On the QT: Work Ethic in High Demand

March 25, 2009

On the QT Newsletter, Work Ethic in High Demand

 

Did you know? This tumultuous economy and the crisis in the financial sector have had a devastating impact on the job market ... Recruiters are cautious about making hiring predictions as many remain uncertain what will happen to staffing levels within their organizations over the next six to twelve months. Even though some employers are hiring, the competition for jobs has dramatically increased. Many students are arming themselves with the technical skills needed to land a good job. Yet they may have overlooked one of the most highly prized qualities employers look for ... a strong work ethic. In fact, work ethic ranks 2nd on the list of qualities employers seek in new hires -- a very close second to the number one requisite: communication skills. Whether your students are currently employed, seeking part-time, summer, or full-time employment, they need to understand what work ethic means, and be prepared to demonstrate behaviors that exemplify this attribute. This short activity will get students discussing work ethic and some of the ways they can define and demonstrate this quality in the workplace.

 

Try This:

 

1.      Ask students to name the top five qualities employers seek in their new hires. List their responses.

2.      Explain that according to a 2009 NACE Employers’ Poll, the top quality or skills were: communications skills, strong work ethic, teamwork skills, initiative, and analytical skills.

3.      Discuss the 5 skills and ask them if they would do well in an interview where they had to demonstrate or describe their work ethic.

4.      Distribute the How Would You Rate Your Work Ethic activity and ask students to answer the questions.

5.      Have students share their responses to the last question. (If a potential employer asked you to describe your work ethic, how would you respond?)

 

Add Experience: With the unemployment rate climbing, students are going to have to be resourceful and creative to make the best use of their summer vacations. Divide your students into teams and have each team research “summer work” possibilities to share with the class. You may want a team to focus on finding and reporting on great volunteer opportunities, while other teams might research the options via your local ROP program, California Conservation Corp., entrepreneurial opportunities, or other employment prospects.

 

Quik Quote: Research shows that 85% of people who lose a job do so because they lack good work habits, rather than lack appropriate job skills.