John did not expect it. He had been with his company about six years. He had received promotions and gotten good evaluations. But rumors had been circulating that a layoff was coming.
When the personnel office called him in and explained the termination process and his final payments, he was stunned.
As best he could, he made plans. First, an updated resume, then applications and hopefully interviews.
John read the materials given him by personnel. When he saw they had psychologists available for career assessment and vocational counseling, he decided to take advantage of those benefits.
After vocational testing, John received counseling and information that helped him make choices for the future. In some instances, he needed additional education. In others, he just needed to make employers aware of his experience and ability.
Following are some of the important skills and knowledge John found was needed to compete in today’s market place:
• Communication skills – listening, comprehending and vocalizing. Potential employees have to think on their feet, be able to write well and must have a good command of the language.
• Computer knowledge. Whether John headed for a job as a fast food supervisor, executive, scientist or almost any agency, factory or business, he found he needed to be computer literate. Most workers must use personal computers and be knowledgeable about word processing.
• Time management. This organization skill shows how well you can arrange your working hours to accomplish the maximum. It will indicate if you can see ways to cut time wasters, get to work on time and avoid absenteeism.
• Cooperation and respect for fellow workers. Since most employees have to get alone with many different personalities, employers look for someone with a smile, a relaxed attitude, someone who looks them in the eye, and who shows on his/her resume that they have been involved in many activities.
• A board-based education. John found that knowledge about a lot of things was beneficial. He was glad he always considered himself a life long learner. With the ability to read and comprehend, organize his thoughts on paper, speak on his feelings, he knew he could learn any new job.
John worked hard on all these points. As he went for interviews, he checked his personal appearance, and was comfortable and relaxed.
His self-esteem and self-confidence were enhanced because he made good use of the vocational testing and counseling. It was, he concluded, a chance for growth.
Copyright c 1990 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.
Hi.
I’m an experienced Clinical Practitioner, Administrator, Professional Writer, and Lecturer.
