Employability Skills for Today’s Workforce
Indiana’s Employability Skills Benchmarks describe a set of workplace skills recommended for success in today’s competitive workforce. Formerly referred to as “soft skills,” these are identified as essential, in-demand skills for all jobseekers regardless of experience or occupation. The term “soft skills” may give the appearance that these skills are of less value, but in fact they are crucial to finding employment and succeeding in the workforce. Indiana’s Employability Skills Benchmarks were vetted statewide by Hoosier employers and establish a common language across all Indiana workforce sectors. At Staff Source, we have found these to be extremely helpful when interviewing Job Applicants and providing career guidance.
MINDSETS
Intellectual Risk Taking – Develops a healthy balance of mental, social/emotional and physical well-being; understands that life-long learning are necessary for long-term career success; willingness to work and learn and continually apply new knowledge
Appreciation of Diversity – Embraces diverse views and varying perspectives; demonstrates empathy and respect for others
Self-confidence – Possesses belief in own ability to succeed
Sense of belonging – Demonstrates a sense of belonging in the job environment; demonstrates commitment to an organization
Career Path – Relates interest, aptitude and abilities to appropriate in-demand occupations in order to select career path
SELF-MANAGEMENT SKILLS
Pride in Work – Assumes responsibility, takes personal ownership of performance quality; understands short-comings and sets goals to improve
Self-Discipline – Demonstrates self-discipline and self-control
Independence – Works independently; creates relationships with mentors and supervisors that support success
Perseverance – Delays immediate gratification for long-term rewards; demonstrates endurance, follow-through and capacity to complete tasks
Stress Management – Overcomes barriers to learning in the workplace; demonstrates effective coping skills when faced with a problem; performs under pressure and achieve deadlines
Time Management – Prioritizes and balances school, home, work and community activities
Adaptability – Manages transitions and adapts to changing situations and responsibilities
Integrity – Trustworthy, honest and comprehends ethical courses of action
Professionalism – Uses appropriate judgment; demonstrates empathy and respect for others, demonstrates social maturity and behaviors appropriate to the situation and environment; dresses appropriately, speaks politely
Work Ethic – Punctual with good attendance; does not abuse drugs; maintains appropriate hygiene and attire; demonstrates ethical decision-making and social responsibility
LEARNING STRATEGIES
Written Communication – Applies reading, writing, math and scientific principals and procedures Decision Making – Utilizes critical thinking skills to make informed decisions based on options, rewards, risks, limits and goals
Initiative – Applies self-motivation and self-direction to learning
Technology Savvy – Applies existing and emerging media and computer application skills
Attention to Detail – Demonstrates high-quality work by reviewing the detailed aspects of work process and end products or service
Organization – Plans and organizes long and short term academic, career and social/ emotional goals; balances all types of workplace and personal situations
Information Gathering – Observes and gathers evidence and considers multiple perspectives to make informed decisions; locates, organizes, analyzes and communicates information
Problem Solving – Applies critical thinking skills to complex problems; evaluates causes, problems, patterns or issues and explores workable and innovative solutions to improve situations
SOCIAL SKILLS
Oral Communication – Clearly, effectively and convincingly expresses ideas and messages to others Teamwork – Creates positive and responsive relationships with peers, colleagues and customers; uses effective collaboration and cooperation skills
Leadership – Guides, supports and encourages groups of diverse teams; sharing knowledge and skills when possible
Conflict Management – Negotiates to resolve or mediate conflict; avoids potential or perceived conflict Self-Advocacy – Asserts self when necessary
WORKPLACE SKILLS
Personal Safety – Demonstrates personal safety skills
Follows Directions – Follows employer established policies and business practices
Resource Allocation – Identifies, leverages and distributes money and materials effectively and efficiently
Customer Service – Responds quickly to the needs of customers and achieves customer satisfaction
Credits
Employability Skills were identified through focus groups with Hoosier employers and utilized a framework founded on:
- American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Mindsets & Behaviors
- National Network of Business and Industry Associations
- US DOE Employability Skills Framework
- ACT’s WIN Career Readiness Program
- Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Competencies
- Center for Employability Outcomes Workplace Essentials
- Adult Education College and Career Readiness Standards