Employability Skills Report: HRM Course, Summer 2024, University

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of employability skills within the field of Human Resource Management (HRM). It begins by emphasizing the importance of networking and commercial awareness, highlighting how these skills facilitate access to information and opportunities. The report then reflects on a personal networking experience, detailing the skills acquired during a workshop and how these skills have been applied. The author outlines their career aspirations to become an HR consultant and details the steps they plan to take, including obtaining an HRBP certification. The report also includes a reflection on their personal strengths and weaknesses, and a review of a current job description for an HR specialist position. Finally, the report provides a professional development plan, outlining specific goals and objectives to enhance their skills and achieve their career goals. The author emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of HRM.

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EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
by [Name]
Course
Professor’s Name
Institution
Location of Institution
Date

Employability Skills 2
Networking and commercial awareness
Networking has become an essential aspect of every sector, be it a career, business, or professional
development. Having a well-established network is an important part of our daily lives. According to
Turkina (2018), expanding networks enable us to build relationships with people we know; acquaintances,
colleagues, classmates, friends, and family. For example, if we need various services of a landscaper, a
painter, dry-Waller, a plumber, and an electrician, we often ask family members, friends, or close
colleagues. As such, networking in human resource management (HRM) also take this route. Moreover,
commercial awareness is the knowledge of how businesses make money, the needs of customers, and
identifying problems in the human resource sector.
In HRM, networking can play a vital role in creating commercial awareness by identifying problems
and providing solutions to them. Gibson, Hardy III, and Ronald Buckley (2014) found out that networking
enables access to social capital and information besides being of great professional value. For instance,
knowing a colleague who offers career training on employability skills, employee recruitment, and staffing
is a way of becoming aware that identifying the right talent for a company actually pays. Mierau (2007)
advises companies and organizations to outsource services that one cannot offer professionally. In HRM,
employee recruitment is a service that most organizations outsource, a move that Amador and Bagwell
(2013) agrees with, though it has financial implications. By interacting with HRM market leaders, we can
learn that offering these services actually pays when done professionally. Additionally, through networking,
companies can recommend a team building expert to offer refresher training to workers to enhance
employee performance. By offering such services, companies earn and thus enhance the growth of HRM
sector.
Reflection on networking experience
According to Cavilla (2017) and Helyer (2015), a reflection is a tool for enhancing metacognition by
creating a positive correlation between motivation and academic performance. As such, reflection helps
people understand events in their lives which consequently enhance and add meaning. During the last
summer, I attended HRM networking workshop which I still value to date. International Society for

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Performance Improvement organized the event where they trained students on career growth and
development.
During the event, I applied several skills that enabled me to acquire more knowledge on career
development. Some of the skills I used include; communication, active listening, establishing trust, and
social skills. Communication skills enabled me to engage the trainers in areas I did not understand well
which enhanced my understanding of the whole exercise. On the other hand, active listening skills ensured
that I concentrated on what was being taught which I still remember to date. Besides, establishing trust with
the trainers ensured that I gave them maximum attention, and believed in what they were teaching on the
best techniques on HRM career development. I can surely relate to the strategies they taught and the content
we have covered so far in this course. Besides, my interpersonal social skills during that event helped me
establish contact with other students from different institutions. I learned more from their personal
experiences and encouragements. From the trainers, I have established a constant relationship where I have
so far secured internship opportunity with the company.
HRM career
According to Bisk (2018) from Villanova University, there are essential human resource skills that
every HRM graduate should possess. The skills include; organization, communication, discretion, multi-
tasking, and conflict management. So far, I have acquired the skills mentioned and thus can fit in various
career opportunities in HRM. In particular, I wish to become an HR consultant to offer services to
organizations. Some of the services I intend to offer in future include; recruiting, screening, employee
relations, onboarding, scheduling, and performance management.
To achieve my career goals, I shall consider human resource business professional (HRBP) certified
professional program to enhance my skills in HRM field. This certification will enable me to implement
strategies and policies where I shall serve as point reference for stakeholders and employees, perform
operational HR functions as well as deliver HR services (Capella University 2016). This professional
program will enhance my skills in HR practices as well as get international accreditation to practice. HRBP
certification is meant to validate professional level fundamental HR knowledge and skills (Leoron 2018).

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Furthermore, the credential demonstrates mastery of operational HR and generally accepted technical
principles. The qualifications also serve to compliment United Kingdom's HR practices. Additionally, I shall
acquire training needs which will eventually be very important when I shall practice as an HR consultant.
Plan to acquire HRBP
Upon graduation, I will seek employment to gain the industry experience in HR practice. Such
experience will solidify my understanding of the sector as well get to apply the knowledge learned in class
set up. I will nurture my talent and strengths and correct my weaknesses as I grow career-wise. Personal
assessment highlight some of my strengths which include; strong sense of responsibility, a relator, humility,
positive attitude, and Individualization. Nurturing these personal advantages will open my mind and even
deliver more to my employer.
Instead of working for one year and do masters in HRM to qualify for the professional course, I will
work for two years. Ideally, working for two years will enable me to acquire more experience in employee
management besides gaining valuable entrepreneurial skills. Acquiring this professional certification will
add value to my employer by creating a positive impact on their organizational financial performance and
improve the organizational image by valuing professionalism. In addition, I can be a preferred candidate on
any interview I shall attend since business leaders usually believe that HR certified professionals are
knowledgeable and better motivated compared to non-certified HR employees (Lester et al. 2010). Another
reason for gaining a competitive advantage during interviews is that certified professionals inspire greater
confidence and trust from employers since they believe that I am equal to any task and can deliver results.
Additionally, HR certification will show interview panelist that I am committed to professionalism as
compared to my peers and thus I can help the company realize its goals without making costly mistakes
which might hurt the company financially.

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Current job description
Air Canada wishes to recruit enthusiastic individuals to join the vibrant and diverse employee base
with a goal of leading the expansion and growth of Canada's flag carrier in the United Kingdom. According
to Indeed (2018), the company seeks to employ human resource specialist in the development of strategies
and operational practices, absence policies, health and safety, and HR to support company's corporate aims.
The job specifications include; undertaking grievance hearing, disciplinary, and investigations are required,
organizing rehabilitation programs and restricted duties for employees, and developing and managing sick
plan and associated initiatives for UK staff. Other specifications are updating Air Canada SERP as and when
required, reviewing of audit contractor risk assessment and their safety arrangements, and ensuring regular
review of COSHH. Further, assisting in work place inspection and supporting all departments with safety
and health plans, assisting in minimizing health injury claims, and ensure proper arrangements for first aid
and fire prevention as well as adhering to safety and health practice.
The specification of the job include; level 2 British safety council certificate, knowledge of HR best
practices and employment law, and NEBOSH general certificate; people management experience. Other
specifications are understanding of robust management processes, proven experience of interviewing and
selection, holding a suitable H & S qualification, and strong knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
(Indeed 2018). Besides, the skills required for the job are; good organizational skills, ability to work under
pressure, strong interpersonal skills, and strong sense of respect for confidentiality. Moreover, such skills
form part of my skills I possess so far. From my curriculum vitae and LinkedIn profile, I have strong
organizational skills, positive thinker, good listener, team player, strong interpersonal skills, and good
communication skills.
On my previous interview, I answered every question asked soberly without contradiction. I
performed well during the interview because I prepared adequately by researching more about the company
before attending the interview. I used my listening and communication skills to my advantage. I did engage
the panelist with confidence, responding to every question as a professional. Furthermore, my performance

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on the interview got a boost by applying STAR method. You can find the way I responded to the questions
in the appendices section.
Reflection on what I have learned about myself
In keeping with Moon (2013), reflection offers students ways of internalizing what they learned and thus
enhance their understanding of the topic. In the same line of thought, this course has been very important to my
career growth and development. The skills I have acquired are immeasurable and will guide me throughout
my career in HR practice. Ranging from work ethics, employee management, trends in HR practice, and
professional qualification have prepared me a great deal to face a work environment. I now feel like a
professional, ready to spur organizational growth. Despite the overwhelming knowledge I have gained in
this module, there are few things I must address, first is focus. I need to have a clear path I wish to follow,
whether to further my education immediately or seek employment and further my studies later. I should also
sharpen my relational skills so that I get to adapt quickly in any organization I shall step into.

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References
Amador, M. and Bagwell, K., 2013. Money burning in the theory of delegation. 2013b)“The theory of optimal
delegation with an application to tariff caps,” Econometrica, 81, pp.1541-1599.
Brisk. 2018. 5 essential human resource skills. Villanova University. [Online] Available from:
https://www.villanovau.com/resources/hr/essential-skills-human-resources/#.WrdN6Pl97IU (Accessed March 25
2018).
Cavilla, D., 2017. The Effects of Student Reflection on Academic Performance and Motivation. SAGE Open, 7(3),
p.2158244017733790.
Capella University. 2016. 7 human resource management certifications for your career. [Online] Available from:
https://www.capella.edu/blogs/cublog/human-resource-management-certifications-for-your-career/ (Accessed March
25 2018).
Gibson, C., H. Hardy III, J. and Ronald Buckley, M., 2014. Understanding the role of networking in organizations.
Career Development International, 19(2), pp.146-161.
Helyer, R., 2015. Learning through reflection: the critical role of reflection in work-based learning (WBL). Journal of
Work-Applied Management, 7(1), pp.15-27.
Indeed, 2018. Human Resources Specialist - London – UK. . [Online] Available from:
https://www.indeed.co.uk/viewjob?jk=12f6f6fef3759866&tk=1c9e8frbn9momaut&from=serp&vjs=3 (Accessed
March 25 2018).
Leoron, 2018. HRBP Human Resource Business Professional - Review Course. [Online] Available from:
https://www.findcourses.co.uk/training/leoron-professional-development-institute/hrbp-human-resource-business-
professional-review-course-in-house-490042. (Accessed March 25 2018).
Lester, S.W., Mencl, J., Maranto, C., Bourne, K.A. and Keaveny, T., 2010. The impact of passing the professional in
human resources exam on early career success for undergraduates entering the human resource field. International
Journal of Selection and Assessment, 18(3), pp.282-290.
Mierau, A., 2007. Strategic importance of knowledge process outsourcing. Technical University of Kaiserslautern,
Kaiseslautern.

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Moon, J.A., 2013. Reflection in learning and professional development: Theory and practice. Routledge.
Turkina, E., 2018. The importance of networking to entrepreneurship: Montreal's artificial intelligence cluster and its
born-global firm Element AI.

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Appendices
Professional Development Plan student name date
Goal/Objective
What is it that you want to
develop or achieve?
(e.g. skills development/
career development/ future
plans)
Specific
What exactly do you need to
do to achieve your goal?
(e.g. coaching / mentoring /
shadowing /reading / training /
research /conferences
/supervisor support)
Measurable
How will you know you
have achieved your goal?
(e.g. achieved goal / speak
knowledgeably about subject /
mastered new technology/feel
more confident/received good
feedback)
Achievable & Realistic
What resources, time,
opportunity and support do you
need to succeed?
Goals can be challenging but
must be achievable and relevant
to your role
Time bound
When, or within what time
period will you achieve this?
Use realistic deadlines, to
allow time for progress to
have been made
Short term
Finish my 5
Communication writing
skills
Write more essays and take for
review.
Writing essays that flow and
free from grammatical mistakes.
A tutor to go through any essay I
write.
Write at least two essays in a
week.
Nurture my leadership
skills
Get a leadership position my
class and church to practice.
Successfully leading other
students and youths in church to
accomplish projects.
Attend leadership forums and
mentorship.
Set goals as youths in church
and achieve them within one
year.
Complete 100 volunteer
hours
Volunteer during weekends in
charity organizations.
Participating in at least 5 hour
community service in a week.
Set aside at least 5 hours during
weekends to serve the
community.
Do at least 10 hours community
service in a month.
Medium term
Finish my degree Attend lectures and do
assignments without fail. Pass my exams without resist.
Consult lecturers and my fellow
students on areas I do not
understand to enable me score
good grades.
Finish my degree in a years’
time.
Improve confidence Training on public speaking in
class and gatherings.
When I will be able to talk in
front of my audience without
fear.
Making class presentations on
behalf of my group members.
Be confident by the time I am
graduating.
Develop professional Attend industry exhibitions and When I will get contacts of Visit established professionals in Starting projects together as an

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network in HRM workshops. various professionals. their offices for mentorship. apprenticeship with 2 years of
mentorship.
Long-term
Master Enroll for master classes
immediately after graduating.
Getting admission letter
allowing me to start attending
lectures.
Paying fees to enable me stay in
class as I do my thesis. Finish my master in 3 year time.
Own HR consultant
company Gaining experience as I work. Registering my HR consultant
company after two years.
Opening and office to start
practicing.
Start practicing immediately
after getting certificate of
incorporation.
Establish a mentorship
company for HR students
Form alliances with industry
professionals.
Registering the first cohort of
students into the program.
A robust team of professionals to
help mentor young students.
One year after registering the
first cohort. The program will be
successful if the first group
graduates.

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STAR METHOD INTERVIEW
Prepare 3 questions for an interview answer them using the STAR method
Q1 What value will add to the company if you get this job?
S I am very happy to have applied this job because I meet the requirements of the job specification.
T This job is very challenging and will give an opportunity to explore my potential.
A Owing to the experience I have acquired in college and during my internship, I can deliver and produce
results.
R I endeavor to increase performance of the company by coming up with innovative ways to increase
earnings, specifically, I will build an integrated HR management system.
Q2 Why did you leave your previous job?
S Having worked for 2 years in that company, I wanted a new challenge which this position is offering.
T As a certified HRBP, I stand a chance of injecting fresh manpower to performance of the company.
A I can multitask and make decisions which I did not on my previous employment.
R As such, I shall help the company minimize losses attributed to inefficiencies and laxity.
Q3 What are your career achievements so far?
S I help increase the annual turnover of my family business when it was underperforming.
T I wanted to practice my skills I acquired during my undergraduate program by offering myself for the
task.
A I worked closely with my parents and industry networks I had established to introduce new techniques in
running the business.
R The business grew faster and another branch was established within that year.

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