introduction service/skills_workbook.pdflistening problem solving know when to refer. 4 a ability to...

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INTRODUCTION

Skills are the building blocks of any career.

Understanding your skills enables you to make successful job applications, approach interviews with a clear sense of your strengths, and help you develop as a professional. This workbook contains practical tools to help you to:

UNDERSTAND YOUR OWN SKILLS

IDENTIFY THE SKILLS YOU NEED IN YOUR CHOSEN CAREER

ARTICULATE YOUR SKILLS IN CVS, APPLICATIONS AND INTERVIEWS

PART 1IDENTIFY YOUR SKILLSMInd Mapping 3

Map your experiences 4

Mind map template 5

CONTENTSPART 2 WHICH SKILLS DO EMPLOYERS WANTEmployability skills 6-7

Self management 8

Communication 9

Enterprise and

entrepreneurship 10

Research 11

PART 3 CVS, APPLICATIONS AND YOUR SKILLS Targeting your

application 12

PART 4 COMMUNICATING YOUR SKILLSAction words 13-14

Useful phrases

and verbs 15

The language of skills 16-17

Skills space 18

Seven ways to improve

impact 19

How to describe

yourself 20

Describe yourself 21

Your next steps 22

Notes 23

Visit Careers Service 24

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Part 1 Identify your

skills – what can you do?

Everyone has skills, developed from their

own experiences. Do you know what

your skills are? During your time at

university, you will gain experience of some or

all of the following:

Part-time working

Volunteering

Sandwich placements

Vacation jobs

Joining or setting up societies or sports

clubs

Academic work – in teams or individually

How can you identify the skills you have gained from these

activities?

MIND MAPPINGA mind map will help you to break down your experiences and understand the skills you’ve gained.

The example mind map below uses a Sales Assistant role to show the valuable skills you gain from a typical ‘student job’.

SALESASSISTANT

TAKING PAYMENTS

AT TILL

RESPONSIBLE FOR LOCKING

UP AND CASHING

UP

VISUAL MERCHANDISING

ON SHOP FLOOR

Numerical skills

Creative skills

PROMOTING BRAND ONLINE AND AT EVENTS

SELLING ON THE

SHOP FLOOR

COMPLAINTS RESOLUTION

Attention to detailUpselling

Customer service skills

Numerical skills

Taking responsibility

Following procedures

Security

Brand identity

appreciation

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Team work – when working with others at

events

Commercial awareness –

understanding the needs and wants of a target market

Social media skills

Written communication

skills

Verbal communication

Selling skills

Persuasive skills

Active listening

Commercial awareness –

understanding what would be suitable for

both the company and customer

Active listening

Problem solving

Know when to refer

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AAbility to build rapportAction planningActive listeningAdaptabilityAdapting your communication style to different audiencesAnalysis skillsAnalyse quantitative dataAssertiveness

BBuilding strong working relationships

CCareers planningCoaching/mentoringCollaborationCommercial awarenessCommercial social media skillsCommunity awarenessComplaints managementComputer / IT skillsConflict resolutionCreative thinkingCreativityCritical thinkingCustomer service

DDecision makingDesign

EEmotional intelligence and empathy

Enterprise and entrepreneurial skillsEvent planning

FFlexibility

GGlobal awareness

IIndependenceInformation analysisInitiativeInnovationIntegrity Interpersonal skills

LLeadership

MManaging upMulti-tasking

NNegotiation and persuasionNetworkingNumerical skills

OOpportunity analysisOrganisation and planning

PPeople-focusedPerseverance and motivationPresentation skillsProblem solvingProject managementPublic speaking

RReflection and evaluation skillsResearch and analysisResilienceResource gatheringReport writing

SSales/marketingSellingSelf-assessmentSelf-improvement/personal developmentSelf-managementSelf-motivationSolutions focusedSourcing and summarising materialSupervising

TTeamworkTelephone skillsTime management

VVerbal/oral communication

WWork to deadlinesWork with different groups and levels of peopleWork within multidisciplinary teamsWork with people on a 1:1 basisWork under pressureWritten communication

MAP YOUR OWN EXPERIENCESUse the template opposite to construct your own mind maps.

1. Select an experience (e.g. part-time working, volunteering, or being a member of a university society) and place this in the centre of your map.

2. Place the activities you performed in the boxes around the centre.

3. Think about the skills you used to carry out these activities and link your skills to the relevant activity.

Use the skills list below for examples. Before you start, take a pen and underline all the skills on this list you know you have. Chances are you have more skills than you think!

SKILLS LIST

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Mind map template

Photocopy thistemplate and use it to map each of your experiences

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Part 2 Which skills

do employers want?

We’ll now look at the skills employers told us

they need from you.Use the skills

worksheets in this section to rate yourself

against these key employability skills.

Think about how you can use your time at university to further develop your skills.

For ideas about how to evolve your skills and experience alongside

your studies, visitwww.brighton.ac.uk/

employabilityskills

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLSWe surveyed 500 local employers to find out what they wanted from University of Brighton graduates. The skills they most frequently asked for are grouped into four categories:

SELF-ASSESSMENTTo become aware of personal strengths, weaknesses and interests, identify and develop ways to improve employability, and how to articulate these when making applications.

SELF MANAGEMENT

CAREER PLANNINGTo set realistic and achievable career goals, with knowledge of national and global labour markets, their opportunities and challenges. Know where to access support for employability development within the university and externally and how to navigate independency through the labour market.

ORAL COMMUNICATION AND PRESENTATIONSTo be able to present ideas and arguments verbally which are relevant, appropriate to the audience and clearly communicated.

COMMUNICATION

WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONTo be able to present written ideas and arguments which are relevant, appropriate to the audience and clearly communicated.

CREATIVE THINKINGTo be able to apply creative thinking techniques to generate ideas for a range of situations related to enterprise, as wellas developing ideas for new products, services, community projects or social enterprises.

ENTERPRISE, INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

OPPORTUNITY ANALYSISTo be able to select the best ideas generated, and analyse them, focussing on benefits and impact;customers and competitors; industry analysis; marketing and communications, etc.

PROJECT MANAGEMENTTo work to a brief (e.g. an assignment or external project/event etc.), setting goals and objectives, scheduling and managing tasks and putting plans into practice; producing risk assessment and an evaluation strategy to assess outcomes and outputs.

RESEARCH

PROBLEM SOLVINGTo develop decision-making skills, critical thinking and enquiry-based learning; sustained and applied analytical skills, negotiation skills, managing change and risk, testing different strategies and choosing most appropriate solution.

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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNINGTo maintain a paper or electronic record of learning and development with reflection. Using this as ongoing evidence for future applications, and help to consider what future development is required.

WELLBEINGTo understand the importance of managing the health and well-being of one’s self, and also employees when in a managerial position, applying a duty of care for staff.

CORE SKILLSTo ensure that the core skills demanded by employers such as literacy, numeracy and IT are at a level required for the career aspiration and expectation of the professional body.

MANAGING EMOTIONSTo understand the impact of verbal and non-verbal communication upon clients, colleagues or other receivers, and the importance of managing your own emotions.

TEAM WORKINGTo understand the importance of a team approach that is required for many tasks and strategies and to appreciate different team working styles, including leadership that individuals can adopt to make a team successful. Working with, listening and encouraging the development of others.

NETWORKINGTo develop the confidence and appreciate the benefits that can arise from a networking approach ranging from personal contact to an effective use of social media.

ENTERPRISE, INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

MAKING THINGS HAPPENTo be able to implement ideas and see them through, by networking and engaging with relevant stakeholders, and accessing the appropriate support. To be able to use your own initiative to overcome any challenges whilst turning ideas into reality.

COMMERCIAL AWARENESSTo be able to identify the key functions of an organisation and understand how those units work together and support each other.To understand the range of business challenges in relation to sustainability and growth.

ENTREPRENEURSHIPTo understand the process involved with setting up a venture, and the support available to individuals seeking entrepreneurial careers. To recognise entrepreneurial opportunities related to one’s own discipline or area of study.

ORGANISATIONAL SKILLSTo organise an eventor carry out a task. Meeting deadlines for academic, paid or voluntary work. Balancing study with other responsibilities such as childcare, employment, social and community activities.

RESEARCHTo be able to source possible funding, submit bids and maintain records for audit. To think creatively on the different types of resources required to carry out a project.

INFORMATION ANALYSISTo use appropriate resources and skills such as IT, Internet, library; information literacy; identify and submit proposals, using findings to complete coursework/projects, using theories, methods, ideas and approaches in a critical and scholarly way.

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SELF MANAGEMENTUse the table below to reflect on what you have already achieved, and how you might make further progress.

You might want to pay particular attention to the ‘Wellbeing’ section. Everyone needs to manage their health sensibly and recognise the signs of stress. Start to think about how you might manage the stresses of working life.

TO WHAT EXTENT CAN YOU DEMONSTRATE:

CAREER PLANNINGHow to identify career and job opportunities

Using my strengths and interests to build my career ideas

WELLBEINGHow I manage my own wellbeing

How I ensure awareness of other people’s wellbeing

NUMERACYCollecting, recording and analysing data

General maths skills e.g. working out percentages, budgeting

IT SKILLS (for those not studying on an IT related course)Making effective use of social media

(NO) 1 2 3 4 5 (YES) CAN YOU GIVE AN EXAMPLE OF WHEN YOU HAVE USED THESE SKILLS?

WHAT COULD YOU DO IN THE REMAINDER OF YOUR TIME AT UNIVERSITY TO DEVELOP THIS KNOWLEDGE FURTHER?

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COMMUNICATIONGood communication skills are important for any job. These can range from using oral, written and visual communication through to more sophisticated levels of using emotional intelligence e.g understanding how your behaviour or what you say (and how you say it) impacts on others.

You will develop communication skills during your time at university through course work and other activities such as part-time work and volunteering.


ORAL COMMUNICATIONPresenting to agroup and verballycommunicating withcolleagues or customers

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION Writing projectreports e.g.academic work

TEAM WORKINGOne to one and group collaborations

NETWORKING Learning about your industry and makingcontacts



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ENTERPRISE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIPBeing enterprising and innovative, in its broadest sense, is an attribute that leads to employees generating and implementing new ideas in the workplace. Whilst not everyone will want to become an entrepreneur and run their own business, employers increasingly expect their staff to be entrepreneurial in the workplace (in the private sector, public sector and voluntary sector).

An enterprising employee can potentially have a positive impact on an organisation’s products and services, processes, workplace culture, competitive edge and profitability.

In the table below, assess your level of entrepreneurial capabilities.



CREATIVE THINKINGGenerate ideas and solve problems

OPPORTUNITY ANALYSISAnalyse ideas and determine whether they can be implemented

MAKING THINGS HAPPENGet things done through effective project planning

COMMERCIAL AWARENESSUnderstand the different functions of a business and how they impact on each other

ENTREPRE-NEURSHIPImplement ideas which create value (for an individual, community or organisation)


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RESEARCHThis section enables you to demonstrate to employers the transferable skills you acquire during the academic work you complete on your course. Gathering information resources, analysing them and organising them to fulfil an assignment or dissertation within a time frame are all activities that you have to undertake regularly and are highly valued skills for all professional/managerial level occupations.


PROJECT MANAGEMENT Setting goals andobjectives

PROBLEM SOLVINGSolveproblems/issues whenundertakingresearch

ORGANISATIONAL SKILLSManage your timeeffectively e.g.plan any researchwhich meetsdeadlines

RESEARCHSource materiale.g. for universityassignmentsbefore makingkey decisions

INFORMATION ANALYSISReflect on previouswork



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Part 3 CVs,

applications and your

skills

By targeting an application, you are demonstrating to prospective employers that you understand exactly what is required in the role, and that you have the skills to match.

1. In section A, list all your key skills.

2. Find a job ad that interests you and list the skills required in section B. See the Careers Service website for sources of jobs to match your skills to.

3. In section C, list your key skills that match the skills required in section B. These are the skills you would highlight and evidence in applying for this job.

4. Do not include skills that don’t relate to the job. This suggests that you haven’t understood what the employer wants and will reduce your chances of success.

Once you can evidence your skills and have an understanding of the skills employers

want, the next step is to match your skills to a specific job. We

call this targeting your application.

TARGETING YOUR APPLICATION

A YOUR KEY SKILLS

B SKILLS REQUIRED

C SKILLS THAT MATCH

Photocopy thistemplate, you can

use it for eachapplication

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Part 4 Communicating

your skills

The next step is knowing how to

communicate your skills effectively, both in applications and in

interviews.

Use the resources in this section for

examples of positive, clear and impactful

language that will help you to get the attention

of prospective employers.

ACTION WORDSChoose words that will convey your ability to achieve. We’ve grouped these examples by discipline, but consider terms from other disciplines which might help you capture the full range of your skills.

See how using action words give your experiences impact:

As course rep I had to speak to students to find out their opinions of the course and feed it back to staff at meetings. I used my communication skills to share the feedback and was involved with discussions about changes on the course.

As course rep I actively listened to concerns of my peers and presented feedback to staff at our meetings. Initiated discussions and negotiated a new course of action resulting in an important change on the course.

CREATIVEActedAdaptedComposedConceptualisedCustomisedCreatedDesignedDevelopedDevisedDirectedDisplayedEntertainedEstablishedFashionedFoundedIllustratedIntegratedIntroducedInventedOriginatedPerformedPhotographedPlanned RevitalisedRevivedShaped

MANAGEMENTAccomplishedAssignedChairedCompletedConsolidatedCoordinatedDelegatedDevelopedDirectedEvaluatedExecutedImprovedIncreasedOversawPlannedPrioritisedProduced RecommendedReviewedScheduledSolvedStreamlinedStrengthenedSupervised

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£

Can you identify action words that could be specific to your profession....

PROJECTS/ADMINAdministeredApprovedArrangedCataloguedClassifiedCollectedCompiledCompletedCreatedDispatchedExecutedGeneratedImplementedInspectedMonitoredOrganisedPreparedProcessedPurchasedRecordedRetrievedSpecifiedValidated

RESEARCH

AnalysedClarifiedCollectedComparedConductedCritiquedDiagnosedEvaluated ExaminedExtractedFormulatedGatheredIdentifiedInterviewedInvestigatedOrganisedReviewedSummarisedSurveyed

TECHNICAL

AssembledBuiltCalculatedDesignedDevisedEngineeredFabricatedFormulatedMaintainedRe-modeledRepairSolvedTrainedUpgraded

COMMUNICATIONAddressedArrangedAuthoredCorrespondedDirectedDraftedEditedEnlistedFormulatedInfluencedInterpretedLecturedMediatedModeratedMotivatedNegotiatedPersuadedPromotedPublicisedReconciledRecruitedTranslated

FINANCIAL

AdministeredAllocatedAnalysedAuditedBalancedBudgetedCalculatedDevelopedForecastedMeasuredManagedPlannedProjectedResearched Reconciled

TEACHING/SUPPORTING

AdaptedAssessedAssisted AdvisedClarifiedCoachedCo-ordinatedDemonstratedDevelopedDiagnosedEducated EnabledEncouragedEvaluatedExplainedFacilitatedGuidedInformedInitiatedPersuadedReferredRepresented

Are there any words related to your profession which aren’t on these lists?

Add them here

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USEFUL PHRASES AND VERBS Avoid using the same favourite phrases throughout your applications. Use alternatives to keep the reader interested and demonstrate a confident use of language.

Developed strong… skills in…

Gained… years’ experience of…

Enhanced… skills by…

Demonstrated skills in…

Gained in-depth knowledge of…

Experienced in…

Developed expertise in...

Gained hands-on experience in…

… years successful experience in...as...

EXPERIENCE / SKILLS

Successful in…

Successfully implemented/led/negotiated/increased…

Promoted to…

Proven track record in…

Delivered…

… to boost productivity

… to increase efficiency

Developed and implemented…

Accomplished…

Represented the company at...

Improved…

Increased…

Achieved…

Grew…

Awarded...

TO SHOW SUCCESS

Took the lead in…

Accountable for...

Responsible for…

Managed…

In charge of…

Co-ordinated…

Supervised…

Initiated…

Established…

Developed…

Organised…

Oversaw the production of...

Instructed…

Supported...

Instigated…

Transformed…

Rejuvenated…

Overhauled…

Introduced…

TAKING THE LEAD

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THE LANGUAGE OF SKILLSSpecific phrases go hand-in-hand with a particular skillset. Show an employer that you understand your skills and their requirements by using appropriate language. Use our examples to get you started.

Remember, it’s important to find your own words to make you stand out from the crowd.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• makes, maintains and develops relationships

• works well with others• motivates and supports

others• understands emotional

intelligence• shares credit• accepts responsibility• relates to and feels

comfortable with people at all levels

TEAM WORKING• consider your approach:

supportive, tactful, tolerant, diplomatic

• works effectively in teams• works in multiple teams

simultaneously• encourages others’ ideas• adopts a specific role:

leader, delegator, deliverer, facilitator, coordinator

• works collaboratively towards a common goal

• listens to and encourages the development of others

COMMUNICATION• an empathetic and active

listener • speaks effectively• listens attentively• openly expresses ideas• leads group discussions• provides feedback• speaks confidently

in public/persuasive speaker

• develops logical argument

• communicates at different levels

• writes clearly, concisely and accurately

• adapts communication style to consider audience

• contributes ideas

PROBLEM SOLVING AND ANALYSIS

• ascertains facts• identifies relevance• considers alternatives• decides on actions• uses resources effectively• solution-orientated• able to negotiate• methodical and logical

approach• considers all

stakeholders• finds positive results for

all parties involved

NUMERACY• approach: detailed,

accurate, methodical, logical, analytical

• able to analyse, interpret and present data in a clear and accurate way

• gathers statistical data in various formats

• scheduling or budgeting• visual perception of

information• ability to organize

information• calculation skills• interprets mathematical

information• understands trends• measurement and data

analysis

ORGANISATIONAL SKILLS

• manages projects effectively

• sets goals• multi-tasks• meets deadlines• coordinates tasks• punctual• detail orientated• prioritise tasks• time management

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MANAGEMENT SKILLS

• implements decisions• leads group(s)• delegates responsibility• directs others

RESEARCH AND PLANNING

• develops strategies• assesses situations• analyses issues• identifies problems• defines needs• creates ideas• makes predictions

FLEXIBILITY AND ADAPTABILITY

• open to change/able to adapt to change

• multi-disciplinary• willing to help and

support others• takes on new ideas• multi-skilled

ENTREPRENEURSHIP• generates ideas• shows commercial

awareness• understands figures and

budgets• risk taker• customer/market

focused• innovator• self-reliant• resilient• focused• self-reflective

COMMERCIAL AWARENESS

• awareness of external factors

• works towards commercial goals

• contributes to strategic plans

• generates competitive ideas

• understands the values, goals, priorities and future direction of the company

• recognising the needs of the customer

RESEARCH• proficient in study design • statistical analysis of your

data • interpreting results • think creatively to solve

scientific problems• propose innovative

solutions • familiar with publishing

standards • submitting papers for

publication• careful record-keeping • data ownership and

sharing standards

MULTICULTURAL/ DIVERSITY SKILLS

• adapts to differing cultural and business environments

• able to talk and conduct business in __________ languages

• culturally sensitive and internationally travelled

• experience in successful management of diverse groups of people

• experience of working within multi-cultural teams

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Skills space

Use this space to describe your skills and achievements using the

sample vocabulary in the preceding pages

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SEVEN WAYS TO IMPROVE IMPACT To stand out from the competition, you need to show the impact of your achievements. Think about when and where your actions have made a difference. Here are a few example ideas to get you started:

I created a spreadsheet that the whole team could access and input into. This allowed us to see which orders were close to the time limit for processing. I produced a report each week for my supervisor on any risk areas, the volume of orders and recommendations to manage issues and improve service. As a result we have reduced delayed orders by 15%.

WORK PRODUCED

Gained the Diana Award in 2016 for setting up an anti-bullying committee at college as part of a team of four. This allowed students to anonymously explain their situation. We would then find ways to resolve their problems through peer discussions.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

I sold 15% more than the set target by actively approaching customers, using my effective listening skills and highly developed negotiation skills to secure sales.

REVENUE/SALES/TARGETS

Work produced

1

Problem solved

2

Costs saved

3

Awards and

recognition

4

5

People helped

6

7

Time saved

Revenue/sales generated

/targets exceeded

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HOW TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF Whether as part of a personal profile, a covering letter, a reply to an ice-breaker question at interview, or as part of an elevator pitch, you need strong words to describe yourself. Choose examples which represent who you are and what you have to offer. Here are a few to get you started:

Use the page opposite to develop examples of strong opening sentences. Think about your audience and what they are looking for. Any statements you make must be supported by evidence in your CV, application etc. See some examples below:

AccomplishedActiveAdaptableAnalyticalApproachableCapableCommercially awareCommittedCompassionateConfidentConscientiousCreative

Culturally awareDecisiveDelivererDisciplinedDrivenDynamicEmpatheticEnergeticEnterprisingEntrepreneurialExperiencedInclusive

InnovativeLeaderLogicalMethodicalMotivatedMultidisciplinaryOptimisticOrganisedPassionatePersonablePlannerPositive

PracticalProactiveReliableResilientResourcefulResponsibleSocially responsibleSupportiveRealistTeam player TechnicalQualified

I AM A DRIVEN AND ADAPTABLE 2ND YEAR BA CRITICAL HISTORY STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON.

FOCUSED 4TH YEAR MENG (HONS) AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING STUDENT. I AM A CREATIVE AND COMMITTED INDIVIDUAL, DRIVEN BY MY PASSION FOR MANY ASPECTS OF ENGINEERING.

RESPONSIBLE AND COMMERCIALLY AWARE 4TH YEAR MPHARM STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON WITH STRONG PATIENT EXPERIENCE AND PEOPLE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS DEVELOPED THROUGH TWO YEARS PHARMACY EXPERIENCE.

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Describe yourself

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YOUR NEXT STEPS We hope that you feel more confident about your skills and your ability to communicate them. Use these resources again and again to inspire and focus your job applications.

The Careers Service has resources to help you:

improve your CVs, application forms, and your LinkedIn profile. prepare for interviews and assessment centres. research career options, find job vacancies and plug gaps in your skills.

You can also contact us at any time to get one-to-one support in checking your applications, clarifying your career plans and achieving your goals.

For more information, visit brighton.ac.uk/careersGood luck and we wish you all the very best!

TO DO LIST

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Notes

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VISIT THE CAREERS SERVICE WHERE YOU STUDYWhatever your career needs, the Careers team is here to help. We can support you throughout your time at Brighton across many areas of employability including:

1-2-1 support with career planning, CVs, applications, interviews and assessment centres

finding part-time work on and off campus meet graduate employers at careers fairs and recruitment events volunteering in the local community to enhance your CV and gain new skills develop your business ideas, freelance plans or social enterprise project with

our Enterprise team mentoring to boost your confidence and enhance your employability

Get in touch01273 [email protected]://www.brighton.ac.uk/careers https://blogs.brighton.ac.uk/careers/ https://www.facebook.com/unibrightoncareers https://twitter.com/uniofbrightoncs

Eastbourne Trevin Towers, Gaudick Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN20 7SP(01273) 643845

Falmer E Wing, Checkland Building, Village Way, Falmer Brighton BN1 9PH(01273) 643584

Grand ParadeStudent Centre, Ground Floor, Grand ParadeBrighton BN2 0JY(01273) 643187

Moulsecoomb Careers, Mezzanine Floor, Cockcroft Building, Lewes Road Brighton BN2 4GJ(01273) 642855

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