Employability Enhancement Programs

General Information
Employability skills are attributes of employees that are important assets to employers. Employers need entry-level employees to possess a variety of basic high-order and affective employability skills. Critical employability skills vary considerably depending on hiring needs.

Most employers identify the "3 R's" and various cognitive abilities as critical for employment; however, more vital in hiring are affective characteristics; such as, dependability, responsibility and a positive attitude towards work. Employers often value employability skills above specific technical knowledge and skills. Many times specific occupational skills are less crucial for entry level employment than a general high level of literacy, responsible attitudes towards work, the ability to communicate well, and the ability to continue to learn.

Employers for entry-level job qualifications suggest that employers place the greatest importance on employee attitudes, basic skills and an understanding of a work environment. Job-specific skills and technical training are usually secondary to strong social skills, communication and a positive attitude about work. In other words, employers emphasize the need for employees to have a good work ethic (dependable) and appropriate social behavior (reliable, good attitude, pleasant appearance and personality).

Keep Your Job – focus on the following competencies: work ethic, interpersonal communication, teamwork, responsible behavior, positive attitude, good attendance, energy and job satisfaction!

Fired vs. Lay Off – focus on positive reasons for leaving. Companies may say an employee is fired instead of laid off because of unemployment benefit issues. Avoid giving health reasons as a rationale for leaving a job.

Common reasons often given by employers for not hiring young people

• Low grades, low levels of academic accomplishments
•  Poor attitude, lack of confidence
• Lack of goals, low motivation
• Lack of enthusiasm, drive and leadership
• Lack of preparation for interview–little knowledge of company / hiring policies
• Excessive interest in security and benefits, unrealistic salary demands
• Inadequate preparation for type of work, inappropriate background
• Lack of leadership experiences; i.e., extracurricular activities
• Inadequate basic skills (reading, writing, math)
  Be prepared–you will be judged by your looks; i.e., clot