Recognisi ng
recordi ng you a n d
r skills to
get that job
2
Section 1
Recognising and recording your Core Skills
You can complete this section as you progress through your
course. Doing this can help you keep an ongoing record of the
Core Skills you are developing and using. Keeping a record of your
experiences will help you when employers ask for examples of
your skills.
You’ll find the qualities and skills that make up each Core Skill
listed. They’ll act as prompts to help you think about when and
where you have used them.
There are also recording sheets with questions about each
Core Skill to help you identify your thoughts and experiences.
Think of it like a blog or a twitter page. You can write about
things that you have been doing as part of your studies – the
Course Overview Summary will help you with this. You can also
write examples from your home, social and leisure activities –
employers like to hear examples of where you have used your
skills because it shows you understand how you can use the
skills in different situations (transferability).
The more examples you have, the better prepared you will
be at an interview to show an employer that you have the
Core Skills that they need.
3
communication
COMMUNICATION (reading, writing, listening, speaking)
instructions
We all need to be able to read information every day, whether it’s
sure that
for how to use something, or an e-mail or a text. We also need to make
s for
when we write something people will understand it. If you invite friend
what time
a party you need to make sure they know where it is, when it is and
them.
to
to arrive. So, you have to make sure you communicate this clearly
each
Employers want employees who can communicate effectively with
to provide
mers
custo
to
other and with customers. That might mean speaking
questions.
them with information or advice and listening to and answering their
s.
report
or
It might mean producing written communications such as letters
ation
It will almost certainly mean being able to read and understand inform
that is relevant to their job.
e:
Qualities and skills that make someone good at communicating includ
being clear about what you are trying to say, whether that’s
speaking or in writing
age
thinking about who you are communicating with and the langu
they will expect you to use
to
reading something and understanding what the writer is trying
communicate to you
listening to information and being able to understand it and also
ask relevant questions
in a
It is really important to ensure you structure your communication
ng it.
logical way that will make sense to the person who is reading or heari
4
T h e Cou rse
Ove rvie w ill
Su m m a ry uw
h elp yo
Examples of when I communicated with someone, either throu
gh
speaking/listening or in writing during my course.
Examples of when I communicated with someone, either through
speaking/listening or in writing in my home, social and leisure time.
s
Se n din gore-mmaakilin g
or texts, to go out
pla n s ie n ds
wit h fr
5
numeracy
NUMERACY (using numbers to solve problems)
mean
In almost every job numeracy will play a part. That doesn’t always
out
that you will write out a sum — but you might use a calculator or work
something in your head.
Most people work out some numerical calculations in their daily living.
you want
For example: You may have a budget; you have £20 to spend and
need
to buy a CD but you need to keep money for your train fare, so you
to spend.
left
have
you
y
to work out what that will be to see how much mone
We all use numeracy like this every day in lots of different situations.
Qualities and skills that make someone good at numeracy:
deciding on the best way to carry out a calculation
writing down all the steps in your calculation so you can
check them later
being able to compare numbers and understand what they
mean in relation to each other
reading numerical information such as train times, or working
out percentages when special offers are on
It is really important to check what you do to make sure you
haven’t made any mistakes.
6
T h e Cou rse
Ove rvie w ill
Su m m a ry uw
h elp yo
Examples of when I used numeracy during my course.
Examples of when I used numeracy in my home,
social and leisure time.
To sa ve ucpk etfororato
con ce rt tihow m u ch
work outto spe n d at
I h a ve shops
the
7
information and
communication technology
INFORMATION and COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
(communicating through technology)
can do in
Jobs have changed significantly and continue to do so as computers
that
know
to
seconds what used to take hours or even days. Employers need
ation.
their employees can use technology to process and manage inform
spreadsheets
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is not just about
or music
and databases! When you e-mail or IM friends, attach pictures or voice
for gigs
search
clips, download songs, store files in ITunes, or use the internet to
able to
for your favourite band, you are using ICT. The skills you have in being
nt situations.
search, use, store, and send information can be used in lots of differe
Qualities and skills that make someone good at using IT include:
knowing what a computer can do
being able to use different types of software for different
types of information
being careful with how you manage this information
being able to use the internet to research and find out information
if you
It is really important to understand how much a computer can do
using
look after the information you store on it, and you are careful when
the internet.
8
T h e Cou rse
Ove rvie w ill
Su m m a ry uw
h elp yo
Examples of when I used ICT skills during my course.
Examples of when I used information technology
skills in my home, social and leisure time.
To sea rch ofonrmy
inform atibaonn d or u se
fa vou rite n etworkin g
socia l te s
si
9
problem solving
PROBLEM SOLVING (making things happen)
want from
Problem solving is one of the most important skills that employers
solution to
their employees. Employers need to know that you can work out the
solution work.
a problem and think of all the things you need to do to make your
g
We solve problems every day. Solving problems isn’t just about dealin
thing.
with something that’s wrong — it’s about finding a solution to some
you will
For example, if you’re having a party, you need to think about where
what
have it, how many people to invite, what entertainment you will have,
m solving.
food you want to provide, and the cost. Working these out is proble
Qualities and skills that make someone good
at problem solving include:
thinking about the problem and all the ways
you could solve it
working out the advantages and disadvantages
of each way forward
making informed choices
planning how you will go about solving your problem
being ready to change if your plan doesn’t work out
the way you expected
It is really important to learn from your successes and any mistakes
r
you make, and to use what you have learned to help you solve simila
problems in the future.
10
T h e Cou rse
Ove rvie w ill
Su m m a ry uw
h elp yo
Examples of when I solved a problem
or dealt with an issue during my course.
Examples of when I used problem solving skills during
my home, social and leisure time.
g a t rip
A rra n gincin
to t h e oer mh aavin g
wit h frieenadl swit h a n
to d d sit u ation
u n expe cte
11
working with others
WORKING WITH OTHERS (team work)
together
Working with others is a co-operative activity. This means working
to achieve a common goal.
ing the
Think about a football team. Every player has a part to play in ensur
that wins a
n
team plays the best it can — and hopefully wins. It is not one perso
most goals,
match, but every single player. It might be the striker that gets the
his or hers,
but if the defence don’t do their job and the goalkeeper doesn’t do
the team won’t win.
who
Employers want people who work well as a team — team members
care more about the team’s success than their own.
Qualities and skills that make someone good at working
with others include:
working together with everyone, and playing a part in making
things go well
sure
knowing what your role will be in the activity, and what everyone
else will do
to
ensuring you carry out all your tasks or roles, and offering help
others to ensure they complete theirs
asking for help if you need it; everyone has to pull together
It is really important to listen to other people in your team, to be
ss
adaptable and flexible, and to understand that it is the team’s succe
and not your own that matters the most.
12
T h e Cou rse
Ove rvie w ill
Su m m a ry uw
h elp yo
Examples of when I worked with others
co-operatively on a group activity during my course.
Examples of when I worked with others during
my home, social and leisure time.
d
He lpin graatefrtiehne ir
to de co a kin g pa rt
roo m or t m a ctivity
in a tea
13
my notes
n g…
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14
Section 2
ations
Interview questions and prepar
hard to tell from interviews
Employers tell us that they find it
problem solver because most
who will be a good team player or
at skills they have, or they
candidates do not always know wh
e Core Skills employers look
find it difficult to explain them. Th
ates do not consider when
for are often the ones that candid
preparing for an interview.
you know how to describe your
That’s why it is so important that
employer.
skills and experiences to a future
of interview questions
This section provides examples
ere’s space below
that are to do with Core Skills. Th
wn your answers.
each question for you to write do
on 1 will help you.
The examples you wrote in Secti
15
interviews
the
Interviews are nerve-racking situations for most people. However
tial
more you prepare, the better your chances are of impressing a poten
to
employer and letting them know that you have the ability and skills
do the job.
it by
You only get one chance to make a good impression … don’t blow
being unprepared because as sure as not, one of the other candidates
will have thought it worth the effort.
sound
Give some serious thought to the job you are applying for. It may
duties
basic, but you need to research the actual job (find out the specific
out
you will have to do and the qualities and skills required) and find
information about the company or organisation.
The interview questions could cover the following areas:
why you want the job
your achievements to date
what you know about the company
what you know about the job
your education
your experience
your skills
your personal qualities
your future career plans
Thinking about these areas in advance can help you work out how
you could answer these questions in a way that highlights your
suitability for the job.
16
interview questions
Use the examples you recorded earlier in this booklet to help you prepare answers to the
following questions. Give as much detail as you can, and remember your answers should
be both truthful and informative.
Why do you want this job?
B
brieef
What skills do you have that will suit this job?
n
o
s
u
c
o
f
o
t
s
i
y
T h e k epa rticu la r jo b.
t hi s
out
Ta lki nat be re st i n r
you ro b a n d you
t h e jleva nt s kills
re
T hin
spe cif ick joa bbout bot h t h e
re lat ed s
y ou h
cou rs ea, vyeoudreve loped on kyilolsu r
expe rie n ce Core Skills a n d
t h e s e re latoef work a n d h ow
loo k ba ck ato t his jo b —
t Se ction 1.
What personal qualities do you think will be required for this job?
Con sid e ruhstownoertsth, y,
re li a ble, trm e k e e pe r,
g ood ti d e e, a bility
o
g od att ennor stick to
to list e t a s k
th e
Remember you must be able to give an example to back up your answer
17
interview questions
It m a y
pla yi n g in awelbal nbde in
you r spa re ti m e, but
try to lin k you r
a n swer to th
e
jo
b
a
n
qu a litie s a n d skillsdreth e pe rson a l
ired —
thin k tea m sports, qu
IT
co m m u nication skill or
s.
What are your greatest strengths?
n
a
w
o
h
t
u
o
b
a
k
T hi n e r might vie w
e mployu r a n swe r.
yo
What experience do you have in this type of work?
T his lets t
k n ow t h at h e e mploye r
y
wh at is reqou u n de rst a n d
u
i
r
a n e mployed fro m
e e.
18
leva net.
e
r
y
n
a
Me netrioienn ce you hraievn ce you
exp t a n y expe at u rda y
u
(S
Ta lk vaebhoa d of worjko bs, work
h a bs, holida y volu nt a ry
jo rie n ce, or
expe work).
R esea rch th e co mpa
ny
fi n d
th ey h a ve a—
website, orouatskif pe
co mpa n y. Try to fi n ople a bout th e
fa ct, su ch a s how dlo out at lea st on e
n g th ey h a ve
bee n tra din g, how
e mployee s th ey h a ve m a n y
wh ere
th ey a re ba se,dor
.
What do you know about
this company/organisation?
t
a
h
t
s
e
t
a
r
t
s
n
o
m
e
e
h
t
d
o
s
i
g
h
o
T
t
g
n
i
l
l
i
you a re mwile to i mpre ss.
ext ra
What do you think the job involves?
Me ntion t
a n d a lso yh e m a i n d utie s
ou r Core S
kills.
t u a l a bout
c
a
e
h
rch t t utors s or
R e seka to youar n y leaf yleth a s seantre
n
ea
d
e
jo b;esppost. R etah e co mfpoarm. T hte rca n
th re th at lication ite s th a
u
lite raht you r a prpe e rs weobrsmation on
wit ots of ca you i nf c jo bs.
l give pe cif i
s
19
interview questions
In an interview employers are looking for information about your skills,
qualities and experience to find out if you could do the job and fit into
good
their organisation or company. This is your opportunity to make a
impression and show them that you would be a suitable employee.
ions
Employers may ask questions in different ways. The following quest
have been grouped together to give you an idea of some of the ways
questions may be phrased.
Think about how you might answer them but for this booklet
you need only answer one question from each group.
Are you a team player?
Describe a time when you had to work with
others to get something completed.
Tell me about a time when you worked
on a team project.
Do n ot ju st a n swe r
wit h a ye s or n o
20
Give an exa mple
from your course or
personal life – check
your Working with
Others page!
Give me an example of when you solved
a problem?
Do you consider problem solving to be important
in this job?
How would you tackle a problem?
Ta lk a bout t h e proce
a ssociated wit h pro b d u re s
le m solvin g.
Mo st jombse nt o f
h a ve a nlvine leg. T hin k ba ck ve
p ro ble mr csoou rs e — did you rihnag
o ve r yolvue a n y p ro ble ms dyuou r
to so st u die s? Ch e ck e.
you r le m Solvin g pa g
Pro b
What is your biggest accomplishment to date?
What is the biggest challenge you have ever faced?
Are you proud of anything you have achieved?
good
t
u
b
d
e
k
s
a
s
y
a
lw
a
N ot
to h a ve a n a n swe r.
hi n g yoour
t
e
m
o
s
t
u
o
Ta lk a bon e on t h e cou rshee lped a
h a ve dn a l life, s u ch a s sat, pa ss ed
you r peorsr on e ig h bou r, baebgye. T his is a n
ch a ritxy a m, g ot i nto coull to s h ow h ow
a n e ort u n ity for yo a lki n g a n d
opp you a re at t you u s ed
g ood i n ot h e r s kills .
bri n g i n you r exa m p le
21
interview questions
Give me a recent example of when
you communicated with others
Why do you think good
communication is important?
Thin k of wh en yotou
rea d or list en ed
instru ction s, ta lkewrdot e
about a project oryour
a report. Ch eck ge!
Co m m un ication pa
Co m m u nication is e
jo bs. It cove rs t a lkinsse ntia l in a ll
g
,
writin g a n d rea dinlistge nin g,
.
What skills have you acquired from your course?
What subjects did you like and why?
How has your course prepared you for this position?
ed
rn
a
le
u
o
y
ls
il
k
s
e
h
t
t
T hin k a bou spe cif ica lly to t h e
t h at re late u r Core Skills
cou rse a n d yo
22
T hi n
you akreaabout t h e jo b
pp lyi n g
a nd
U n its tyieout his i n wit hftohr
e
you r hcaovuer don e on
se
What can you contribute/offer to the
organisation/company?
Why should we select you?
Y ou m u st be a ble to
exa mple s to ba ck u provide
of you r a n swe rsp. a n y
n ce,
Y ou r exnpoewrilee dg e,
s kills, kia s m, id ea s
e nt h u sr willi n g n e ss
or you ork h a rd —
to w
o st
t h e list disleaslsm
.
en
What interests do you have outside work/college?
What do you do in your spare time?
Do you have any hobbies?
pa n d
x
e
o
t
d
e
k
s
a
e
b
y
a
Y ou m
r
u
o
y
e
k
a
m
o
s
,
r
e
w
on you r a n s nt a n d t rut hfu l.
exa mple s cu rre
T hi o f
t h e i m pa
you rncko m
ct
h a ve on
m
en
on e s wht h e e m p lotysemr. a y
s kills or ich hig hlig ht Se le ct
t h at pweorsuon a l qu a liatiney
a dva nt ald be a n s
t h e jo bg.e i n
23
interview questions
The final question usually gives you the opportunity to ask for
information from the company/organisation.
Have you any questions?
i n i n g,sibility.
a
r
t
t
u
o
n
ss
As k ra bli n e of re sapove to i m p reh ole
o
ew
uh
locatiobne r t h at ylooy e r, a n d trohm t h e
f
m
p
R e m eot e nti a l e mn i nt e rvie w) i(s to f i n d
t h e pu rpo s e of a pe rspe ctive ou wou ld
p ploy e r’s n e f its y n y.
e m t wh at be h e co m pa
ou ri n g to t
b
Ta lki n g a bout holid
te n ds to su gg e st t h a ys a n d pa y
loo ki n g at wh at t h e at you a re only
c
for you … so a void otmpa n y ca n do
h e se topics.
24
By starting to think about what you have to offer a potential
employer, you are setting yourself on a course to succeed.
Good luck.
Checklist
Well before the day of the interview make sure you have organised:
your clothes
your qualifications/certificates
your transport arrangements
At the interview
will
Everyone is nervous, but the more you prepare the more able you
be to answer questions.
Remember
Make eye contact with the interviewer.
Speak clearly (don’t mumble!)
If you don’t understand a question, simply ask them
to explain it.
25
my notes
n g…
li
d
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d
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a
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SQA wishes to acknowledge the Scottish Funding Council’s financial support
for the National Qualifications Group Award development programme.
Customer Contact Centre
T: 0845 279 1000 E: [email protected] W: www.sqa.org.uk
ED5320/B
August 2010