Importance of Employability Skills and Tools to Enhance Them

This report discusses the importance of employability skills and various tools applied to enhance these skills. It covers topics such as self-awareness, sector knowledge, networking, and showcasing your qualifications and experiences. The report also highlights the relevance of Clifton Gallup Strength theory and Johari Window theory in career development.

Employability Skills
NAME OF STUDENT:
NAME OF COLLEGE:
AUTHORS NOTE:
Running head: EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Discussion........................................................................................................................................2
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................8
References........................................................................................................................................9
Appendix........................................................................................................................................12
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EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
Introduction
Employability skills are considered to be very important in order to gain employment in various
organizations. Majority of employability skills which are sought by employers are same except
some which differs from sector to sector. Hence it is important for individuals to improve their
employability skills to increase their chances of being selected. The current report focuses on
importance of employability skills and various tools applied to enhance these skills.
Discussion
Know Yourself
I am currently pursuing a bachelor degree in small business enterprise which will help me to gain
theoretical and practical knowledge regarding various management skills and abilities which are
essential for managing an enterprise. The current course will also help me to learn about various
concepts of management so that I can implement them in an effective manner in my future
career. As stated by Bhagra and Sharma (2018) the current course has also helped me to gain
new skills and capabilities which are required for effective management of modern day
organizations and complexities surrounding it. After the end of my current course I aspire to own
a health care home where I can utilize theoretical knowledge which I have gained. As I have
practical experience of over 18 years of working in care home, I have experience regarding
working and managing individuals and co-workers belonging to diverse background. As stated
by Griffin and Coelhoso (2019) current course will enable me to become more theory oriented
and grounded in nature which will help me set and manage my own care home. After completion
of my bachelor degree course I aspire to become successful healthcare management professional
in a renowned health care organization till I set up my own health care.
As stated by Price (2014) Clifton Gallup strength theory is related to career development as it
enables individuals to develop their career plan based on their strength and capabilities. Mostly it
is observed that individuals are not fully aware of their strengths and weaknesses which prevent
them from developing an effective career development plan. Also stated by Sehgal and Nasim
(2018) Clifton Gallup strength theory enables individuals to identify their source of weaknesses
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so that they can accordingly address their weaknesses and develop their career plan by
capitalizing on various opportunities.
As stated by Sulphey (2015) Johari Window theory is also very useful tool in context of career
development, as it enables individuals to discover their blind spots which greatly contributes to
career development. In case of Johari window it is observed that most individuals remain
unaware of their various hidden skills and capabilities which are termed as blind spots. However
upon increasing level of communication with other people it is observed that individuals, start
gaining knowledge regarding their hidden skills and capabilities from others through open
communication which contributes to their career development. As opined by Jeswani (2016)
Johari window also enables individual address their various weaknesses by reducing their
unknown capabilities which may consist of any past incidence or traumatic experience thorough
facilitating open communication with others. Therefore it helps in enhancing skills and capability
level which helps to promote career development among individuals. Johari window also
encourages an individual to develop network with others which contributes to career
development.
My key strengths based on Clifton Gallup Strength theory and Johari window model theory are I
have skills of learner, responsiveness and positivity.
As stated by Anastasiu et al. (2017) in order to achieve my career aspirations I need to apply
elements of Clifton Gallup and Johari Window. Firstly I need to apply element of Clifton Gallup
for identifying my strengths so as to enhance my career development and succeed in my future
career. It is very important for me to identify my strengths so that accordingly I could develop
and implement strategies to procced in my career. Another element of Clifton Gallup which I
could apply is identifying and addressing source of my weaknesses so that I can adopt strategies
and actions to address them and these does not affect my future career. As opined by Rahmat,
Buntat and Ayub (2015) other element of Clifton Gallup which I could apply is capitalization on
various opportunities which I would identify during my career development stage so that I can
fulfil my aspirations. As stated by Parasuraman and Prasad (2015) to achieve my career
aspirations I also need to apply element of Johari Window i.e. discovering my blind spots or un-
identified skills and capabilities by engaging into open communication and networking with
others. As stated by Suleman (2018) it is very important from the point of view of my career to
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discover hidden talents and capabilities through others so as to utilize them for achieving career
goals and aspirations. Therefore engaging into open communication and networking with others
will help me to identify and reduce my blind spots.
Know Your Sector
Bupa is an international healthcare company where customers are main focus of firm. Bupa re-
invests their profits to provide better healthcare for the benefit of current and future customers.
The main purpose of Bupa is to help people live longer, healthier and happier life. Bupa began in
1947 in UK, after joining of 17 provident associations with purpose of preventing, relieving and
curing sickness and ill-health of people.
The values of Bupa are vital in shaping the way the organization behaves and delivers
expectations to their customer. These values include being passionate, caring, open, authentic,
accountable, courageous and extraordinary. The strategic framework of Bupa is based on three
main pillars of Customer, People and Performance.
Whereas, AXA is one of the largest global insurers and their main purpose is to empower people
to live a better life. AXA strives to provide more choices, more innovation and power to
customers so that they decide how, when and where they can access their products and services
while also ensuring that AXA provides excellence, quality and strong financial foundation for
everything that is delivered at right cost.
The business of AXA is all about making and keeping long-term commitments with people.
Trust is essential ingredient of long term success of AXA and their values guide their behaviour
and drives their outcomes. The values of AXA are customer first, integrity, courage and One
AXA.
The elements of Bupa’s values and ethics align with my personal values and ethics to a large
extent. As opined by Nisha and Rajasekaran (2018) as a result of having past work experiences
in healthcare sector I remained focussed on maximizing positive outcomes for patients of care
homes and my main aim was to provide service to patients and residents in a manner that would
enable them to lead a happier and healthier life. This value of mine greatly aligns with purpose of
Bupa. As stated by Poon (2014) similar to Bupa, I also focused greatly on remaining passionate
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towards my daily duty and demonstrated high level of care for patients and residents. Further
similar to values of Bupa I focused on being authentic towards my actions and always took full
accountability and responsibility for each and every task that I performed during my day to day
job.
The elements of AXA’s values and ethics also greatly align with my personal values and ethics
as being a worker in health care sector my sole aim is to empower patients and residents live a
better life. As health care worker I believe in making and keeping long-term commitment with
patients and residents of care homes which eventually aligns with values of AXA. I personally
perceive that trust is vital element in healthcare sector which helps in enhancing bonding
between patient and healthcare representatives. Therefore I focused on developing trust with my
patients which aligns with values of AXA.
As opined by Farhad, Ali and Bibi (2018) essential skills which are required to become Care
Assistant in Bupa Care homes is enthusiasm, commitment and passion for providing best care in
residential home care setting and to provide highest quality service to customers all the time.
The key tasks which are associated with job title of Care Assistant in Bupa Care Homes includes
taking responsibility for physical and emotional well-being, social needs of residents under
guidance of registered nurse. The other key task includes assisting residents with personal care
activities such as washing, personal hygiene, dressing and assisting during meals. Another key
task associated includes providing mental stimulation to residents by taking part in recreational
and social activities with them both individually and as group as well as helping to maintain
accurate records, undertaking ongoing training and getting involved in welcoming and training
new staffs. The other key task associated is promoting independence, choice, dignity, and respect
of residents by delivering them with best standards of care.
The CV and my LinkedIn profile helps in largely highlighting the essential qualifications which
are required for job. According to He et al. (2017) my current LinkedIn profile endorses all my
skills and capabilities which co-incidentally matches with requirements of the researched job
role. My LinkedIn profile also provides vital information regarding my various achievements
and qualifications which helps in adding further credibility and importance to my profile. My
current CV has been designed in such a way that it can catch interest of employers at first
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instance. Also in my CV I have highlighted my personal profile which provides detailed
information regarding my previous experiences and achievements. As opined by Kamaliah et al.
(2018) my CV also provides information regarding my skills and qualities so that it becomes
easy for employers to cross-check capabilities required for job with my current capabilities and
accordingly consider me. Also my CV provides information to employers regarding my
educational qualifications and provides details of my previous work experiences including
responsibilities which were undertaken by me in my previous role which will further help in
highlighting my skills.
A professional qualification which I could acquire alongside my degree in order to increase my
chances of being selected for the positon of Care Assistant is BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Health
and Social Care. As opined by Nirmala and Kumar (2018) BTEC qualification has been selected
as it has been developed for health and social care sector so that it provides education and
training for health and social care employees and gives them opportunity to achieve nationally
recognized level 3 vocational qualification. BTEC Level 3 Diploma also provides full time
learners with opportunity to enter into employment in health or social sector or to progress for
vocational qualifications such as BTEC Higher Nationals in Health and Social Care. It also
provides leaners with opportunity to develop range of skills, techniques and personal attributes
which are essential for successful performance in professional career. The above mentioned
professional qualification will greatly increase my chances of getting selected for particular job
role as possession of professional qualification will reflect that I possess required theoretical
knowledge needed for working in health and social care sector in addition to experiences.
Let Them Know You
The process of networking is socio-economic activity by which business personalities and
individuals meet to form business relationships and to recognize, create or act on business
opportunities. Networking helps to become more commercially aware of the sector and also
helps in developing casual relationships with others belonging to the industry who can provide
vital inputs regarding nature of healthcare services sector, its growth potential, trends, risks and
opportunities as well as commercial viability. This eventually helps in increasing knowledge
regarding the sector.
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The networking event which was attended by me was LinkedIn event and transferable skills
event and these helped me to gain vast amount of experience regarding various skills and
capabilities which are required to keep up in pace with ever demanding competitive world. As
stated by Ornellas, Falkner and Eva (2019) the events also helped in providing experiences
regarding skills to develop and foster interpersonal relationships. The skills which were used
during the course of event was networking and communication skills and it largely helped in
gaining knowledge regarding importance of networking which made me get fully aware of
healthcare sector.
As opined by Messer (2018) mock interview was largely dominated by behavioural interview
questions which helped me gain insights regarding my behaviours and attitude in previous
company. The behavioural interview questions were also asked to judge several actions which I
undertook in various scenarios so as to gain an idea regarding my problem handling capacity and
decision making ability. As opined by Pereira, Vilas-Boas and Rebelo (2016) in order to answer
behavioural questions during mock interview and to gain attention of interviewer, I implemented
STAR technique which helped me to effectively provide satisfactory answers to various
questions. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Review and therefore based on scenario
provided by interviewer I implemented STAR technique to provide satisfactory answers.
Bupa should choose me for role of Care Assistant as I feel that I am eligible because I fulfil
criteria of Bupa regarding specifications for the role and also have 18 years of practical
experience in this sector. As such I am well accustomed with the role and its demands.
According to me, Bupa should also choose me as I have a professional qualification in Health
and Social Care along with required skills and capabilities for the job.
During course of module I learnt effectively regarding how to become more self-aware about my
skills and capabilities by applying various tools and theories such as Clifton Gallup Strength and
Johari Window model which enhanced my career development. Also during course I gained
knowledge regarding importance of networking which helped me gain awareness and
information regarding different sectors and increased my employment scope and opportunities.
During the course I also gained knowledge regarding various ways through which employability
skills can be enhanced.
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As opined by Hamid, Islam and Manaf (2014) the skills which I further need to develop in order
to be successful in my career aspirations are grievance handling skills to solve and sort any type
of issue which may emerge in future. Another is inter-cultural management skills which will help
me to work in more effective manner with individuals belonging to diverse backgrounds.
Conclusion
From the above report it can be stated that employability skills play a decisive role in the
selection and recruitment process of an individual as it enhances the chances of selection. From
the above report it is also clear that in order to enhance employability skills individuals must first
know about themselves, followed by knowing their sector and then followed by letting the
sectors and employers know about themselves. The above report also highlights the importance
of professional qualification and networking regarding improving employability skills and for
seeking more information regarding a particular sector.
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References
Anastasiu, L., Anastasiu, A., Dumitran, M., Crizboi, C., Holmaghi, A., and Roman, M. N.
(2017). How to align the university curricula with the market demands by developing
employability skills in the civil engineering sector. Education Sciences,[Online] 7(3), 74.
doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/educsci7030074 Accessed on 3/4/2019
Bhagra, A., and Sharma, D. K. (2018). Changing paradigm of employability skills in the global
business world: A review. IUP Journal of Soft Skills, [Online]12(2), 7-24. Available at
https://search.proquest.com/docview/2064878893?accountid=30552 Accessed on 3/4/2019
Farhad, K. A., Ali, A., and Bibi, N. (2018). Analysis of skill gap for business graduates:
Managerial perspective from banking industry. Education & Training, [Online]60(4), 354-367.
doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ET-08-2017-0120 Accessed on 3/4/2019
Griffin, M., and Coelhoso, P. (2019). Business students’ perspectives on employability skills
post internship experience. Higher Education, Skills and Work - Based Learning, [Online] 9(1),
60-75. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-12-2017-0102 Accessed on 3/4/2019
Hamid, M. S. A., Islam, R., and Manaf, N. H. A. (2014). Employability skills development
approaches: Application of the analytic network process. Asian Academy of Management
Journal, 19(1), [Online] 93-111. Available at https://search.proquest.com/docview/1641639786?
accountid=30552 Accessed on 3/4/2019
He, C., Gu, J., Wu, W., Zhai, X., and Song, J. (2017). Social media use in the career
development of graduate students: The mediating role of internship effectiveness and the
moderating role. Higher Education, [Online]74(6), 1033-1051.
doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10734-016-0107-8 Accessed on 3/4/2019
Jeswani, S. (2016). Assessment of employability skills among fresh graduates: A structural
equation modeling approach. IUP Journal of Soft Skills, [Online] 10(2), 7-43. Available at
https://search.proquest.com/docview/1811910169?accountid=30552 Accessed on 3/4/2019
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Kamaliah, S., Roslan, S., Ab, R. B., and Ghiami, Z. (2018). The effect of supervised work
experience on the acquisition of employability skills among students. Higher Education, Skills
and Work - Based Learning, [Online] 8(4), 354-364. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-05-
2016-0028 Accessed on 3/4/2019
Messer, D. (2018). Work placements at 14-15 years and employability skills. Education &
Training, [Online] 60(1), 16-26. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ET-11-2016-0163 Accessed on
3/4/2019
Nirmala, K., and Kumar, S. A. S. (2018). The impact of basic, higher-order thinking and
affective skills on graduate employability. IUP Journal of Soft Skills, 12(1), 7-28. Available at
https://search.proquest.com/docview/2027472615?accountid=30552 Accessed on 3/4/2019
Nisha, S. M., and Rajasekaran, V. (2018). Employability skills: A review. IUP Journal of Soft
Skills, [Online] 12(1), 29-37. Available at https://search.proquest.com/docview/2027474049?
accountid=30552 Accessed on 3/4/2019
Ornellas, A., Falkner, K., and Eva, E. S. (2019). Enhancing graduates’ employability skills
through authentic learning approaches. Higher Education, Skills and Work - Based
Learning, [Online]9(1), 107-120. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-04-2018-0049
Accessed on 3/4/2019
Parasuraman, J., and Prasad, N. H. (2015). Acquisition of corporate employability skills: A study
with reference to graduates. IUP Journal of Soft Skills, [Online]9(2), 22-43. Available at
https://search.proquest.com/docview/1700066818?accountid=30552 Accessed on 3/4/2019
Pereira, E., Vilas-Boas, M., and Rebelo, C. (2016). Innovative and entrepreneurship education to
increase employability skills. Academic Conferences International Limited. [Online] Available at
https://search.proquest.com/docview/1860088284?accountid=30552 Accessed on 3/4/2019
Poon, J. (2014). Do real estate courses sufficiently develop graduates’ employability skills?
perspectives from multiple stakeholders. Education & Training, [Online]56(6), 562-581.
doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ET-06-2013-0074 Accessed on 3/4/2019
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Price, C. (2014). Health information employer, employee, and health information student level of
importance of employability skills and actual competencies needed to succeed in the 21st
century. Business Premium Collection. [Online]Available at
https://search.proquest.com/docview/1551740452?accountid=30552 Accessed on 3/4/2019
Rahmat, N., Buntat, Y., and Ayub, A. R. (2015). Determination of constructs and dimensions of
employability skills based work performance prediction: A triangular approach. International
Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, [Online] 5 Available at
https://search.proquest.com/docview/1701253421?accountid=30552 Accessed on 3/4/2019
Sehgal, N., and Nasim, S. (2018). Total interpretive structural modelling of predictors for
graduate employability for the information technology sector. Higher Education, Skills and Work
- Based Learning, [Online]8(4), 495-510. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/HESWBL-08-2017-0047
Accessed on 3/4/2019
Suleman, F. (2018). The employability skills of higher education graduates: Insights into
conceptual frameworks and methodological options. Higher Education, [Online]76(2), 263-278.
doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10734-017-0207-0 Accessed on 3/4/2019
Sulphey, M. M. (2015). Patterns of employability skills among business students. IPE Journal of
Management, [Online]5(2), 57-73. Available at
https://search.proquest.com/docview/1790896804?accountid=30552 Accessed on 3/4/2019
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Appendix
a. Clifton Strengths’
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b. LinkedIn Profile
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Profile:
A hardworking individual with the ability to work with a diverse background of colleagues and
management with strong dedication. Through the completion of a BSC Programme in Small
Business Enterprise, I have gained practical and theoretical knowledge of applying management
and motivational skills to keep employee motivated. By studying, I can further develop the
communication, ability to problem solve and critical thinking skills as I progress in studies.
Experience:
I have developed a wide range of experience in patients care over 18 years of working in the
health care sector. Additionally, from studying towards a degree, I have developed a good
knowledge of business management through studying Small Business Enterprise that will enable
me someday to own my own care home after graduation at GSM
Skills and Endorsement
 Excellent organisational skills
 Team leadership qualities.
 Great customer service skills.
 Able to manage and delegate work within a team.
Education:
Greenwich School of Management- GSM London Degree Name: Bachelor's degree
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Field of Study: Small Business Enterprise Graduation: 2015 – 2020
c. Events Attended
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d. CV
Celine Santiago
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Personal profile
With experience of over 18 years working as a career in care home, I have developed excellent
confidential skills with the patients I care for and ensure that patients are clean, comfortable and
happy always they are in my care. Due to working with a diverse background of patients, I have
developed strong communication skills to be able to communicate effectively with both patients
and staffs. Currently studying towards a Degree in small business enterprise will help to develop
essential skills needed such as organisation, team building to enable me further my career.
SKILLS
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 Record Keeping
 Note Recording
 Customer service
 Team Building
 Attention to details/criticism
 Planning
 Organisation
Education and Qualifications
Feb2015 - 2020 GSM London
Small business an enterprise- Qualifications (BSC)
Qualification gained: NVQ Level 2 and 3 Social and Health Care
Career in a Nursing Home
Duties: I am responsible for ministering medication, cleaning and engaging the patients with
activities organized by the care home. I record daily care plan dispensed and raise any concerns
there may be regarding the patients. I laisse with patient’s family to set up care plan for new
patients coming to the care home and ensure that the environment is safe and clean always for
the patients.
Reference
Available at Request
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e. Aspiring Job Role
Care Assistant - Bupa Care Homes
£Competitive + excellent benefits
If you're passionate about providing the very best care in a residential care home setting, consider
a move to Bupa Care Homes. We provide expert nursing, dementia, residential and specialist
care to around 9,000 people in over 140 UK homes.
Right now, we're looking for an enthusiastic and committed Carer to join the team at our home.
Whether providing long or short-term care that includes convalescence, respite and palliative
care, our focus is on providing the highest quality service always.
What you'll be doing
As a Key Worker under the guidance of a Registered Nurse, taking responsibility for the physical
and emotional well-being and social needs of our residents
Assisting residents with personal care activities such as washing, personal hygiene, dressing and
assisting with meals
Providing physical and mental stimulation by taking part in recreational and social activities with
residents, both individually and as a group
Helping to maintain accurate records, undertaking ongoing training and getting involved in
welcoming and training new staff
Generally promoting our residents' independence, choice, dignity and respect by delivering the
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very best standards of care
What you'll need
Reference Number
BEA00A0
f. Current Professional Development Plan
Goal Specific Measurable Achievable and
realistic
Time bound
Short term
Developing body
language and
posture
Attending
conferences and
workshop
Receiving
positive feedback
from co-workers
Watching videos
online and
exposure to
conferences and
workshops
3 months
Medium Term
Developing
grievance
handling skills
Training,
Gaining
expertise from
supervisors
Feeling confident
while making
decisions
Training
materials,
discussion with
seniors
6 months
Long term
Developing
inter-cultural
management
skills
Reading
academic
journals, gaining
expertise from
seniors
Gaining
complete
knowledge
regarding the
topic
e-books, online
journals and
discussion with
seniors
12 months
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