Personal abilities and talents that assist employees in completing work-related tasks are referred to as job skills. Many job-related skills, such as good communication, word processing, and problem solving, are somewhat broad. Skills, on the other hand, can vary greatly depending on the type of work at hand. Lawyers, doctors, and teachers, for example, require a different set of skills than construction workers. Many job postings specify the skills needed for the position, and job seekers typically include their relevant credentials in their application materials.
Job Fundamentals
Employees have a natural instinct for some of the most important job skills. Listening skills, the ability to take and apply instructions, and the ability to maintain focus for long periods of time are all important in almost any workplace. This includes basic phone etiquette as well as computer and e-mail skills.
Most of the time, these skills are assumed, which means that employers assume employees have them even if they don’t say so explicitly. When it comes to the basic skills required to perform the job, most job advertisements and openings assume a basic level of proficiency. Employees can learn a lot once they get started, but they usually need to start with some basic knowledge.
More specialized abilities and skills
Employers typically list skills as “required” or “desired” in position announcements that are specific to the type of work at hand. A corporate manager, for example, may be required to demonstrate meeting facilitation skills, data analysis expertise, and the ability to collaborate with people of various backgrounds and skill levels. Teachers may be required to come up with new ideas, just as litigators will most likely be required to demonstrate persuasiveness. This type of specialized job skill can be thought of as adjectives and short phrases that describe how successful employees carry out their duties.
As a job skill, “previous experience”
Prior experience can be an important job skill in many professions. People who have previously held similar positions are frequently uniquely qualified to continue in those positions or to expand their repertoire to new settings. Many important workplace skills are transferable, which means they can be easily applied to a variety of situations. Employers sometimes require applicants to have a certain number of years of experience; other times, all that is required is a resume that highlights core skills from previous positions.
How Can These Skills Be Learned?
The majority of people improve their job skills over time. Many important job-related skills can be learned in school: listening, paying attention, and following precise instructions are all skills that can be learned as early as elementary school. Students who work hard in school are usually preparing to be responsible and attentive in the workplace.
However, some work-related skills must be intentionally honed. Internships are a common way for students to get a head start on establishing themselves in the workforce. Many industries provide high school and university students with the opportunity to work as interns, usually part-time, in order to “try out” a career path. Interns are rarely paid full salaries; they are usually compensated in some way, but they work primarily for the experience. A relevant internship can be a great way to demonstrate needed skills on a job application.
Almost any work experience can be beneficial in terms of gaining job skills. High school students who spend their summers bagging groceries or making coffees may not feel like they are learning valuable skills, but even a modest work history can demonstrate responsibility, trustworthiness, and the ability to act independently. Employers frequently assess job skills in the aggregate, taking into account factors such as life circumstances and previous employment.
Workshops on Specific Skills
People who are having trouble with basic office skills or job requirements frequently attend “skills workshops.” Local residents can learn things like basic word processing, office skills like photocopying and phone etiquette, and basic interpersonal skills at these workshops, which are often held at community colleges or non-profit centers. These workshops are usually open to the public, but they are geared toward those who have been unemployed for a long time and lack the resources to successfully break into the job market.
Resumes and Demonstration of Skills
Some job skills are self-evident, but others require additional explanation. A resume or curriculum vitae is the best place to highlight skills. Job applicants with notable or unusual skills, such as foreign language fluency, frequently list them in a separate “relevant skills” section on their resume. This section is usually reserved for skills that will help the applicant stand out from the crowd; basic aptitudes are rarely listed.
On-the-Job Training
Employees’ job skills usually improve over time. While some basic requirements are required to get through the door, it is generally expected that workers will continue to improve as time goes on. Improvement can sometimes be as simple as doing something over and over again. However, it could also be a matter of mentoring — learning from others is often the most effective way to truly grasp necessary skills.