Your Profile as a job seeker

• What You Offer the World

What you offer the world
For years, I’ve taught workshops attended by people from around the world – poor, rich,
young, old, schooled, and unschooled. I’ve discovered that everyone – and I mean
everyone – has at least 500 skills. The questions are: Which kind, and what are they?
We are all born gifted; we are all born “skilled,” even people with serious disabilities.
Watch a baby learn, eat food and put information to use. The skills every child has are
astounding!
Your skills are the gifts you offer the world.
Basically there are three kinds of skills. It is useful to divide them into three types: verbs,
nouns and adjectives.

Functional Skills: The Things You Do

Some of your skills are verbs, things you do. Some examples are sewing, driving,
communicating, motivating, organizing, planning, memorizing and researching. These
are your "transferable skills." They are also called gifts and “natural skills.”
They are strengths you have, often from birth. Some people, for example, are born
knowing how to negotiate. Negotiating means speaking with people or groups who
don't agree on an answer to a problem. Sometimes you can learn these skills. So some
of these skills are “acquired,” or learned.
They are called transferable skills because they can be transferred from one job to
another. They can be used in many different types of fields.

Acquired Skills: Your Expertise

Some of your skills are nouns, like people, subjects and objects. Some examples are
computers, English, flowers, colors, Microsoft Word, music and Japanese.
These are called your "subject skills" or "knowledge skills." Subjects are fields that you
study, like technology or English, and information. Subject skills are what you know
about and what you are interested in. They are often called “your expertise,” or what
you are an expert in.
You have learned these, over the years, through school, life experience, books or from a
teacher. Which ones do you really love to use? This is the second set of skills you have
to offer the world.

Personal Trait Skills

Adjectives or adverbs are the third kind of skills. Some examples of these adjectives are
words like dependable, responsible, thoughtful and kind.
These are your "trait skills." Traits are the ways you handle yourself and interact with
the world. These are developed mostly through experience.
When we talk to people, we speak of our traits as though they are just who we are: “I
am dependable; I am imaginative; I am on time.” But actually, traits are always linked to
your transferable skills, as adjectives or adverbs.
For example, your favorite transferable skill might be “researching.” That is, when you
discover facts about something by investigating it closely. Your trait skill would give
more information about how you do your “researching.” Do you do it carefully and
orderly, or creatively?
These traits are the third thing you have to offer to the world.

One Of A Kind
How you put these three kinds of skills together is what makes you one of a kind.It is
important to figure out what kinds of jobs need the transferable skills, subject skills and
traits you most like to use. After all, you were born because the world needs what you
uniquely have to offer.
ADVANCED: What You Offer the World
For years, I’ve taught workshops attended by people from around the world – poor, rich, young, old,
schooled, and unschooled. I’ve discovered that everyone – and I mean everyone – has at least 500 skills.
The questions are: Which kind, and what are they?

We are all born gifted; we are all born “skilled,” even those with severe disabilities. Watch a baby learn,
digest, and put information to use. The skills every child has are astounding!

Look at your skills, examine them, and recognize they are talents you offer the world.

Basically there are three kinds of skills, and it is useful to think of them in three categories: verbs, nouns,
and adjectives.

Some of your skills are verbs, things you do. Like: healing, sewing, constructing, driving,
communicating, persuading, motivating, negotiating, calculating, organizing, planning, memorizing,
researching, synthesizing, etc. These are your Transferable or Functional Skills. They are also called
talents, gifts, and “natural skills.”

They are strengths you have, often from birth. Some people, for example, are born knowing how to
negotiate; but if you weren’t, you often can learn how to do it as you grow. So, some of these skills are
“acquired.” You rarely ever lose these skills.

They are called your Transferable Skills because they can be transferred from one occupation to another
and used in a variety of fields, no matter how often you change careers.

These skills are things you are good at doing in one of three universes: people, things, or
data/information/ideas. Most of us lean toward preferring work that is primarily with either people,
things, or data. And why? Because that’s where we use the skills we most love to use.

Some of your skills are nouns, subjects and objects you acquire and understand well. Like: computers,
English, antiques, flowers, colors, fashion, Microsoft Word, music, farm equipment, data, graphics, Asia,
Japanese, the stock market, etc.

These are called your Subject Skills or Knowledge Skills. They are subjects that you know something
about and love to use in your work. They are often called “your expertises.”

You have learned these, over the years, through apprenticeships (formal or informal), school, life
experience, or books, or from a mentor. Which ones do you absolutely love to use? This is the second
set of skills you have to offer the world.
Adjectives or adverbs are the third kind of skills.

Like: accurate, adaptable, creative, dependable, flexible, methodical, persistent, punctual, responsible,
self-reliant, tactful, courteous, kind, etc.

These are your Personal Trait Skills. Traits are the ways you manage yourself, the way you discipline
yourself. They give a style to your transferable skills. Often these are developed only through
experience.

In everyday conversation, we speak of our traits as though they floated freely in the air: “I am
dependable; I am creative; I am punctual.” But in reality, traits are always attached to your transferable
skills, as adjectives or adverbs.

For example, if your favorite transferable skill is “researching,” then your traits describe or modify how
you do your “researching.” Is it methodically, or creatively, or dependably?

These styles, these self-disciplines, are the third thing you have to offer to the world.

How you combine these three kinds of skills is what makes you unique.

It is important, then, that you figure out what kinds of jobs need the transferable skills, and the
expertises, and the traits that you most like to use. After all, you were born because the world needs
what you uniquely have to offer.
1. An advertisement that tells job duties and requirements = Job description
2. Having the minimum requirements to do a job = Qualified
3. Ways that you act = Personal trait
4. To do an activity related to one’s occupation = To work
5. A person who is hired and begins working = Employee
6. A general term for the activity that people do to make money =
Employment
7. Things you can do = Functional skills
8. The ability to do something well = Skill
9. To be given a job and then paid for the job = To be hired
10. To formally ask for employment in writing = To apply
11. To look for a work in a specific occupation = To search
12. The person making the decision to give the applicant a job = Employer
13. Meeting and talking with people who may help in the job search process
= Networking
14. Sending your information to an employer to ask for a job = Application
15. The cover letter is a formal letter to the employer to introduce the job
seeker, show qualifications, and ask for an interview = Cover letter
16. To talk about two things are different = Contrast
17. Things you know = Subject skills
18. To answer question in a formal meeting = To interview
19. A conversation where a candidate talks with an employer about a job =
Interviewing
20. Subjects things you want to learn about, activities you enjoy doing =
Interests
21. A short summary of your education, work experience, special training,
volunteer experience, hobbies and interest = Professional profile
22. Tasks done regularly in a job = Duties and responsibilities
23. A written documents of work, experience, education and skills = resume
24. A person’s work as a way to earn money = occupation
25. A person who might get the job = Candidate or applicant
26. Someone who is looking for a job = Job seeker
27.The person making the decision to give the applicant a job =Employer
28. A written request for employment = Job application
29. An occupation or profession that requires special training and continues
over a long period of time = Career
30. What is the best category for employee? = People
31. What is the best category for job application? = Things
32. What is the best category for to interview? = Actions
33.What is the best category for job seeker? = People
34. What is the best category for to be hired? = Actions
35.What is the best category for occupation? = Things
36. What is the best category for applicant? = people
37.What is the best category for candidate? = People
38.What is the best category for to search? = Action
39.What is the best category for employment? = Things
40. What is the best category for to work? = Action
41.What is the best category for employer? = People
42.What is the best category for to apply? = Actions
43.What is the best category for career? = Things
Choosing the Job that's the Best Fit for You

we are going to talk about how your interests and skills are related to different
types of jobs.
There are six types of interests that are related to certain kinds of careers. Many
job seekers have interests in more than one category. This helps them, because
they have a larger list of work-related skills.

The first category is for people who have an interest in doing things. These
people like to work with their hands, use tools and be physically active. They like
to move around a lot.
Some jobs that might be good for this people include working in a restaurants,
construction or farming.

The second type of interest is related to thinking.

These people liked work independently. They like analyzing information, solving
puzzles and figuring out problems. Some jobs that would be very good for these
people are in a lab research or accounting.

The third type of interest is related to creating.

People who like to come up with new ideas and like fewer rules are called
creative. Some jobs that are good for them include graphic design, fashion design,
or maybe even performing arts, actors or musicians.

The fourth kind of interest is related to helping.

These people like to work with people. They enjoy working in teams and
organizing.
Some jobs that are best for them include teaching or healthcare jobs like doctors
or nurses.

The fifth area of interest is persuading.

People who like persuading like to talk to others and sell products or ideas. Some
jobs that are very persuasive include sales and marketing and also business
management.

The sixth kind of interest is organizing.

People who enjoy organizing like to make sure a project is clear. They like
schedules and rules. Jobs that are good for people who like organizing include
business administrations, management, and also research.
It's important to remember when you're choosing a job that's best for you, you
should think about your interests and skills. And then, find the best job to match.
Many different types of jobs use similar skills. For example, a person who likes to
help others and likes to be active might want to be a teacher, a doctor, or a tour
guide. These jobs are very different, but use similar skills.
To summarize, we learned about six types of interests and job related skills that
match those interests.
We also learned about some of the best jobs to match those interests and skills.
Now, you'll move on to the next step in the job search process to create your own
professional profile
BASIC: Set SMART goals to get ahead in your career

• Making a career goal is about deciding where you want to go in your

career. First, figure out the smaller steps needed to reach that goal.
Think about where you would like to be in one year. Then, think about
where you would like to be in five years. What experiences will help
you get there? What interests and skills would you like to use?

• Here are some examples of common career goals:

1. Increase Professional Knowledge and Training

Learning new things is a common goal for many people. Those who are
looking for work want to make sure they have the right skills. People
who have a job can use new skills to grow in their role. One way to
increase your knowledge is to take a college class. You can also think
about attending workshops offered on the job. Earning a new
certification is another idea.

2. Increase Salary

Being underpaid can make people less interested in their work. Taking
steps to earn more money can make you more excited about your job.
Wanting to earn more can also motivate you to find a new job. With
this goal in mind, you might feel more excited about the job search.

3. Improve A Difficult Process or Relationship

Are you dealing with a difficult situation at work? Make changes to

improve it. Improving a process or relationship that is frustrating you
will make your work experience happier. This goal can lead to a more
rewarding work life.
4. Have New Experiences

Trying something new can mean volunteering in your town or at work.

It can also mean joining a professional group to meet people in your
field. Another idea is to introduce yourself to people you see often, but
have never met. A new experience can help spark your interest in your
job. It can also lead to new opportunities.

5. Be A Leader

Many people want to be a leader in their career. Figure out the steps
you need to take to qualify for a leadership position. Determining
these steps will help make it possible.

How To Set Goals ?

To help you write goals that will work, try the SMART system. Each
letter in the word "smart" represents an important part of your goal.

Specific — Have a specific, clear focus. For example, “make 10 job

search calls” is very specific. “Make some networking connections” is
not specific.

Measurable — Make sure you have a way to measure your progress.

Ask yourself the following questions about your goal: How much? How
many? How will I know when it is accomplished? Try questions that
focus on something that can be counted. For example, your goal might
include how much time you want to spend on a project, how much
money you want to make, or how many people you want to connect
with.

Attainable — Goals should be attainable, or possible to reach. A goal is

attainable when the steps are planned clearly and you have enough
time to complete them. How do you plan to reach your goal? What
steps should you take? Is the goal realistic based on where you are
now? You should set a goal that is a challenge. However, your goal
should not be impossible.

Relevant — A relevant goal is one that really matters to you and is

important. Is it worth the energy? Is this the right time? Does your
career goal fit into your life goals and future plans? Is there anything
you will need to reach your goal that you don't currently have?

Timely — A goal should have a clear timeline. This will help keep you
focused. Decide when do you want to start working on your goal. Then
ask yourself: When should I complete each step?

Here are a few tips for reaching your SMART goal:

Make A List
Write down your goal. Then write down the steps you will take to get
there. This will help you to remember and accomplish each step. Put
your list where you will see it.

Set Deadlines
Give yourself a date to complete your goals. Set a deadline for each
step. Write down the date when you finish each step.

Reward Yourself
Working toward goals is hard. Think of small rewards to give yourself
when you complete each step. The rewards will help you stay
motivated.

Have A Goal Partner

Find someone to help you. The person can be a friend, co-worker, job
coach or anyone else. Discuss your goals together, and meet up when
you complete each step. If possible, do the same for your partner
Understanding Job Descriptions: Reading a Job Advertisement

we're going to look at job descriptions.

We will find out where to look for them. And what are some of the important
parts we should look for when reading them?
When you begin looking for a job, you're probably going to search for jobs in job
advertisements. You will usually find these advertisements in newspapers and on
Internet job sites.
So we will take a closer look at an example of this kind of advertisement and
decide what you should look for when reading it.
When you begin your job search, you might first look for jobs in a local newspaper
where you live.
In the United States, many newspapers are now online and you can find many
jobs there.
There are also websites that focus only on jobs like in the US, Monster.com. Also,
many larger companies have information on their websites about job openings, so
you can go directly to the website of the company where you'd like to work.
You will probably start by looking in one, some or all of these places for a job.
It is normal to try and narrow your job search to the field or area where you want
to work or where you have training. For example, school teacher, or office
receptionist, or truck driver, or nurse.
This way, you can match yourself with jobs that you are more likely prepared for
and, therefore, you will have a better chance at getting an interview.

So when searching through job advertisements, look for job titles related to your
area of training, experience or interest. So now let's look at some of the parts of
the job advertisement. Say I am interested in helping people and I am organized
person.
I want to work in an office environment with other people.
I find this job advertisement for a client services coordinator, and I wonder, am I
qualified to apply for it? Qualified means having the minimum requirements to do
a job.
For example, in one job this might mean you need to have a university degree, in
another job it might mean you have to have a license or a certification in a
particular area like driving a truck or being a nurse.
How do you know what qualification are needed? Well the advertisement should
clearly say this, it may say qualifications or requirements.
Let's look at this ad and see what qualifications are required. Can you see where
the qualifications are? That's right, under the title Requirements there is a list of
six things.

Number one is a qualification.

Number two is work experience.
Numbers three through six are skills, things that you are able to do like typing,
good communication, and being organized.

The next question I should ask is, what duties or responsibilities will I have to
perform in this job?
Duties and responsibilities are tasks that I do regularly in a job.

Can you see what these are in this job advertisement?

Let's take a look again and see.
In this job the responsibilities are listed in the opening paragraph. They include
greeting clients, answering telephones, performing other clerical functions.
The word clerical means relating to working in an office.
If this job still seems like one I can do because I'm qualified, and I can perform the
duties and responsibilities well, then what do I need to do to apply for the job?
Apply mean to put yourself forward formally for job.

Let's take one final look at a job advertisement and look for this information.
Can you find it?

That's right, at the bottom it says, fax or e-mail your resume to Pablo Cavero. And
it gives his fax number and e-mail address. So, if I want to apply for this position, I
will send him my resume along with a cover letter. In units two and three we'll
help you prepare these two important things.

So in this video we've talked about where you can find a job advertisement. What
are the most important parts of a job advertisement and how can we apply for a
job we are interested and qualified for?