8 Keys to Employability

1. Personal Values
   Valued workers are honest, have good self-esteem and a positive self-image. They have personal and career goals, demonstrate emotional stability, exhibit a good attitude, are self-motivated and do not limit themselves.
2. Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills
   Valued workers are flexible, are creative and innovative, can adapt to changing demands of a job, can plan and organize work, can reason and make objective judgments and keep their mind on several parts of a job at a time.
3. Task-Related Skills
   Valued workers complete work on time, can follow oral, visual, written and multi-step directions, are not distracting or distractible, work neatly, stick with a task and keep busy, are precise and meticulous, care for tools and materials, are accurate and constantly improve their performance
4. Communication Skills
   Valued workers ask questions, seek help when needed, notify supervisors of absences and the reasons for absences, clearly express themselves orally and listen well.
5. Relations with Other People
   Valued workers ask questions, seek help when needed, notifies supervisors of absences and the reasons for absences, clearly express themselves orally and listen well.
6. Maturity
   Valued workers work well without supervision, are reliable and dependable, accept responsibility, don’t let their personal problems interfere with their work, are willing to perform extra work and work overtime, are always prepared for work, show pride in their work, show initiative, remain calm and self-controlled, accept responsibility for their own behavior, demonstrate maturity in thoughts, actions and deeds, evaluate their own work, are patient, use time wisely, are assertive when necessary and show self-confidence
7. Health and Safety Habits
   Valued workers observe safety rules, maintain a good work pace and production rate, practice good grooming and personal hygiene, dress appropriately, and perform well under stress and tension, have appropriate physical stamina and tolerance for the kind of work they’re doing and are in good health.

Commitment to Job
Valued workers are punctual and have good attendance records, observe all organizational policies, considering their work more than a job, are interested and enthusiastic, want to learn more, exhibit loyalty to the organization and its employees, give their best efforts consistently and strive to please and show concern for their future career with the organization.

Source: Oklahoma Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Poster, 1987