Employability Skill Notes

Notes Soft Skills – Introduction, Aspects & Importance ✔ Introduction to Soft Skills Soft skills are personal qualities, habits, attitudes, and social behaviors that help a person interact effectively with others. Unlike technical or hard skills, soft skills are non-technical and relate to how you work, communicate, and behave. ✔ Aspects of Soft Skills 1. Communication Skills – speaking, listening, writing. 2. Interpersonal Skills – teamwork, relationship building. 3. Emotional Intelligence – understanding and managing emotions. 4. Leadership Skills – guiding and motivating others. 5. Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking – analyzing and finding solutions. 6. Time Management – planning and prioritizing tasks. 7. Adaptability & Flexibility – adjusting to new situations. 8. Work Ethics – discipline, responsibility, integrity. ✔ Importance of Soft Skills Improves communication and reduces misunderstandings. Increases self-confidence and builds strong relationships. Helps in teamwork and maintaining a positive work environment. Enhances career growth, employability, and professionalism. Helps handle challenges with patience and responsibility. Makes a person well-rounded, emotionally balanced, and successful. --- 📘 Personality Development ✔ Meaning Personality development means improving one’s behavior, attitude, mindset, communication, and presentation, so that the person becomes confident and socially effective. --- ✔ Types of Personality 1. Type A Personality Competitive, ambitious, time-conscious, fast-paced, impatient. 2. Type B Personality Relaxed, patient, creative, easy-going. 3. Type C Personality Detail-oriented, cautious, perfectionist, sensitive. 4. Type D Personality Distressed, worried, avoids social interaction, prefers routine. (You can add: introvert, extrovert, ambivert if needed.) --- 📘 SWOT Analysis ✔ Meaning SWOT analysis is a technique used for self-evaluation. It helps a person understand: S – Strengths W – Weaknesses O – Opportunities T – Threats ✔ Explanation Strengths: Qualities you are good at (e.g., communication, discipline, creativity). Weaknesses: Areas needing improvement (e.g., fear of public speaking, procrastination). Opportunities: External chances for growth (e.g., courses, internships, competitions). Threats: External challenges or risks (e.g., high competition, lack of support). --- 📘 Goal Setting ✔ Meaning Goal setting means deciding what you want to achieve and planning steps to reach that goal. ✔ SMART Goal Concept A good goal should be: S – Specific (clear and exact) M – Measurable (progress can be checked) A – Achievable (realistic) R – Relevant (useful for growth) T – Time-bound (has a deadline) ✔ Importance of Goal Setting Gives direction and focus Improves motivation Helps manage time and resources Increases productivity and self-discipline Builds confidence as goals are achieved --- Unit 2 📘 ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR (OB) ✔ Meaning Organizational Behavior is the study of how people behave in organizations, how they interact with each other, and how their behavior affects the performance of the organization. It helps managers understand: Employee motivation Group behavior Organizational culture Leadership and teamwork --- 📘 Types of Behavior in Organizations 1. Task Behavior Actions related to completing work or responsibilities. Example: planning, organizing, problem-solving. 2. Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) Voluntary helpful behavior that is not part of the job description. Example: helping colleagues, maintaining a positive attitude. 3. Counterproductive Work Behavior Negative actions that harm the organization. Example: absenteeism, misuse of resources, conflicts. 4. Interpersonal Behavior How employees interact with each other. Includes communication, cooperation, conflict management. 5. Prosocial Behavior Helping, sharing, and supporting co-workers. --- 📘 Emotional Intelligence (EI) ✔ Meaning Emotional Intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and use emotions effectively in ourselves and others. ✔ Components of EI 1. Self-awareness Knowing your emotions, strengths, and weaknesses. 2. Self-regulation Controlling emotions and staying calm under pressure. 3. Motivation Being self-driven and goal-oriented. 4. Empathy Understanding the feelings of others. 5. Social Skills Building relationships, teamwork, communication. ✔ Importance in Workplace Reduces conflicts Improves communication Builds teamwork Better leadership Increases job satisfaction --- 📘 Time Management ✔ Meaning Time management means planning, organizing, and controlling time effectively to complete tasks efficiently. ✔ Techniques 1. Prioritization (ABC Method) A: Most important B: Medium important C: Least important 2. To-Do Lists Writing daily or weekly tasks. 3. Time Blocking Assigning specific time slots for tasks. 4. Pomodoro Technique 25 minutes work + 5 minutes break. 5. Avoiding Procrastination Start tasks early and break them into small parts. ✔ Importance Reduces stress Increases productivity Better work-life balance Improves discipline and efficiency --- 📘 Decision Making ✔ Meaning Decision making is choosing the best option among different alternatives. ✔ Steps in Decision Making 1. Identify the problem 2. Gather information 3. Generate alternatives 4. Evaluate each option 5. Choose the best solution 6. Implement the decision 7. Evaluate the outcome ✔ Types of Decisions Programmed – routine, repetitive Non-programmed – new, unstructured Strategic – long-term Operational – day-to-day --- 📘 Critical Thinking ✔ Meaning Critical thinking is the ability to analyze information logically, question assumptions, and make sound judgments. ✔ Skills Involved Observation Interpretation Analysis Evaluation Problem-solving Reflection ✔ Importance Helps in accurate decision-making Reduces errors Encourages creativity Improves problem-solving ability --- 📘 Team Intelligence and Leadership ✔ Team Intelligence The ability of a group to think, solve problems, and perform tasks collectively. ✔ Factors that Improve Team Intelligence 1. Good communication 2. Trust and cooperation 3. Shared goals 4. Diversity of ideas 5. Emotional intelligence 6. Commitment and responsibility --- 📘 Leadership ✔ Meaning Leadership is the ability to influence, motivate, and guide others to achieve goals. ✔ Styles of Leadership 1. Autocratic – leader makes all decisions. 2. Democratic – leader involves team in decision-making. 3. Laissez-faire – leader gives freedom; minimal control. 4. Transformational – inspires and motivates team. 5. Transactional – based on rewards and punishments. ✔ Importance of Leadership Improves teamwork Increases motivation Helps achieve organizational goals Builds trust and positive culture Unit 3 📘 UNIT 3 – INTERVIEW SKILLS --- 1. Interview – Types and Process ✔ What is an Interview? An interview is a formal conversation between an employer and a candidate to evaluate the candidate’s skills, knowledge, personality, and suitability for a job. --- ✔ Types of Interviews 1. Personal/One-to-One Interview One interviewer and one candidate Most common type Focus on skills, experience, personality 2. Panel Interview A group of interviewers Used for formal and higher-level jobs Evaluates confidence and communication 3. Telephonic Interview Conducted over phone Used for initial screening 4. Video/Online Interview Conducted on Zoom, Google Meet, etc. Common for remote or early-stage interviews 5. Group Interview Multiple candidates together Assesses teamwork, communication, leadership 6. Behavioral Interview Based on past behavior Common questions: “Tell me about a time when…” 7. Technical Interview Focus on technical or job-specific knowledge Used in IT, engineering, science domains 8. HR Interview Checks personality, attitude, expectations, salary --- ✔ Interview Process 1. Job Posting & Application 2. Shortlisting of Candidates 3. Screening Interview (phone/online) 4. Main Interview (technical/HR/panel) 5. Assessment Tests or Group Discussion (if required) 6. Final Interview 7. Job Offer 8. Joining Formalities --- 2. Resume Writing ✔ What is a Resume? A resume is a formal document that summarizes your education, skills, achievements, and experience to present before employers. --- ✔ Essential Parts of a Resume 1. Personal Information Name, phone, email, location 2. Career Objective A short statement about your career goals 3. Education Details Degrees, school/college, marks, year 4. Skills Technical skills Soft skills (communication, problem-solving) 5. Experience (if any) Internships, projects, part-time work 6. Achievements Awards, certificates, academic achievements 7. Projects / Training 8. Hobbies / Interests 9. Declaration & Signature --- ✔ Tips for Resume Writing Keep it clear, simple, and 1 page Use bullet points Avoid spelling and grammar mistakes Use action verbs (managed, created, led, developed) Tailor resume for each job --- 3. Job Application ✔ Meaning A job application is a formal request made by a candidate to apply for a job. Types of Job Applications 1. Application Letter (Cover Letter) 2. Job Application Email 3. Online Job Application Form --- ✔ Contents of a Good Job Application Subject line with job title Introduction + purpose Your skills and suitability Relevant experience Closing statement (request for interview) Resume attached --- 4. Research About Industry ✔ Meaning Before applying or attending an interview, candidates must study: Company background Products and services Market position Competitors Work culture Required job skills --- ✔ Importance of Industry Research Prepares you for interview questions Shows professionalism Helps you understand job expectations Improves confidence Helps in salary negotiation --- 5. Mapping Job Competencies with Personal Skills ✔ Meaning Competency mapping means matching your personal skills, knowledge, and abilities with the skills required for a job. --- ✔ Steps in Competency Mapping 1. Identify Job Competencies Examples: Communication skills Technical knowledge Teamwork Leadership Problem-solving Adaptability 2. Self-Assessment Identify your own: Strengths Weaknesses Skills Achievements 3. Compare Both Match: What the job requires What you have 4. Fill the Gap Take steps to improve skills where you are weak: Training Courses Practice Internships --- ✔ Benefits Helps in preparing for interviews Shows confidence and readiness Improves career planning Increases chances of job success Unit 4 📘 INTERPERSONAL SKILLS ✔ Meaning Interpersonal skills are the abilities that help people interact effectively with others. They include communication, listening, teamwork, empathy, and positive behavior. These skills are very important for success in the workplace, relationships, and leadership. --- 1. Workplace Communication ✔ Meaning Workplace communication refers to how employees exchange information, ideas, and messages at work—both formally and informally. ✔ Types of Workplace Communication 1. Verbal Communication Speaking in meetings, discussions, presentations 2. Non-Verbal Communication Body language, gestures, eye contact 3. Written Communication Emails, reports, notices 4. Formal Communication Official communication through proper channels 5. Informal Communication (Grapevine) Casual conversations among colleagues --- ✔ Importance of Workplace Communication Reduces misunderstandings Improves teamwork and coordination Builds trust Helps in problem-solving Increases productivity --- 2. Active Listening ✔ Meaning Active listening means fully focusing on the speaker, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully. It is more than just hearing words—it involves attention and empathy. --- ✔ Skills of Active Listening 1. Maintaining eye contact 2. Avoiding interruptions 3. Asking questions for clarity 4. Giving feedback (“Yes, I understand…”) 5. Observing non-verbal cues 6. Summarizing the speaker’s points --- ✔ Benefits of Active Listening Improves relationships Reduces conflicts Enhances teamwork Builds trust and respect Helps better decision-making --- 3. Positive Attitude ✔ Meaning A positive attitude is having an optimistic, confident, and constructive approach toward situations and people. It reflects how you think, behave, and react at the workplace. --- ✔ Qualities of a Positive Attitude Confidence Patience Optimism Willingness to learn Responsibility Self-motivation --- ✔ Benefits of a Positive Attitude Improves performance Reduces stress Encourages teamwork Makes the workplace pleasant Helps handle challenges better --- 4. Negotiation Skills ✔ Meaning Negotiation is the process of discussing and reaching an agreement through communication and compromise. It is used in workplaces for project discussions, salaries, conflict resolution, and decision-making. --- ✔ Steps in Negotiation 1. Preparation Know your goals, facts, and needs 2. Discussion Present your views clearly 3. Clarification Understand the other party’s needs 4. Problem-solving Find common ground 5. Agreement Decide on a solution acceptable to both 6. Implementation Put the agreement into action --- ✔ Qualities Needed for Good Negotiation Clear communication Patience Active listening Confidence Emotional control Creativity in finding solutions --- ✔ Importance of Negotiation Skills Helps resolve conflicts peacefully Improves relationships Leads to better decision-making Creates win-win outcomes Builds leadership and teamwork