Unit 5
Professional & Skills Development
The big cheese is the big boss! There are “Big Cheese” questions throughout the curriculum. A Big Cheese is chosen for each unit. The person who is assigned this role will be asked to think from the perspective of a business owner or manager, and will be asked to give their opinion on the scenario. Things to consider may include costs, staffing, morale, efficiency, production, customers, etc.
The big cheese is the big boss! There are “Big Cheese” questions throughout the curriculum. A Big Cheese is chosen for each unit. The person who is assigned this role will be asked to think from the perspective of a business owner or manager, and will be asked to give their opinion on the scenario. Things to consider may include costs, staffing, morale, efficiency, production, customers, etc.
Unit 5 - Professional and Skills Development
Unit 5 - Professional and Skills Development
In this unit, you will learn about:
In this unit, you will learn about:
1. Adapting to (and Embracing) Changes at Work
1. Adapting to (and Embracing) Changes at Work
2. Keeping Up to Date on Technology and New Skills
2. Keeping Up to Date on Technology and New Skills
3. Ways to Improve Work Performance, Compete and Grow
3. Ways to Improve Work Performance, Compete and Grow
4. Setting and Achieving Goals (SMART Goals)
4. Setting and Achieving Goals (SMART Goals)
5. Marketing Yourself
5. Marketing Yourself
6. Final Activity
6. Final Activity
Part 1 - Adapting to Changes at Work
Part 1 - Adapting to Changes at Work
Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.
Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.
--George Bernard Shaw
--George Bernard Shaw
When have you ever had to quickly adjust to a change at work? How did this change affect you and your job?
When have you ever had to quickly adjust to a change at work? How did this change affect you and your job?
Key Lesson
Key Lesson
Every company goes through changes regularly. It’s a fact of life. Some are good at handling changes because of strong management and good
Every company goes through changes regularly. It’s a fact of life. Some are good at handling changes because of strong management and good
- planning
- training
- resources
- staff morale
However, not every company is so lucky! Companies need employees who are adaptable and ready to help them with any changes that come up. The employees who can’t do that
However, not every company is so lucky! Companies need employees who are adaptable and ready to help them with any changes that come up. The employees who can’t do that
- slow them down
- lower staff morale
- cost money
Who wants someone around who can’t adapt well and learn new things?
Who wants someone around who can’t adapt well and learn new things?
There will always be issues or challenges that can only be fixed by making changes or finding a new way of doing things. It is up to you to be adaptable and go with the flow.
There will always be issues or challenges that can only be fixed by making changes or finding a new way of doing things. It is up to you to be adaptable and go with the flow.
Adapting to Change in Everyday Life
Adapting to Change in Everyday Life
Instructions
Instructions
1. On your own, write down a few examples of change - or times when you need to adapt - in each of the areas of your personal life listed below.
2. Choose from your life experience, or from other things you have seen or heard of.
3. Take them up with the group.
1. On your own, write down a few examples of change - or times when you need to adapt - in each of the areas of your personal life listed below.
2. Choose from your life experience, or from other things you have seen or heard of.
3. Take them up with the group.
a. Home and relationships (new home, renovations, break-ups, elderly parents etc.
a. Home and relationships (new home, renovations, break-ups, elderly parents etc.
b. Kids (less sleep, moody teenagers, etc.)
b. Kids (less sleep, moody teenagers, etc.)
c. Food and health (diets, injury, medication, etc.)
c. Food and health (diets, injury, medication, etc.)
d. Transportation (bus schedules, car repairs, driving laws, etc.)
d. Transportation (bus schedules, car repairs, driving laws, etc.)
e. Technology (computers, cell phones, etc.)
e. Technology (computers, cell phones, etc.)
As you can see, we change and adapt every day!
How do these changes make you feel? Do we ever get to say “No. I refuse to change”?
As you can see, we change and adapt every day!
How do these changes make you feel? Do we ever get to say “No. I refuse to change”?
Responding Negatively to Change
Responding Negatively to Change
What is a current example of a workplace change that some people may be unhappy about?
What is a current example of a workplace change that some people may be unhappy about?
Responding Negatively to Change
Responding Negatively to Change
When people can’t see the benefits of a change, or if it’s happening too fast, they’re more likely to resist it. We all have heard someone say, “I liked it better when…” or “This is never going to work”. That type of thinking only makes things worse.
When people can’t see the benefits of a change, or if it’s happening too fast, they’re more likely to resist it. We all have heard someone say, “I liked it better when…” or “This is never going to work”. That type of thinking only makes things worse.
The following are common emotions people have when dealing with change. Using the white board, add one statement or reaction (from a work setting) that would show or express each of the following emotions.
The following are common emotions people have when dealing with change. Using the white board, add one statement or reaction (from a work setting) that would show or express each of the following emotions.
- Anger or hostility: “NO WAY! Forget it! I refuse to move my desk beside that noisy machine!”
- Sadness :
- Fear:
- Frustration:
- Anxiety:
- Confusion:
- Suspicion:
- Indifference:
You have an employee who will not stop whining about the new paperwork. He complains every day that it takes longer than before. He sometimes asks other people to do the work for him. You have asked him twice to be more positive and make it work. However, there is no improvement. He had the same training as everyone else. What is your next move? Do you fire him?
You have an employee who will not stop whining about the new paperwork. He complains every day that it takes longer than before. He sometimes asks other people to do the work for him. You have asked him twice to be more positive and make it work. However, there is no improvement. He had the same training as everyone else. What is your next move? Do you fire him?
Read and Share: Understanding the Employer’s Perspective
Read and Share: Understanding the Employer’s Perspective
The following is a list of issues that companies face all the time. Some are positive and some are negative. All of them mean that the workplace needs to change and adapt. Give examples if you have had to deal with any of these:
The following is a list of issues that companies face all the time. Some are positive and some are negative. All of them mean that the workplace needs to change and adapt. Give examples if you have had to deal with any of these:
1. Technological changes and updates – equipment, computers, cell phones, etc.
1. Technological changes and updates – equipment, computers, cell phones, etc.
2. Increased competition for cheaper/faster/better systems from around the world.
2. Increased competition for cheaper/faster/better systems from around the world.
3. The need to be more environmentally friendly.
3. The need to be more environmentally friendly.
4. Having to join, separate or downsize different departments or operations.
4. Having to join, separate or downsize different departments or operations.
5. Lower or higher profits than expected.
5. Lower or higher profits than expected.
6. Staff changes - including hiring/firing, promotions, maternity, parental and sick leave.
6. Staff changes - including hiring/firing, promotions, maternity, parental and sick leave.
7. Increased diversity in the workplace.
7. Increased diversity in the workplace.
8. The need to cut back on spending.
8. The need to cut back on spending.
9. The demand for new training and higher skill levels in the workplace.
9. The demand for new training and higher skill levels in the workplace.
10. The demand to meet health, safety and security regulations.
10. The demand to meet health, safety and security regulations.
11. Other? Please list __________________________________________________
11. Other? Please list __________________________________________________
Key Lesson
Key Lesson
When a change happens at work, you want to have
When a change happens at work, you want to have
- clear information
- good leadership
- support
You don’t always get what you need to handle change. When you face the unknown, it’s normal to lose confidence or be unsure of what lies ahead. Your job is to remain professional, positive and in control of your emotions at work. Be resilient!
You don’t always get what you need to handle change. When you face the unknown, it’s normal to lose confidence or be unsure of what lies ahead. Your job is to remain professional, positive and in control of your emotions at work. Be resilient!
Watch the video: How to Deal With Change at Work - 3 Steps to Success
Watch the video: How to Deal With Change at Work - 3 Steps to Success
by Bob Miglani (3:47)
by Bob Miglani (3:47)
1. What advice did you agree with?
1. What advice did you agree with?
2. What will you do differently now?
2. What will you do differently now?
Your Experiences with Change at Work - (20 minutes)
Your Experiences with Change at Work - (20 minutes)
1. As a group, share the many experiences you have had in the workplace - with something new or different.
1. As a group, share the many experiences you have had in the workplace - with something new or different.
2. List them on the white board.
2. List them on the white board.
3. Put a happy face or sad face beside each one to show how you felt about it.
3. Put a happy face or sad face beside each one to show how you felt about it.
4. Discuss 3 or 4 negative responses - why that was the case?
4. Discuss 3 or 4 negative responses - why that was the case?
1. Know that it’s ok to have personal feelings about the change.
1. Know that it’s ok to have personal feelings about the change.
Maybe you are
Maybe you are
- being moved away from your best work buddy
- afraid of the new manager who has a reputation for being mean
- slow to learn technology and don’t want to be embarrassed if others find out
It’s normal to feel upset or worried, but things will get better! Hold your head up and don’t let these feelings drag you down or hold you back.
It’s normal to feel upset or worried, but things will get better! Hold your head up and don’t let these feelings drag you down or hold you back.
2. Look for the positives.
2. Look for the positives.
Look for opportunities with the new change! Employers don’t want to bother with a big change unless they feel it’s important. Your negative energy will get in the way of a smooth transition, and it will affect the opinion others have of you. Stay positive and be a good example.
Look for opportunities with the new change! Employers don’t want to bother with a big change unless they feel it’s important. Your negative energy will get in the way of a smooth transition, and it will affect the opinion others have of you. Stay positive and be a good example.
3. Get a head start.
3. Get a head start.
People choose to accept change or choose to resist it. Either way, the change will happen. Get behind the change sooner than later, and you will be noticed and remembered. Unfortunately, so will those who are moaning and complaining about it.
People choose to accept change or choose to resist it. Either way, the change will happen. Get behind the change sooner than later, and you will be noticed and remembered. Unfortunately, so will those who are moaning and complaining about it.
4. Learn about the change.
4. Learn about the change.
Do some research. Ask if others have been through something like this before. Ask for their advice. Tell your bosses what you need to learn in order to make the change a success. Take the initiative to learn. You’ll end up being the “go to” person, making you a very valued employee. You can get the chance to show off your skills to others.
Do some research. Ask if others have been through something like this before. Ask for their advice. Tell your bosses what you need to learn in order to make the change a success. Take the initiative to learn. You’ll end up being the “go to” person, making you a very valued employee. You can get the chance to show off your skills to others.
5. Work with your co-workers and teammates.
5. Work with your co-workers and teammates.
Agree that it may be challenging for a while. Recognize that some people have a harder time with doing things differently. You don’t have to jump for joy every time there is a change, but bringing everyone else down only makes it worse.
Agree that it may be challenging for a while. Recognize that some people have a harder time with doing things differently. You don’t have to jump for joy every time there is a change, but bringing everyone else down only makes it worse.
Part 2 - Keeping Up to Date on Technology and New Skills
Part 2 - Keeping Up to Date on Technology and New Skills
Key Lesson
Key Lesson
Jobs are constantly changing and evolving. You need to grow and learn new things. This isn’t just to better yourself, but to be a more valued employee. Have you ever had a really boring or easy job? Did you find the hours ticking by too slowly, and when you finally go home, you don’t have that rewarding feeling of a job well done? For many people, the ideal job involves doing interesting work, and building skills - while earning a good wage and enjoying the workday.
Jobs are constantly changing and evolving. You need to grow and learn new things. This isn’t just to better yourself, but to be a more valued employee. Have you ever had a really boring or easy job? Did you find the hours ticking by too slowly, and when you finally go home, you don’t have that rewarding feeling of a job well done? For many people, the ideal job involves doing interesting work, and building skills - while earning a good wage and enjoying the workday.
Employers are not investing time or money in staff training like they did in the past. Many feel it’s up to the employee or the government. Who do you feel is responsible for training staff and keeping up to date with changes and technology?
Employers are not investing time or money in staff training like they did in the past. Many feel it’s up to the employee or the government. Who do you feel is responsible for training staff and keeping up to date with changes and technology?
What steps you have taken to improve your skills or performance at work or home. What was the result?
What steps you have taken to improve your skills or performance at work or home. What was the result?
Key Lesson
Key Lesson
Learning should not be seen as a cost or hassle, but as an investment which has strong economic and personal value.
Learning should not be seen as a cost or hassle, but as an investment which has strong economic and personal value.
Training Overview
Training Overview
(15 minutes) Using the white board, list any training that you may have received in the last ten years. Put a check mark or happy face next to any training that to get a job, a raise, or that had any other positive effect. Discuss why.
(15 minutes) Using the white board, list any training that you may have received in the last ten years. Put a check mark or happy face next to any training that to get a job, a raise, or that had any other positive effect. Discuss why.
The Importance of Training for Everyone
The Importance of Training for Everyone
Whatever you are planning for your future, there are so many benefits to personal and professional development. Here’s why:
Whatever you are planning for your future, there are so many benefits to personal and professional development. Here’s why:
a. You’re never too old to learn something new. New skills and knowledge improve confidence!
a. You’re never too old to learn something new. New skills and knowledge improve confidence!
b. Workplace needs are always changing – especially around technology and the environment. Don’t be a dinosaur and fall behind
b. Workplace needs are always changing – especially around technology and the environment. Don’t be a dinosaur and fall behind
c. Companies sometimes have to lay off staff or close their doors – without any warning! Be ready with solid skills that transfer over to a new job.
c. Companies sometimes have to lay off staff or close their doors – without any warning! Be ready with solid skills that transfer over to a new job.
d. Most people rely on their jobs to earn a living. It only makes sense to find out what kind of training could improve skills to make even more money!
d. Most people rely on their jobs to earn a living. It only makes sense to find out what kind of training could improve skills to make even more money!
e. Be in demand. Get the skills that are needed now, and in the future. Don’t hang on to the past. Keep moving forward and step out of comfort zones.
e. Be in demand. Get the skills that are needed now, and in the future. Don’t hang on to the past. Keep moving forward and step out of comfort zones.
f. Relying only on your good attendance or positive attitude to get a raise or a promotion isn’t as easy as it once was. People need to have more to offer employers.
f. Relying only on your good attendance or positive attitude to get a raise or a promotion isn’t as easy as it once was. People need to have more to offer employers.
Write down anything from the list that you think is important for you personally.
Write down anything from the list that you think is important for you personally.
What are the benefits to continuous learning?
What are the benefits to continuous learning?
a. Potential for earning more money!
a. Potential for earning more money!
b. Improved performance - the more you learn about something, the better you will be at it.
b. Improved performance - the more you learn about something, the better you will be at it.
c. Increased value to your employer - the more you know and can do, the more you can contribute to the success of your organization.
c. Increased value to your employer - the more you know and can do, the more you can contribute to the success of your organization.
d. More career flexibility - it will be easier for you to move in new directions when you want to or need to – either in or outside your current company or town.
d. More career flexibility - it will be easier for you to move in new directions when you want to or need to – either in or outside your current company or town.
e. Better able to compete for jobs.
e. Better able to compete for jobs.
f. Higher self-esteem and motivation – learning makes you feel better about yourself. g. More creativity.
f. Higher self-esteem and motivation – learning makes you feel better about yourself. g. More creativity.
What are some things that get in the way of learning something new, or taking a course or training? Discuss as a group.
What are some things that get in the way of learning something new, or taking a course or training? Discuss as a group.
What if you can’t afford to pay for training?
What if you can’t afford to pay for training?
There are many ways to learn new things and improve on skills without formal training or courses.
There are many ways to learn new things and improve on skills without formal training or courses.
1. Set weekly goals for yourself so that you can keep on top of developments and trends in your field and help you know what's going on in the industry. Use the Internet, friends and libraries!
1. Set weekly goals for yourself so that you can keep on top of developments and trends in your field and help you know what's going on in the industry. Use the Internet, friends and libraries!
2. Sign up for any free job search or workplace training. This includes online training.
2. Sign up for any free job search or workplace training. This includes online training.
3. Say YES to everything!
3. Say YES to everything!
Part 3 - Ways to Improve Work Performance, Compete and Grow
Part 3 - Ways to Improve Work Performance, Compete and Grow
Improving skills while at work
Improving skills while at work
There are many ways that employees can gain new skills on the job. Sometimes it’s a more formal arrangement. Other times it’s just a casual chance to learn or do something new. Some ways to gain skills on the job include
There are many ways that employees can gain new skills on the job. Sometimes it’s a more formal arrangement. Other times it’s just a casual chance to learn or do something new. Some ways to gain skills on the job include
- coaching on-site by supervisors or co-workers
- training on different work stations or equipment
- taking turns with different work assignments
- joining committees and signing up for special projects
- mentoring or internships
You have an office supervisor who has been with your company for 10 years. They have fallen behind on
You have an office supervisor who has been with your company for 10 years. They have fallen behind on
- computer software knowledge
- website management
- social media
Using technology is very important to your daily business. Do you pay to get them trained and hope they can do the job, or hire someone new who has the expertise you need?
Using technology is very important to your daily business. Do you pay to get them trained and hope they can do the job, or hire someone new who has the expertise you need?
Continuous Learning Activity
Continuous Learning Activity
Instructions
Instructions
1. Read each situation below
2. Use the Internet or have the group brainstorm to find out what type of training or skill development could help.
1. Read each situation below
2. Use the Internet or have the group brainstorm to find out what type of training or skill development could help.
It’s all about you!
It’s all about you!
Take a few minutes to reflect on your personal career goals. On a piece of paper, make a chart similar to the one below and fill in the boxes.
Take a few minutes to reflect on your personal career goals. On a piece of paper, make a chart similar to the one below and fill in the boxes.
Part 4 - Setting and Achieving Goals
Part 4 - Setting and Achieving Goals
Key Lesson
Key Lesson
Everyone needs to have personal and career goals. It’s unlikely you’ll be at the same job until you retire. It’s unlikely that everything in your life is perfect now and nothing needs to be improved.
Everyone needs to have personal and career goals. It’s unlikely you’ll be at the same job until you retire. It’s unlikely that everything in your life is perfect now and nothing needs to be improved.
If you just put in your minimum hours every week, and do only the basics, you aren’t advancing yourselves or the company. You need goals. They can be simple, such as “Get desk/work station organized”. They can be complicated, such as “Receive big bonus – by producing or selling more than anyone else”. Either way, reaching that goal is very rewarding. It shows yourself, and your co-workers that you are someone who does what you set out to do!
If you just put in your minimum hours every week, and do only the basics, you aren’t advancing yourselves or the company. You need goals. They can be simple, such as “Get desk/work station organized”. They can be complicated, such as “Receive big bonus – by producing or selling more than anyone else”. Either way, reaching that goal is very rewarding. It shows yourself, and your co-workers that you are someone who does what you set out to do!
SMART Goals
SMART Goals
Specific
Specific
Does your goal clearly state what you are trying to achieve?
Does your goal clearly state what you are trying to achieve?
If your goal is too complicated or large, break it down into smaller, specific goals (e.g. Instead of saying “Save money”, break it down into “Save ___ dollars for credit card payment” or “Save ___ dollars for down payment on ___”
If your goal is too complicated or large, break it down into smaller, specific goals (e.g. Instead of saying “Save money”, break it down into “Save ___ dollars for credit card payment” or “Save ___ dollars for down payment on ___”
Measurable
Measurable
How will you (and others) know if progress is being made? Can you count items, money or time to reach your outcome? (e.g. I will make my coffee at home instead of going to coffee shops, and save $14.50 each week)
How will you (and others) know if progress is being made? Can you count items, money or time to reach your outcome? (e.g. I will make my coffee at home instead of going to coffee shops, and save $14.50 each week)
Attainable
Attainable
Can this really happen? Do you have all the information, and know what steps are involved? Are there lots of barriers in the way? Do you have to rely on anyone else (or luck, weather, or other unknowns?)
Can this really happen? Do you have all the information, and know what steps are involved? Are there lots of barriers in the way? Do you have to rely on anyone else (or luck, weather, or other unknowns?)
Realistic
Realistic
Are you willing and able to reach this goal? Do you have the skills and resources? For example, if you wanted to become a newspaper editor, but have trouble meeting deadlines, then that is not a realistic goal.
Are you willing and able to reach this goal? Do you have the skills and resources? For example, if you wanted to become a newspaper editor, but have trouble meeting deadlines, then that is not a realistic goal.
Timely
Timely
When will you start the steps towards your goal, and when will you reach it? You need to set deadlines that are not too far away. If there is no time frame, you won’t feel the urgency to achieve it and may lose interest.
When will you start the steps towards your goal, and when will you reach it? You need to set deadlines that are not too far away. If there is no time frame, you won’t feel the urgency to achieve it and may lose interest.
SMART Goal Setting Tips
SMART Goal Setting Tips
1. Make your goals a power statement, not wishes.
1. Make your goals a power statement, not wishes.
Don’t say, "I should apply to 3 jobs a day" because it lacks force.
Don’t say, "I should apply to 3 jobs a day" because it lacks force.
Say, "I will apply to 3 jobs every week day”. Be brief and stay positive.
Say, "I will apply to 3 jobs every week day”. Be brief and stay positive.
2. Share your goals with someone who cares if you reach them. Sharing with those you are close to encourages you to keep trying. They can offer advice or support, and you won’t want to let yourself down, or them.
2. Share your goals with someone who cares if you reach them. Sharing with those you are close to encourages you to keep trying. They can offer advice or support, and you won’t want to let yourself down, or them.
3. Write down your goals and put them where you will see them. The more often you read your list, the more results you get.
3. Write down your goals and put them where you will see them. The more often you read your list, the more results you get.
4. It’s ok to review and revise your goals. A sudden illness might delay your
4. It’s ok to review and revise your goals. A sudden illness might delay your
Watch the video: SMART Goals Video
Watch the video: SMART Goals Video
by Jason Kurylo. (7:09) Note: They substitute “Active” for “Achievable”– but it still works!
by Jason Kurylo. (7:09) Note: They substitute “Active” for “Achievable”– but it still works!
Do you agree that setting goals at work
Do you agree that setting goals at work
- gives you motivation, which helps you perform better
- shows your team and management that you are committed to your job
- keeps you on track to achieve success in your career
- gives you the control – you aren’t sitting and waiting to see what might happen
- other ideas?
SMART Goals Worksheet
SMART Goals Worksheet
Use 1 of the goals listed below – for job seeking or at work. Pick 1 from each column. Make sure it’s meaningful to you, and that you would like to work on!
Use 1 of the goals listed below – for job seeking or at work. Pick 1 from each column. Make sure it’s meaningful to you, and that you would like to work on!
On a piece of paper answer the following:
On a piece of paper answer the following:
Today’s date ____________________ Deadline to achieve goal ____________________
Today’s date ____________________ Deadline to achieve goal ____________________
Specific: In one sentence, state exactly what your goal is.
Specific: In one sentence, state exactly what your goal is.
I will…
I will…
Measureable: How and what can you measure to know if you are making progress?
Measureable: How and what can you measure to know if you are making progress?
Attainable: What makes it possible? How is it manageable?
Attainable: What makes it possible? How is it manageable?
Realistic: What makes this a sensible goal? Are there very many big obstacles in your way?
Realistic: What makes this a sensible goal? Are there very many big obstacles in your way?
Timely: List the date you will achieve this goal. List any smaller steps - with dates attached.
Timely: List the date you will achieve this goal. List any smaller steps - with dates attached.
What are the benefits of achieving this goal? List some obstacles or problems that might get in the way, and how you can deal with them.
What are the benefits of achieving this goal? List some obstacles or problems that might get in the way, and how you can deal with them.
Summary
Summary
No matter how old you are, how much experience you have, or how long you have been at the same job, you should be willing and motivated to learn a new skill or technique.
No matter how old you are, how much experience you have, or how long you have been at the same job, you should be willing and motivated to learn a new skill or technique.
Part 5 - Marketing Yourself
Part 5 - Marketing Yourself
Personal Branding – Develop Your Own “Elevator Speech”
Personal Branding – Develop Your Own “Elevator Speech”
A personal brand is an important tool for today’s job seeker. You may also hear terms used like
A personal brand is an important tool for today’s job seeker. You may also hear terms used like
- Elevator Pitch
- Personal Brand Statement
- Personal Value Proposition (PVP)
Creating a clear positive pitch can help you when seeking a new job or a promotion. It is also helpful if you are promoting your company or products to others.
Creating a clear positive pitch can help you when seeking a new job or a promotion. It is also helpful if you are promoting your company or products to others.
A pitch will help you be prepared to tell others what your skills are. You don’t want to be caught off-guard with an answer like “Well, uh, I can do just about anything. I used to work for Meg’s MegaStore”. No one will know what your skills are, and how they can help you.
A pitch will help you be prepared to tell others what your skills are. You don’t want to be caught off-guard with an answer like “Well, uh, I can do just about anything. I used to work for Meg’s MegaStore”. No one will know what your skills are, and how they can help you.
Take these steps and see your confidence increase.
Take these steps and see your confidence increase.
1. Define your skills.
1. Define your skills.
2. Write them down on paper.
2. Write them down on paper.
3. Practice stating your skills.
3. Practice stating your skills.
An elevator pitch or PVP is short enough to be delivered in the time it takes to ride up or down an elevator. About 30 seconds. It is essential for networking – either formally (job fairs, potential employers, etc.) or casually (soccer game, bank line, etc.).
An elevator pitch or PVP is short enough to be delivered in the time it takes to ride up or down an elevator. About 30 seconds. It is essential for networking – either formally (job fairs, potential employers, etc.) or casually (soccer game, bank line, etc.).
A good pitch takes planning and practice to deliver it on the spot, and under pressure.
A good pitch takes planning and practice to deliver it on the spot, and under pressure.
A good pitch will share
A good pitch will share
a. Who you are. What you do. Why you’d be a perfect candidate - your true strengths.
a. Who you are. What you do. Why you’d be a perfect candidate - your true strengths.
b. What you are most passionate about.
b. What you are most passionate about.
c. Your skills or benefits to an employer – clearly state your unique strengths and attributes. Include some of the many soft skills you have explored during this course.
c. Your skills or benefits to an employer – clearly state your unique strengths and attributes. Include some of the many soft skills you have explored during this course.
d. A goal (or ask). For example: “Can we set up a meeting?” “Can I send you my resume?”
d. A goal (or ask). For example: “Can we set up a meeting?” “Can I send you my resume?”
Try one of these templates.
Try one of these templates.
1. I’m an experienced ________________ with a passion for ___________________. During my time as a _________________ at ______________________ company, I was able to ______________________. I bring to a future employer __________________________ (skills/qualities). I’m currently seeking opportunities where I can add value by doing _____________________. I would love to book a time we can chat further.
1. I’m an experienced ________________ with a passion for ___________________. During my time as a _________________ at ______________________ company, I was able to ______________________. I bring to a future employer __________________________ (skills/qualities). I’m currently seeking opportunities where I can add value by doing _____________________. I would love to book a time we can chat further.
2. My core skill sets are ____________________. I am very ____________________ and I’ve always been exceptionally passionate about __________________. I have a strong track record for _____________________. I’m looking to do _______________________ because I feel _________________________. Can I forward you a copy of my resume?
2. My core skill sets are ____________________. I am very ____________________ and I’ve always been exceptionally passionate about __________________. I have a strong track record for _____________________. I’m looking to do _______________________ because I feel _________________________. Can I forward you a copy of my resume?
Remember, your pitch or personal value proposition has to get and keep their interest! Use strong, interesting words – avoid dull or commonly used expressions. Be impactful!
Remember, your pitch or personal value proposition has to get and keep their interest! Use strong, interesting words – avoid dull or commonly used expressions. Be impactful!
I see on your resume that you took the Soft Skills Solutions© program. What did you learn and why is this program useful?
I see on your resume that you took the Soft Skills Solutions© program. What did you learn and why is this program useful?
Chris Hadfield - How you can achieve your goals (2:22)
Chris Hadfield - How you can achieve your goals (2:22)
From Canadian Space Agency
From Canadian Space Agency
Complete the last Final Activity and then -
Complete the last Final Activity and then -
It is time to register and be recognized, as having completed the Soft Skills Solutions© program.
It is time to register and be recognized, as having completed the Soft Skills Solutions© program.
Thank you for being part of Soft Skills Solutions©. Well done! You are now ready to wow employers and compete at a higher level!
Thank you for being part of Soft Skills Solutions©. Well done! You are now ready to wow employers and compete at a higher level!
Your facilitator will register you on the Soft Skills Solutions© Database and email you a certificate of completion
Your facilitator will register you on the Soft Skills Solutions© Database and email you a certificate of completion
You should keep a copy of your certificate in your portfolio. Talk to potential employers about what you learned at this program, and why you are a strong candidate.
You should keep a copy of your certificate in your portfolio. Talk to potential employers about what you learned at this program, and why you are a strong candidate.
Don’t forget to update your resume!
Don’t forget to update your resume!
On Your Resume: (You may copy and paste this text for your resume)
On Your Resume: (You may copy and paste this text for your resume)
Soft Skills Solutions© Training Certificate - This program was developed by the Simcoe Muskoka Workforce Development Board to demonstrate to participants the skills that employers are looking for. Topics covered Communications, Teamwork, Personal Management, Problem Solving and Critical Thinking, and Professional and Skills Development.
Soft Skills Solutions© Training Certificate - This program was developed by the Simcoe Muskoka Workforce Development Board to demonstrate to participants the skills that employers are looking for. Topics covered Communications, Teamwork, Personal Management, Problem Solving and Critical Thinking, and Professional and Skills Development.