Recently I have had the opportunity to meet with a variety of people with widely varying skillsat meetings, workshops, libraries, and One-Stops.  What often surprises me are the skills sets that some South Carolinians possess, but are not using in their job search. In this new economy there are certain skillsthat everyone must begin using.  Should you not use these skills, you may be left behind other job seekers, and be considered outdated and unacceptable by various employers. Below is a list of skills and characteristics that people need to be knowledgeable about and certainly should master.

1. Analytical/Research Skills:  Having these important skills will allow you greater opportunities in employment.   These abilities include being able to assess a situation, seek multiple perspectives, gather more information if necessary, and identify key issues that need to be addressed.
2. Computer/Technical Literacy: Almost all jobs now require some basic understanding of basic computer hardware and common office software, especially word processing and spreadsheets.  Email is also a necessary skill:  You will probably need to know how to create, send, and read and respond to emails.  Surprisingly, I have met some people that have an email account set up but who don’t know how to access it correctly.
3. Communications Skills (listening, verbal, written): By far, the skill mentioned most often by employers is the ability to listen, write, and speak effectively.  Explaining your points of view verbally and in writing must be done professionally and clearly.  You will go far in any work environment if you can communicate well.
4. Sensitivity/Awareness: One of the biggest concerns for employers about potential hires is, are they able to demonstrate a sensitivity and awareness to other people and cultures?  Examine your attitudes: Do you sometimes say inappropriate things such as ethnic or gender-related jokes?  Do your habits spring from points of view which can lead to serious issues with co-workers?  Be aware of these behaviors, strive to control them, and be careful to be sensitive to others.
5. Truthfulness: Don’t lie to employers, references, or yourself. Know your limitations about your skills and work ethic. In the current environment, everyone wants a job, but make sure the job is one you can perform well and keep. In your past work history, if things weren’t done well (such as gaps in employment, work place issues, or barriers to stop you from being employed), seek help in finding out the best way to explain these issues. Don’t cover them up, expect them to go away, or overlook them. These types of problems need to be addressed to move forward in the job hunt.  
6. Job/Career:  Do you need a job, immediately, or do you have the luxury of planning for a long term career? Which can you choose to do right now? Most people want a career doing what they love, but need a job to pay bills right now. You can do both, but it will take patience and commitment to get to career that you like, love, or love it so much that you consider it your life’s work.
7. Options: Life always offers options, even when we don’t feel we have any.  This goes back to being truthful with yourself. I met a young man that wanted to work, would not consider any other jobs but the one he wanted. As time went by the options changed, but his hope was to still gain employment in his desired field. Months went by and I suggested that we take a look at different lines of work. He still would not consider other types of employment because he felt he was above certain lines of work. However, he was not working currently, was drying up his savings, had finished his unemployment, and needed to really look at how he was going to survive in the coming months. Now when we talk, he says that it’s the economy and that there are no jobs out there for him.  Do you see the misguided thinking? 
8.  Being Positive/Have Motivation/Show Passion: The people who get hired and the employees who get promoted are the ones with drive and passion. Can you demonstrate this enthusiasm through your words and actions?