Key Skills, Knowledge and Experience Required for Jobs

Reading, writing and arithmetic used to be described as the basic skills needed to progress in school. The idea was that if you were comfortable in these three areas you would probably be able to handle most of the work expected of you in the classroom.

Out of school, employers tend to speak of 'Key Skills', those skills which make a person effective in the workplace. When employers talk of key skills they are referring to a person's ability in:

• communication;
  
  
  
  
• the application of numbers (AoN);
  
  
• the use of information technology;
  
  
• working with others (WWO);
  
  
• improving his or her own learning and performance (IOLP);
  
  
• problem solving.
  

It's worthwhile thinking about those skills and listing the times when you have had to use your skill in these areas. When was the last time that you needed to solve a problem? Were you successful? How did you set about the task? How did you gain the skills that you have in your present job? Can you think of an example where you had to take responsibility for training or teaching yourself rather than relying on other people showing you how to do something? Can you think of any examples, in or out of work, where you have had to work in a team? Do you have any examples of times when you have had to lead a team? Now what about your ability with computers and word processors? Maybe you feel comfortable, or maybe you'd feel better with a little more experience. There are lots of courses available. It's better to ask these questions of yourself than wait for an employer to ask them at an interview.

Knowledge and experience required

Employers often use a particular code when they describe the knowledge and experience required by someone doing a particular job. Skills which a person should have on the first day of work will be described as 'required' or 'essential'. Less important knowledge and experience will be described as 'desirable'.

Knowledge and experience

A reasonable standard of general education and accuracy with figures are essential. A methodical mind and an ability to communicate verbally and in writing are also required. Previous experience in the pensions department of a large organization is also desirable.

If you have the 'essential' skills, don't worry too much about the rest - just make a good application and see what happens. You might be pleasantly surprised. You may never have worked in a pensions department before but you know that they will ask you what previous relevant experience you have had, so you have plenty of time to think about similar experiences. Perhaps you worked in the accounts department of a large company for a couple of years. You didn't handle the pension's side of the work but the experience was similar enough to be relevant.

When you are thinking about making an application, look at the knowledge and experience required and see how your background, experience and temperament meet the requirements. Try to look at the information in a positive way and count the number of points in your favor. Don't worry too much about the knowledge and skill which you do not have. If they want you badly enough, they may be prepared to offer you the job, train you and bring you up to speed.