TRANSFER YOUR SKILLS AND WORK HABITS TO A JOB

Ontario

Skills-

 Passport

Skills and Work Habits for the Workplace

   Name:  SAMPLE

   NOC Code:    6421      Occupation:   Retail Sales Associates

WHAT THE JOB/OCCUPATION REQUIRES

The skills and work habits you selected are listed below.

“Level 1” tasks are the least complex and “level 4/5” tasks are the most complex.

MY SKILLS AND WORK HABITS
Give an example of what you have done that would show you have used this skill or work habit at home, in school, in the community or in workplace experiences. These examples will help you communicate your strengths and abilities in your résumé, cover letter and during an interview. Remember to include any information from your OSP Work Plans.

NEXT STEPS
Ideas for how you can further develop these skills or work habits through education, training or work experience. Next steps could also include updating your résumé, creating a cover letter or preparing for an interview. 

Decision Making

The making of any type of decision, using appropriate information.

- decide what percentage discount to offer on a damaged product. (level 1)

- decide whether to accept returns or make exchanges. (level 2)

 - decide how to adapt a display planogram to the unique circumstances of the store. (level 3)

 At school, I often had to decide which assignments to complete first.  I had a good record of handing assignments in on time.

At the restaurant, I had to decide which tables to clean first and which cleaning tasks were the priorities. 

-ask my teacher for help finding a person who works in retail so I can find out more about working in this type of work (this is called an “information interview”)

- find out about “planograms” and how to do displays

- decide on my job search priorities (updating my résumé by the end of the week is important)

- I could call the store or do an Internet search to learn about the company policies so that I could understand the decision-making process for returned items, etc.

Money Math

The use of mathematical skills in making financial transactions, such as handling cash, preparing bills, and making payments.

 - calculate discounts, taxes and currency exchange. (level 2)

 - handle cash, credit card and debit card transactions and provide change. (level 1)

I sold tickets for a fundraising event and I was responsible for handling the cash sales and preparing the receipts. I was careful to check the change.

-talk to a family member or friend about how they handle household expenses

-an information interview with an accountant in my area may also be interesting and helpful

-find a cooperative education placement where I could get experience operating a cash register

Oral Communication

The use of speech for a variety of purposes.

 - communicate with store owners or supervisors to discuss inventory and sales, and to explore how store procedures may be improved. (level 2)

 - reassure customers about the suitability of the purchases they have made and of the ease of accessing post-sales service. (level 2)

 - negotiate with co-workers to resolve misunderstandings about territory or the sharing of responsibilities. (level 3)

 - interact with suppliers or manufacturers to seek clarification on the characteristics of products or to verify their availability. (level 1)

 - greet customers and make general conversation to make them feel comfortable in the store. (level 1)

 - interact with customers to explain the features of products, respond to customer inquiries and to persuade them to make a purchase. (level 2)

 - communicate with store/mall security personnel or with police officers to provide information on loss. (level 2)

I have done many presentations at school and I have been told that I present information clearly.  I think that these experiences will help me communicate effectively with your customers.

I recently completed a cooperative education placement at a newspaper where I talked to clients over the phone and provided them with information.  I was often the first person they spoke with so I had to make a good impression.

Also, as a part-time bus person at a restaurant, I came into contact with many people. Customers would often ask me to give a message to the wait staff or to give them information about the menu.  I always checked the daily specials so I could give them the correct information.

-ask a friend to do practice interviews with me

-talk to my teacher about a cooperative education placement in the retail sector

- look for a volunteer opportunity where I can gain more experience communicating with people in person and over the phone

-contact my references and ask my coach for a reference letter

Teamwork

- Working willingly with others

- Showing respect for the ideas and opinions of others

- Taking responsibility for his or her share of the work

- Contributing to the team effort by sharing information, resources, and expertise

 I learned how to be a good team player by participating on sports teams.  Group projects at school also helped me understand the importance of taking responsibility for my share of the work and contributing ideas.

Working in a restaurant part-time helped me develop strong teamwork skills because we really had to work together, especially when it was busy.  I would help the dishwashers and wait staff if there were no tables to clear. 

-find volunteer work where I do some event planning or work on a committee

-get help with my résumé and cover letter

Customer Service

- Listening effectively to determine and meet clients’ needs

- Interacting positively with both co-workers and clients/customers

- Endeavouring to meet and exceed expectations

- Creating a positive impression of the company or organization

I have been told by teachers and supervisors that I am friendly and approachable. I think this will help me establish a good relationship with your customers and staff.

I learned a lot about customer service when I worked at the newspaper – making a good first impression and finding the information customers needed quickly.

-an information interview with someone who works in customer service would be helpful

-look up a book on customer service at the library

Research the company

Information you know about the company

Fashion Forward One has trendy clothing for young people. They have been open about 2 years.

Information you still need to find out

-store policies

Other Information in the Job Ad

Personal qualities

enthusiasm

Work experience

Education

Languages

Technical skills

tasks relating to inventory, promotions and displays

Industry certification

Company name

Fashion Forward One

Contact name

Manager

Phone number

Email address

fashionforwardone@hotmail.com

Use the information in your OSP Transition Plan to create a résumé and cover letter that focus on the requirements listed in the job ad or the occupation you have selected.  Give employers clear examples of how you have demonstrated your skills and work habits.  This will also help you answer interview questions!