2)  SKILLS BEING SOUGHT BY EMPLOYERS

The Electronic Labour Exchange (ELE) 

Prior to the launch of the Electronic Labour Exchange (ELE), the Ministry of Labour and Social Security established an employment agency called the Government Local Employment Service. It was a manual system and most of the clients were unskilled or persons with low skill levels.

In 2000 the U.S. Department of Labour (DOL) and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security participated in a regional project to establish labour exchange centres in CARICOM countries.  The project prescribed the use of an internet based system that would permit wider access to the service by employers and job seekers. The intention was for the service to provide labour market signalling as well as employment, training and education opportunities. This led to the birth of the ELE in January 2002.

The ELE is a core component of the Labour Market Information System (LMIS). It’s objective is to facilitate the efficient matching of job seekers with employers. One of the advantages of the ELE is that it provides both parties with access to a large pool of applicants and vacancies at no cost. ELE services are available both on- and off-line.  

On-line Services for Job-seekers

• Tips on resume writing as well as interview and job search techniques;

• Career counselling information;

• The ability to post resumes;

• A Skills Bank in which persons with certified skills can register.

On-line Services for Employers

• Ability to post job vacancies;

• Ability to search for and select candidates;

• A database of skilled workers.

Off-line Services

• Job seekers and employers can access the off-line services of the ELE via telephone or by visiting any of the Ministry’s offices island-wide;

• Computer facilities for job-seekers to post resumes and conduct job search at the Ministry’s North Street office;

• Career guidance to job seekers

• Interview and short listing of candidates for employers;

• Providing guidance to employers on how to post job orders  (vacancies)

• Posting jobs for employers

• Conference room facility at the Ministry’s North Street office which may be used by employers to conduct interviews;

• Referral of job seekers to institutions such as the National Youth Service (NYS), Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL) and HEART Trust/NTA.  (A HEART counsellor visits the ELE’s Kingston office once per month to assist job seekers who are interested in receiving training to register with the organisation.);

•  Conduct presentations/workshops at various institutions on a variety of topics including career guidance, interview and resume writing tips and workplace readiness as well as retirement and investment plans.

   

Skills Being Sought By Employers

There are two types of skills that are required in most jobs. They are called hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are technical or administrative knowledge which employees need to perform their jobs. They include knowledge of computer applications, machine operation, research skills and data management. Soft skills complement hard skills and a combination of the two can result in a well rounded employee. In the world of work persons may sometimes wonder why it is difficult for upward mobility on the job. It is not always due to a shortfall in technical expertise or hard skills but rather a lack of social, communication, and self-management behaviour or soft skills. Soft skills or “people skills” are not easy to measure but are universally sought by employers. Each company looks for different soft skills and experience to complement the core competencies.

Soft skills which are frequently sought after by employers include:  

1.       Communication Skills

The ability to listen, write and speak effectively. Successful communication is critical in business and so an exceptional listener and communicator is an asset. You must be able to express yourself clearly and show empathy and understanding to others. The correct use of grammar and language is also important.

2.       Commitment to the Job

Honesty, dependability and enthusiasm for the job are highly valued. Employers are interested in job-seekers who love what they do and exert optimal effort in successfully getting the task done.  

3.       Learning New Tasks

Employers are always interested in someone who is willing to learn new skills. Jobs are dynamic therefore you should accommodate changes.  

4.       Accept Responsibility

Employers are looking for persons who take pride in their work and use their time wisely.

It is recommended that people take responsibility for their own actions and not cast the blame on other persons in the organisation.  

5.       Excellent Interpersonal Skills

Workers must be able to work and cooperate with others, maintain a positive attitude and be able to accept constructive criticism.  

6.       Decision Making

Good decision making is essential for any successful career. If you are able to make timely and well considered decisions then you can lead your team in the right direction.    

7.       Punctuality and Dependability

Employers are attracted to workers who arrive at work on-time everyday and perform their tasks in a timely manner.  

8.       Team Work

Many tasks in the workplace involve working in groups in order to achieve a common goal.  

9.       Positive Attitude

Employees should demonstrate enthusiasm, drive and passion for the job through words and actions.  

10.   Leadership/Management Skills

Leadership skills refer to the ability to take charge of and manage co-workers. These skills are demonstrated when you are able to motivate others and guide their performance, show empathy and communicate unambiguously so that everybody has a clear understanding.

Identifying Soft Skills in Advertisements

In job advertisements soft skills may not be obvious in fact they may seem like an indication of the work environment.  Job seekers should learn to identify these skills as this information can be used to make the cover letter, resume and interview more effective.  Examples of words and phrases which signify the soft skills required are:

• Must be able to work under pressure

• Provide leadership

• Troubleshooting

• Must be able to work in a team environment.

Identifying Soft Skills in Interview Questions

A common question that employers ask to identify soft skills is “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” The employer may even ask you to describe how you would analyse a problem and decide on a course of action. The answers to these questions usually help the employer to determine whether the person is suitable for the job.

Soft Skills on a resume

It is a positive feature to emphasise your soft skills on your resume. If you are preparing a resume for a specific job, make sure that soft skills match the stated requirements. This allows you to design your soft skills around your accomplishments and other work done. So instead of listing the soft skills you describe them in a summary for instance, "Known for clear, decisive actions, credited with improving business performance, and encouraging strong collaboration among executive teams.”

Final Thoughts

Soft skills can influence success in the workplace. It is therefore important for you to identify the soft skills that are being sought by employers, assess the degree to which you possess them and begin to make adjustments. So the next time you go for a job interview ensure that the focus is not just on your technical capabilities but also on your personal qualities. They are what will make the difference between being invited to an interview and actually getting the job.