A great application letter, backed up by an excellent resume, may get you an interview, but whether you’re hired may depend on skills you can learn in school. Check this list to see if you’re taking advantage of classroom experiences that will help you land the job you want:
Communication Skills – This is No. 1 on most experts’ lists of what it takes to be successful. Can you express your thoughts simply and clearly? Are you good at interpersonal interactions?
If you feel insecure about your communication ability, develop this valuable skill by ramping up your involvement in team projects, club meetings, and daily interactions with classmates and acquaintances. Think of these as training for work.
Logical Thinking Skills – Do you have a knack for thinking through a problem and coming up with a practical solution? Are you detail oriented? Thinking skills are especially prized in professions where employees must multi-task under pressure.
Look at school as a giant laboratory where you can become an expert thinker. Take classes that require deep thinking, and sign up for complex projects that require a well-thought-out solution. The payoff can be a big salary, high prestige, and power later.
Teamwork Skills – Do you work well with others? Whether in upper-level management or an entry-level job, being able to work effectively in a group will be required of you in any occupation. You don’t have to be extremely outgoing, but you must be able to interact with difficult people, handle conflict, control your temper, and be cooperative.
If you’re not a people person, start changing yourself now. Volunteer for every opportunity to work in groups of classmates, teachers, and acquaintances, inside and outside of school.
Technical Skills – Chances are that you are computer savvy already. No matter what field you go into, being able to work with complex systems or equipment will be invaluable.
Take as many computer classes as possible. Learn the technology and media of the profession you will enter. Research websites to learn about the latest gadgets and tools used in your field.
Strong Work Ethic – The four skills above don’t count for much unless you commit to and meet deadlines, put work before personal matters, show up on time every day, get enough sleep to do a good job, show integrity, exhibit honesty and display high ethical standards in every interaction.
Build your work ethic during school by making sure you meet teacher-directed deadlines, attend class every day, do your best work, and refrain from cheating. The connection to work ethics is clear—if you practice being ethical at school, you’ll form a pattern that will follow you into a career.
Adapted from an article by Tony Monton at Yahoo! Education
