August 2007

Job Readiness
Defined as the behaviors and techniques that are required for job retention, job readiness includes regular attendance, punctuality, appropriate dress, adapting to supervision, and employee rights and responsibilities. This issue of Hire Results discusses some of these topics to help you gauge your job readiness.

Are You “Job Ready”?

So you’ve got the skill’s you need to start a new job. You’ve taken classes, honed your technical skills as much as possible. Now you’re ready for work, right? Not exactly. Employers aren’t just looking for people who can do the job-they’re looking for people who have the “soft skills” to fit into a particular position. Soft skills are the things that your parents taught you from an early age–and the things that employers believe you can’t be taught in the workplace. Dependability, responsibility, positive attitude, honesty, integrity, problem solving and creative thinking are all traits that employers are looking for. They may even pass over a candidate with perfect technical skills for one who has better soft skills. Take the work ethics online quiz and see if your soft skills measure up. learn more...

Know Yourself

How many people just “fall into” a job or career, just to feel unsatisfied or miserable because it’s not what they want? Unfortunately, they usually don’t know what it is they want in the first place. How do you figure it out? Self assessment is the key. It can help you get to know yourself better-your likes, your personality; how you react in certain situations-so that you can better match yourself to a job or career. Click here to learn more about self assessment from the Riley Guide. Ready for help? Take Jefferson County Workforce Center's online self assessment now.

Time Management

One of the most important skills a prospective employer looks for is good time management Poor time management can sabotage your career in a heartbeat. They ability to show up to work on time everyday, to complete assignments on schedule, and to multi-task are what make you dependable and responsible. learn more...