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How to Make a Good Impression and Maintain Professionalism: Learn Effective Employability Skills

Learn key employability skills and how to maintain professional relationships. This list expands on skills employers seek out in employees and identifies essential skills to help students succeed in Natural Resource careers.

Employability Skills – Expanded Definitions

Communication

 

A strong communicator has the following skills:

 

 
 
☐ Appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication
 
☐ Clear, concise, and well-thought out written communication
 
☐ Clear and well-thought out oral communication and presentation skills
 
☐ Active listening
 
☐ Use of various media tools appropriately (email, text, phone call, social media, etc.)
 
☐ Use of writing, speaking, and active listening strategies that are appropriate to specific audiences with sensitivity to age, gender identity and orientation, cultural variation, and other factors.

Accountability

 

Someone who is accountable has the following skills:

 

 
 

☐ Time management

☐ Shows commitment and ability to follow through with responsibilities

 
☐ Demonstrates ethical responsibility (with technology, taking ownership of situations, etc.)
 
☐ Exercises emotional control/presence of mind

Collaboration

 

Someone who is a strong collaborator has the following skills:

 

 
 
 

☐ Ability to collaborate with people of different ages, gender, sex, race, identity, religion or political persuasion

☐ Ability to receive and give constructive and authentic feedback respectfully

☐ Ability to work in a team as both a team member and leader

Complex and Strategic Thinking

 

Someone who is a complex and strategic thinker has the following skills:

 

 
 

☐ Exhibits strong problem-solving skills

 
☐ Shows innovation and open-mindedness

☐ Shows initiative and self-direction

 
☐ Seeks input from unusual and diverse voices
 
☐ Shows up ready to learn and is a lifelong learner

Empathy

 

Someone who is empathic demonstrates the following qualities:

 

 
 

☐ Respect, open-mindedness and control of personal biases to all people regardless of age, gender, sex, race, identity, religion or political persuasion

 
☐ Integrity and fairness
 
☐ Genuine care for others and the environment

☐ Consideration and respect for the host culture