Unit 1

Specific Attributes

The term 'specific attributes' is referred to job-related skills. These skills will refer to skills that you will need to be able to accomplish the tasks that are relevant to the type of job you have, for example programming skills for a software designer. One main specific attribute that you will need for all jobs is good working procedures, like health and safety. They may be different for different types of jobs but the basic understanding of these skills is necessary for all kinds of jobs, from working in a kitchen to working at a desk.

Some jobs may need some specific types of job related attributes. This is due to the different types of environments, different equipment/machinery and different types of jobs you will need to do. For example, you will need a basic, maybe an advanced, knowledge in computer software and hardware to be able to work as a technician at a business/school/college etc. or you may need to have a very detailed understanding of the health and safety requirements with working with children to be able to work at a nursery/school/college.

 Attitudes

All employers will look at your attitude towards different areas of work. A good, open attitude is essential for work as it shows that you are up to do new things and that you are flexible. This is essential as many employers need people to do more than one thing.

If you have applied for a leadership role you will need great leadership skills and also a great attitude to be able to get the job. You will need to be able to take control of the group, without becoming somewhat of a dictator, but still be firm and helpful. You will need to be able to give all members of the group useful jobs without being tedious.You will need to be able to know what risks you may have to take in order to get the best possible results. You will need to be good at communicating with others, so that you can tell your team what needs to be done and who needs to do it. Employers look for special attributes in leaders as they need to be able to take control whilst still being part of the team.

Many employers like to see that the person they are interviewing can work very well being independent, but they will also look to see if you can also work as a team without trying to do it on your own. They look for these types of skills because in any job there will be some tasks that you can only do on your own but others you can only do as a team. You will also need to have good skills like pacing yourself, so that you don’t rush ahead of the team, and to be able to work without being distracted by others.

You will also need to be seen to have a tolerant attitude as, when working with customs, some may be more 'difficult' than others but you will need to treat them the same as everyone else. This is a key skill as employers will be looking for someone who can be lenient with someone and keep them calm and happy.

 General Attributes

The term 'general attributes' is referred to skills that you will need for any job. These skills are needed so that you will be able to achieve basic goals in any job.

Time management is a general attribute and all employers will be looking for it. Time management is key for any job that you may do as all employers are looking for someone who can be relied on to meet deadlines and task dates.

Verbal skills are a general attribute as you need a good verbal ability to be able to work in groups, talk to customers, and other forms of interaction. You will also need this key skill to be able to successfully deliver presentations. This is a very important attribute that employers look for, but it may be more important in different types of jobs, like customer care.

Presentational skills are very important in every job. Employers will be looking at how you dress and act, as this will be what is representing their company. If you go to an interview in your casual clothes and act as if you were with your friends, it gives a bad image on you and you would not be seen as a good image for the company, so you need to make sure that your presentational skills are going to make an impression on the employer.