Employability Skills

This document provides study material and assignments on Employability Skills. It discusses the importance of Clifton Gallup Strengths and Johari’s Window theories in enhancing employability. It also explores the skills required for a Business Administrator.

Employability Skills 1
EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
Student’s Name
Course
Instructor
Institution
City, State
Date

Employability Skills 2
Executive Summary
Clifton Gallup Strengths and Johari’s Window theories are crucial in determining
individual strengths so that employers can design training programs to address the weaknesses of
their staff. Accordingly, the STAR model helps interviewees in answering behavioral-based
queries to enhance their employability in their respective industries. However, students need to
network to create contacts. Networking not only improves job search but also provides
individuals with an opportunity to advance their careers. As a BSc (Hons) Business Management
student, I realized through the completion of this task that project management course is crucial
in succeeding in the business industry. For this reason, I plan to undertake a project management
course in addition to my degree to enhance my competitiveness in the service industry.

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Table of Contents
Know Yourself.................................................................................................................................4
Knowing My Sector.........................................................................................................................6
Letting them Know Me..................................................................................................................12
List of References..........................................................................................................................14
Appendix........................................................................................................................................16
Business Operations Manager, Risk Proposition ....................................................16

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Employability Skills
Section A: Know Yourself
I am studying BSc (Hons) Business Management and my career aspirations are to
become an administrative officer or a Business Manager. I possess the needed skills that are
required for a business administrator including technology experience, teamwork, and
communication, organizational and necessary educational qualifications. In today’s competitive
and uncertain business environment, business administrators are expected to work with other
staffs in organizing and overseeing projects. For this reason, I will not have difficulties working
with other colleagues. It is also important for a business administrator to exhibit effective
communication skills to facilitate interaction with individuals from distinct departments (Krizan
2006). Consultation with other project managers and the finance department for the needed
resources to complete the project warrants excellent communication skills.
Organization skills are crucial too in prioritizing workload. As a future business
administrator, it will be my responsibility to organize work based on their importance to the
organization. Therefore, with my organizational skills, these will never be a problem because I
will organize work based on deadlines and their significance in realizing the company’s
objectives. We are living in a world characterized by technological advancements and basic
computer skills are essential in today’s workplace environment. For this reason, I will use my
computer skills including the use of a spreadsheet to organize my work in addition to utilizing
portable projectors for presentations on the milestone that I have realized as an administrator.
Appraising the Clifton Gallup Strengths and Johari’s Window theories in Relation
to Career Development
Clifton Gallup Strengths assist individuals in identifying, understanding, and maximizing
their strengths. The online assessment tool comprehends that individuals exhibit a distinct

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combination of skills, knowledge and talents that they utilize to enhance their performance,
realize their individual and organizational goals as well as interact with their colleagues(Gallup
n.d). For this reason, the tool helps managers in designing a culture that embraces the
development of people based on their unique strengths which result in satisfied customers and
improved organizational performance (Clifton, Anderson, & Schreiner 2006). However, the tool
might fail to bring out other strengths that a person might possess because it is based on 34
themes. Therefore, the results might not be a true reflection of individual strengths.
Johari’s Window theories is an essential tool utilized by companies in training and
comprehending intergroup relationships, team development, group dynamics, and interpersonal
relationships. It is also utilized in improving communications, promoting personal development,
and self-awareness (Apricot Training Management 2013). The tool underscores the importance
of investing in employee soft skills including interpersonal development, intergroup
development, co-operation, empathy, and behavior (Halverson & Tirmizi 2008). The tool is
applicable in distinct environments and situations. However, the tool has its limitations because
in some cultures, people do not accept open feedback because they consider it as an offense
(Davies 2014). In some instances, people, especially managers might use one’s information in a
negative light resulting in conflict and decreased morale.
My Strengths based on the Theories and How I can apply them to Realize My
Career Aspirations
As per the analysis of the two theories, I have effective communication, interpersonal,
and group development skills, attributes that are crucial in today’s workplace environment.
Interpersonal skills are crucial in creating relations with colleagues, and in turn promote the
mutual exchange of skills, information, and ideas (Mcintosh, Luecke, & Davis 2008). Also,

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interpersonal relationships foster mutual consideration and respect for other people’s input and
opinions. Communication, in contrast, improves interaction and enhances an individual
performance of assigned responsibilities, tasks management and completion due to the ability to
interact and exchange ideas. Teamwork is also crucial in establishing a lifelong and meaningful
career because it provides a platform for people to work with others in completing tasks,
bringing creative ideas, solving problems, and enhancing morale. These attributes, will indeed,
enhance my competence in my area of specialization (BSc (Hons) Business Management).
Besides, as a future administration officer, these skills will be crucial in the effective
management of projects and working with staffs from distinct backgrounds to realize the goals
and objectives of the organization
Section B: Knowing My Sector
Comparing and Contrasting LG Electronics and Ferguson Electronics
LG Electronics is a South Korean based company and it was the first producer of TVs,
radios, and other electronic appliances in the country. The company’s history dates back to 1958
when it was introduced in the market as GoldStar. It later merged with Lak-Hui resulting in the
abbreviation LG. Currently, the company is celebrated globally as an innovator in manufacturing
and technology (LG Newsroom n.d). The company operates in more than 100 countries globally,
and in 2017, the company sales were USD 55.84(LG Newsroom n.d). The company is defined
by five segments including Business-to-Business, Vehicle Components, Mobile
Communications, Home Entertainment, Home Appliance and Air Solutions (LG Newsroom n.d).
The company is also acknowledged for producing mobile devices, refrigerators, TVs, washing
machines and air conditioners.

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The company’s operation is based on various ethics and values. For instance, the
company’s operations adhere to a fair and open competition whereas its Code of Ethics is
founded on two major corporate philosophies including “Respecting human dignity” and
“Creating value for customers (LG Chem n.d).” Through these philosophies, the company
channels its attention to promoting self-governing management and its defining responsibilities.
The company aims to adhere to the concept of the free market economy so that it can be a global
leader in the electronics industry. The company also values the opinion of customers so that it
can create products that satisfy their needs.
Ferguson, in contrast, is an electronics company in the United Kingdom. Initially, it was
an American-Canadian Pre-War company specializing in the manufacturing of radio sets that
were later sold in the U.K market (Rivolvy 2018). Following the termination of the Second
World War, the company was branded Ferguson Radio Corporation. It focused on manufacturing
radio receivers after which it channeled its attention on televisions production. In the 1950s, the
company was acquired by Thorn Electrical Industries, though its name remained unchanged
(Rivolvy 2018). The company products became popular in the U.K and in 1960, the company
product portfolio included TV and audio equipment. In the 980s, the company introduced video
recorders, CD players, and personal cassette players in its product line (Rivolvy 2018). However,
the company faced intense rivalry from foreign firms including Sanyo, Hitachi, Tandy, and JVC
in the 1980s (Rivolvy 2018). Thomson, a French electronic company acquired it in 1987 but in
2017, Cello re-introduced Ferguson in the United Kingdom market.
Ferguson Company is based on three key values including acting with integrity, valuing
its people, and striving for improvement and results. The company carries out its activities with
integrity, honesty, and fairness in addition to taking responsibility for its action to avoid blaming

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others (Ferguson n.d). In sustaining its competitive advantage, the company listens and reacts to
its customers need. The company assesses its performance regularly and takes necessary
measures to improve it. The company values its people and it provides them with development
and training opportunities in addition to respecting and valuing their cultural and personal
differences.
Leaders are expected to walk the talk as well as being honest and open with employees.
The company’s ethical code of conduct forbids its staffs from engaging in bribery and
corruption. Additionally, it does not condone fraud and bars its employees from accepting or
soliciting improper hospitality or gift. The company also requires its staff to enhance the
confidentiality of its sensitive and confidential trade secrets (Ferguson n.d). The company
provides its workers with a healthy and safe working environment. It focuses on enhancing the
sustainability of its supply chain by reducing waste production and any business activity that
might undermine its efforts to conserve the environment.
How Each Company Values and Ethics Align With Mine
I value human dignity and fair competition in the business environment. Fair competition
enhances a company’s competitiveness in its respective industry. The fair competition also
diversifies and differentiates a company in the industry while at the same time reducing
operation expenses (Urziceanu & Popa 2015). Failure to regulate competition in the market often
results in wastage of resources, reduced quality of goods and services, increased gap between the
rich and the poor. Therefore, as a manager in the future, I will ensure that my organization
engages in fair rather than unfair competition. Unfair competition often results in the use of
unethical means such as bribery and corruption to thrive in the market environment. I also value
environmental sustainability. Customers in the contemporary market environment are in pursuit

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of greener products and I desire that companies focus on enhancing the sustainability of their
supply chain.
I also value employee inclusion in the workplace regardless of their sex, age, gender,
nationality, race or ethnicity. A diversified workplace results in numerous benefits for the
company including a wider talent pool, enhanced creativity and innovation, increased morale and
productivity (Beham, Straub, & Schwalbach 2012). However, Brown (2016) notes that despite
the benefits of workplace diversity, organizations have failed in implementing it in the
organization. In most cases, organizations fail to realize the benefits of diversity because they do
not align their goals with diversity practices. Another challenge is the mismatch between the
implementation of diversity policies and designing them (Sharma, Singh & Pathak 2018).
Therefore, it is my future responsibility to ensure that the goals of the organization are aligned
with diversity policies.
Job Title of Interest: Business Operations Manager, Risk Proposition
Job Description
 Collaborate with finance and other departments to provide reporting, intelligence, and
analytics that drives and informs business decisions.
 Identify, design, and implement opportunities to enhance Refinitiv company processes
 Help in the design of materials for senior and executive level meetings in addition to
working in partnership with internal communications.
 Documenting executive summaries with the sole purpose of providing business-focused
and succinct overviews. The summaries should focus on areas that will boost
performance and strategic initiatives

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 Enhance change initiatives and process improvement in addition to understanding and
promoting industry best practice
 Ability to create a strong network including technology, product management, sales and
account management and customer proposition
Essential Experience/ Skills Required
 Program management
 Proven understanding and knowledge of implementing migration or global
transformation projects
 Excellent comprehension of data structure and business information system
 Excellent analytical skills
 Unique collaboration skills
 Experience working in a matrix environment and large corporate
 Ability to gather information from various sources, synthesizing them and preparing
for a presentation
 Experience working with Refinitiv systems
 Knowledge in operation Microsoft suite of programs including excel, word, and
PowerPoint
 Outstanding attention to detail
 Strong focus on output and self-drive
 Capable of influencing across boundaries
 Excellent communication skills as well as delivering and building impactful
presentations

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Desired Experience/Skills
 Previous experience in handling very confidential information
 Extremely flexible and proactive
 Ability to work under pressure, take ownership and realize last minute deadlines
 Strong networking skills
 Excellent written and oral communication skills
 Ability to communicate effectively with the top executive and senior stakeholders
 Experience working in a matrix setting
 Comprehension of a Proposition Lifecycle Management Process
The Relationship between My CV, LinkedIn Profile and the Essential and Desirable Skills
for the Job
My Curriculum Vitae and LinkedIn profile highlight some of the essential and desirable
skills for the job outlined above. As per my previous work experience, I have excellent
collaboration skills, analytical skills, effective communication skills, and basic computer
knowledge including being extremely flexible and proactive. However, I need more years of
experience to qualify for the position advertised. For instance, the job states that one must have
experience working in a matrix and large corporate organizations. It is in such organizations that
a person gets experience in dealing with highly confidential information. It is also evident that
the job requires a person with project management skills.
Professional Qualification alongside my Degree
One of the essential/desirable skills states that the potential candidate must have a proven
understanding and knowledge of implementing migration or global transformation projects
including the Comprehension of a Proposition Lifecycle Management Process. Therefore, in

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addition to my BSc (Hons) Business Management degree, I need to have a professional
qualification in project management to increase my chances of being selected for the position
mentioned above. A project management course will provide me with the needed knowledge to
partner with cross-functional teams, apply leadership strategies, facilitate meetings, and estimate
project costs (Berkun 2008; Lock, 2007). It will also provide me with significant insights
regarding how to oversee, organize, and plan multiple projects and communicate effectively with
team members.
Section C: Letting them Know Me
Importance of Networking in Understanding my Sector
Networking does not just revolve around information exchange. On the contrary, it is also
about nurturing and creating mutually beneficial and long-term connections with people (Teller
2017). According to the experts’ point of view, networking is crucial in enhancing individual
success. Faulkner and Nierenberg (2014) attribute this to the fact that networking helps
individuals in developing and improving their skills set, meeting with prospective mentors,
understanding the needs in their job market, as well as the trends that characterize the industry.
Additionally, networking enhances individual access to vital materials needed to boost career
development (Arrington 2019). Upon completion of my studies, I desire to get a job in one of the
reputable company in the country. Therefore, networking could be one of the possible strategies
for landing a job in such a company. Networking plays a crucial role in job search and career
development.
Networking increases an individual chance of landing a job in a company of their dreams.
For instance, I plan to become a business administrator or business manager in the future and
networking will help me realize these career objectives. Therefore, through networking, I can
access job opportunities in my area of specialization. Expanding contacts increases a person’s

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chance of getting a job through referral or being notified of a job opening. It is also important in
learning about the industry developments, skills required to remain competitive including
opportunities and challenges in my sector. Based on this information, I can enhance my
employability by acquiring the necessary skills to succeed in my area of specialization.
Networking Event that I have attended
The networking event that I attended was organized by the institution so that students can
obtain career assistance. The experience was awesome because I had the opportunity to meet
individuals who have excelled in the field of business administration. I took the opportunity to
ask some of them to give me their contacts so that we can connect in social media so that I can
ask them more about my career choice and how I can increase my chances of being employed.
Before the event, I wrote down some questions that I asked some of the officers who had
attended the meeting. I did not stick to one person but mingled with different officials to gain
their different perspective on how I can excel in my area of specialization.
My Performance in the Mock Interview
My performance in the Mock Interview was incredible. I utilized the STAR interview
technique to provide answers to behavioral interview queries. For instance, I was asked to say
what I should do when I get into conflict with individuals from distinct cultural backgrounds.
Using the Star model, I provided an example when I got into conflict with my colleague due to a
misunderstanding caused by our cultural differences. In that case, I asked for forgiveness and
decided to conduct thorough research to understand cultural differences in the use of verbal and
nonverbal cues to minimize future misunderstanding and enhance my tolerance to individuals
from distinct cultures.

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Reflection on the Assignment
The assignment has provided me with significant insights regarding my strengths and
weakness using Clifton Gallup Strengths and Johari’s Window. From these theories, I realized
that I have excellent communication skills, teamwork skills and the ability to appreciate other
people’s opinions. However, from the job opening, I realized the importance of a project
management course in the business industry. The course is crucial in enhancing my
employability in the business sector.

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List of References
Apricot Training Management Ltd 2013, Understanding the Johari Window Model. Available
from: <http://www.selfawareness.org.uk/news/understanding-the-johari-window-model>
[5April2019]
Arrington, C 2019, Student success in college: doing what works!, Cengage, Boston, MA
Beham, B, Straub, C & Schwalbach, J 2012, Managing diversity in organizations, Gabler
Wiesbaden, Germany
Berkun, S 2008, Making things happen: mastering project management, O'Reilly.Sebastopol,
CA
Brown, J 2016, Inclusion: diversity, the new workplace & the will to change, Purpose Driven
Publishing, Hartford, CT:
Clifton, DO, Anderson, E & Schreiner, LA 2006, StrengthsQuest: discover and develop your
strengths in academics, career, and beyond, Gallup Press, New York
Davies, S 2014, Johari's window. New York Press, New York .
Faulkner, M L & Nierenberg, AR 2014, Networking for every college student and graduate:
starting your career off right, Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey
Ferguson n.d, Code of Conduct. Available from: <http://www.fergusonplc.com/en/who-we-
are/corporate-governance/code-of-conduct.html> [5 April 2019]
Ferguson n.d, Culture and values. Available from: <http://www.fergusonplc.com/en/our-
people/culture-and-values.html> [5April 2019]
Gallup n.d, Clifton StrengthsFinder. Available from: < https://www.gallup.de/182696/clifton-
strengthsfinder.aspx> [5 April 2019]

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Halverson, CB & Tirmizi, SA 2008, Effective multicultural teams: theory and practice,
Springer, Dordrecht
Krizan, AC 2006, Business communication, Thomson South-Western, Mason, OH.
LG Chem n.d, Code of Ethics. Available from:< http://www.lgchem.com/global/lg-chem-
company/jeong-do-management/lg-code-of-ethics> [5 April 2019]
LG Newsroom n.d, About LG Electronics, Inc. Available from:
<http://www.lgnewsroom.com/about-lg-electronics/> [5 April 2019]
Lock, D 2007, The essentials of project management, Ashgate Pub, Burlington, VT
Mcintosh, P, Luecke, R & Davis, JH 2008, Interpersonal communication skills in the workplace,
American Management Association. New York
Rivolvy 2018, Ferguson Electronics. https://www.revolvy.com/page/Ferguson-Electronics
Sharma, N, Singh, VK & Pathak, S 2018, Management techniques for a diverse and cross-
cultural workforce, IGI Global , Hershey PA, USA
Teller, E 2017, ‘Teaching the importance of networking by conducting informational
interviews’, Journal of the Academy of Business Education, vol. 18, pp. 417–437
Urziceanu, RM & Popa, AG 2015, “ The importance of the fair competition in the market
economy,’ Agora International Journal of Judicial Sciences, no.4, pp.99-106
Appendix
Job Opening :Business Operations Manager, Risk Proposition
Full-time
Job Description
Main Responsibilities / Accountabilities:
• Own the operating rhythm of the Risk Proposition Leadership Team and its interlock with key
departments and stakeholders in Refinitiv

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• Partner with Finance and others, to provide analytics, intelligence and reporting that informs
and drives business decisions. This may include work on business cases and board papers.
• Assist in the creation of materials for executive and senior level meetings, working closely
with internal communications.
• Write executive summaries providing succinct and business-focused overviews focused on
strategic initiatives and areas to drive improved performance
• Identify, develop, and implement opportunities to improve processes. Drive process
improvement and change initiatives. Understand and promote industry "best practices".
• Must build a strong network within the organization, namely Customer Proposition, Sales &
Account Management, Product Management, and Technology.
Essential Skills/Experience Required:
• Proven knowledge and understanding of implementing global transformation or migration
projects
• Excellent analytical skills and very good understanding of the business information systems
and data structure
• Outstanding collaboration skills
• Ability to collate information from several sources, synthesize and prepare for presentation
• Experience of working in a large corporate and matrix environment
• Program Management
• Strong communication skills, including building and delivering impactful presentations
• Ability to influence across boundaries
• Self-drive and strong focus on outcomes
• Meticulous attention to detail

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• Expert knowledge of Microsoft suite of programs – Power-point, Word and Excel
• Working knowledge of Refinitiv systems
Desired Skills/Experience Required:
• Understanding of a Proposition Lifecycle Management process
• Working in matrix environment
• Strong written communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with senior
stakeholders • Strong network across the organisation
• Ability to take ownership, work under pressure and meet last minute deadlines
• Proactive and extremely flexible
• Past experience of working with extremely confidential information