrimination• sexual

harassment• probation


Sharpening Your Basic Skills


foundationA base to be built upon; groundwork.

Finding and keeping a job and advancing in your career requires a solid foundation of general skills.

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Sharpening Your Basic 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

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Communication Skills


• Needed to communicate to individuals, small and large groups, adults, and children.

• Verbal communication must be clear, correct, and appropriate for the audience.

Speaking Skills

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active listeningThe skill of listening in order to understand the meaning of the speaker’s words.

Understanding what someone is saying requires active listening, not merely hearing the person’s voice.


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• 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.

Listening Skills

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body languageThe way you move your hands and arms, hold your body, and use facial expressions.

Body language, whether or not you are aware of it, reveals your feelings and reactions to what you say or hear.


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• 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.

Body Language

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• Adjust your message to the audience.• Polish your writing style, which

includes word choice, tone, attitude, grammar, and punctuation.

Writing Skills

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Job applications, business forms, letters to parents, memos, e-mails, and children’s records all require effective writing skills:




• read to children.• read care instructions

from families.• keep up to date on

research findings.• understand work

policies.

Reading Skills

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Reading is an essential skill in any field. Child care professionals need strong reading skills to


Math Skills


Working with numbers is a part of almost every job. Child care professionals will use basic math skills to

• keep track of work hours, wages, and vacation days.

• orders supplies, complete payroll and tax forms, and maintain budgets.

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Thinking 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.

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Technology Skills


In today’s workplace, you will use technology to

• access, manage, and create information.

• operate security systems.

• update Web sites.

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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.

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work ethicA personal commitment to work hard and to do one’s very best.

In addition to skills and education, employers also look for candidates who possess a strong work ethic.

Work Ethic

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Work Ethic


• 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.

Responsibility and Commitment

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flexibilityThe ability to adapt willingly to change.

Employers appreciate employees who demonstrate flexibility and a positive attitude when plans change suddenly.

Work Ethic

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Work Ethic


• 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.

Reliability and Flexibility

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Work Ethic


• 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.

Honesty

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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.

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Qualities of Effective Leaders


• 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

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Qualities of Effective Leaders


All members of a team can be leaders:• Support the common goal• Take initiative• Share constructive

opinions

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Employees who display these traits are considered first for higher positions.


Seeking Employment


• Patience is the key to finding your first job in child care.

• Stay organized.• Take initiative on job leads.

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networkingMaking use of all your personal and professional contacts to further your career goals.

Networking is the most direct and successful way of finding a job.

Employment Resources

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• 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.

Networking

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• 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.

The Internet

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trade publicationsMagazines and newsletters published by professional organizations for their members.

Trade publications contain helpful articles on all aspects of the child care industry and often list job opportunities.


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Services offered to members may include• job listings.• job placement services.• scholarships.• workshops.• conferences.• networking opportunities.

Professional Organizations

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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.

Employment Agencies

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service learningCommunity service that is part of your schoolwork.

Take advantage of any service learning opportunities provided by your school.


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• 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.

Volunteering and Internships

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To gain valuable experience working with children, consider


Applying for a Job


• 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.

Job Applications

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résuméA summary of your career objectives, work experience, qualifications, education, and training.

A concise, well-written résumé is one way to convince an employer that you are the best candidate for the job.

Applying for a Job

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Applying for a Job


A résumé should include your• contact information.• job objective.• relevant education.• work experience skills and abilities.• awards and honors. • professional and community activities.

Preparing Your Résumé

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Applying for a Job


A cover letter highlights your best qualities.

• Keep it short.• Explain why you are writing.• Introduce yourself.• Sell yourself.

Writing Your Cover Letter

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Applying for a Job


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.

Creating Your Portfolio

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The Interview Process


• 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.

Before the Interview

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• Shake hands.• Make eye contact.• Be poised and relaxed.• Answer questions

thoughtfully and completely.

• Ask questions.• Close the interview on a

positive note.

During the Interview

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• 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.

After the Interview

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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?

Responding to a Job Offer

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• Accept the offer.• Ask for time to consider the offer.• Turn down the job offer.

Responding to a Job Offer

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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.

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Child Care Today, 2: Employability Skills

On the Job


responsibilityRequired task or duty.

As a child care worker, it is your responsibility to do the best job possible for the children in your care.

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On the Job


prioritizeTo put tasks in the order of importance, not in the order of your preference.

When you have a full day ahead of you, it is important to prioritize your tasks and assignments.

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Employee Responsibilities


• Earn your pay.• Use time responsibly.• Prioritize your duties.• Respect the rules.• Work safely.• Maintain confidentiality.• Work as a team.

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• Use resources (people, information, technology, money) wisely.

• Show respect and a positive attitude.

• Resolve conflicts effectively.



empathyThe skill of putting yourself in another’s place.

Empathy will help you understand the feelings and viewpoints of your coworkers, the children in your care, and their families.

Teamwork

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Teamwork


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.

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ethicsYour internal guidelines for distinguishing right from wrong.

An employee with a strong set of ethics will do his or her best to make fair, honest, and beneficial decisions.

Ethics

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Ethics


It is not always easy to know the right thing to do. When faced with a decision involving unclear choices, ask yourself:

• 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?

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Wages and Benefits


When you accept a job, you trade your skills and services for money. You may be paid in the form of

• hourly wages—a certain amount per hour.• a salary—a set amount regardless of hours

worked.

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Wages and Benefits


In addition to your salary or wages, your employer may offer benefits, including

• paid vacation and sick days.• health, life, dental, and accident insurance.• disability insurance. • savings and investment plans for retirement.• tuition reimbursement. • onsite child care.

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Employer Responsibilities


Your employer will• provide a clear outline of your responsibilities and

expectations. • provide all the equipment or training you need to do your

job well. • show you how to do an assigned task with the available

resources.

Employee Support

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Your employer will• eliminate any recognized health and safety hazards.• inform employees of dangerous conditions or materials. • maintain records of job-related illnesses and injuries.• comply with environmental-protection policies for safely

disposing of waste materials.• provide conditions or equipment that help prevent injury.• provide financial workers’ compensation.

Safe Working Conditions

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workers’ compensationEmployers are required by state laws to provide compensation to cover medical expenses and lost wages if you are injured on the job and cannot work.

If you work for an employer who has fewer than four employees and is not required to offer workers’ compensation, you might consider buying your own disability insurance.


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Employees have the right• to have an equal opportunity to obtain and keep

employment.• to be paid a fair wage.• to be considered fairly for promotion.

Fair Labor Practices

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minimum wageThe lowest hourly amount a worker can earn legally.

Some employers pay entry-level workers more than the required minimum wage.


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compensatory timeWages paid to hourly employees who work overtime (more than 40 hours per week).

Employees who may have to work extra hours during holidays or other peak times may be eligible for compensatory time.


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labor unionAn organization of workers in a similar field.

Workers in the United States are guaranteed the right to join a labor union, some of which include child care teachers and aides.


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collective bargainingThe process of workers and employers agreeing to working conditions, contracts, and benefits.

In collective bargaining, leaders of labor unions act as the voice of their members.


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discriminationUnfair treatment based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, physical appearance, disability, or other factors.

Employers are required to protect their employees from discrimination in the workplace.


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sexual harassmentAny unwelcome verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature.

If you believe you are the victim of sexual harassment, report the incident to your supervisor immediately so the employer can investigate the matter and take action.


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probationA period in which an employer observes the employee’s work and behavior in order to assess whether the employee is fit to remain with the company.

Many employers consider a worker’s first 90 days a probation period.


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During a performance evaluation, your employer may examine things such as your• job knowledge and how you apply that knowledge.• willingness to work cooperatively in a team.• ability to communicate effectively on the job.• attitude and workplace ethic.• Performance evaluations are an opportunity to evaluate

your career goals.

Performance Evaluations

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Advancing on the Job


Advancement can mean

• a promotion. • a new position at the

same job level but with more responsibilities at a higher rate of pay.

• leaving for a better job elsewhere.

• beginning your own business.

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Advancing on the Job


Qualities that can help you advance in your career include

• showing initiative.• showing a desire to

learn.• finding a mentor.

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Terminating Employment


• Keep your job search to yourself until you have a new job.

• Research, list, and analyze the jobs or careers in which you are interested.

• Avoid missing work to attend interviews. • Give sufficient notice that you are terminating your

employment.• Leave a good impression—your last few weeks will

be remembered.

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chapter 2: employability skills

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