Essential employability skills are those general skills that are required to be successful in all sectors of the labor market and are separate from the technical skills attained in career pathways or academic skills such as math and reading.  Essential employability skills include:

  1. Personal Ethic
    1. Integrity
      1. Treats others with honesty, fairness, and respect
        1. Demonstrates respect for company time and property
          1. Is present and engaged in the workplace
          2. Demonstrates appropriate use of technology in the workplace
      2. Accepts responsibility for one’s decisions and actions
    2. Respect
      1. Works effectively with those who have diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures
      2. Exhibits respect for authority
    3. Perseverance
      1. Stays on task when provided with strategies for overcoming barriers
    4. Positive attitude
      1. Cooperates in a pleasant and polite manner with clients, coworkers, and supervisors
      2. Exhibits flexibility and adaptability
      3. Takes direction and correction willingly
  2. Work Ethic
    1. Dependability
      1. Shows up on time and ready to work
        1. Fulfills obligations, completes assignments, and meets deadlines
        2. Behaves consistently and predictably
      2. Regular Attendance
        1. Demonstrates minimum absenteeism
        2. Communicates absenteeism with direct supervisor
      3. Commitment
        1. Desires to effectively work toward the employer’s goals
        2. Takes the initiative in seeking new responsibilities, maintaining professional goals, and striving to exceed standards and expectations of their position
    2. Professionalism
      1. Maintains a professional demeanor at work
        1. Demonstrates self-control by maintaining composure and keeping emotions in-check, even in difficult situations
        2. Exhibits professional appearance by dressing appropriately for the workplace and maintaining personal hygiene
        3. Understands employer’s objectives
  3. Communication Skills
    1. Active Listening
        1. Listens to and considers other’s viewpoints
        2. Maintains open and factual lines of communication appropriate to one’s position
    2. Clear Communication
        1. Follows directions
        2. Is open to correction
        3. Comprehends written material
        4. Effectively explains a process or problem verbally and/or in writing
  4. Team Work
    1. Critical Thinking
      1. Demonstrates sound decision making
      2. Exhibits problem solving skills
    2. Effective and Cooperative Work
      1. Demonstrates an ability to work effectively with others
        1. Is willing to ask questions and seek clarification or guidance
      2. Uses appropriate strategies and solutions in dealing with conflicts/differences to maintain a smooth workflow

Source: Illinois Essential Employability Skills Framework and Self-Assessment