Using Crisis and Challenges to Maximize Opportunities

Although crisis and challenges may not look like opportunities; sometimes they open doors to the opportunities that we are seeking. For instance, losing your job can be an opportunity on the horizon, allowing you to start your own business.

Once you stop focusing on your own thoughts and instead focus on helping others and contributing to society you would be amazed at how easily this can expand your capacity to recognize opportunities.  Dreams start materializing and you begin to discover other potential skills that you never knew you had.

Problems can result in opportunities, since they can help you to develop skills employers are looking, such as leadership and people skills.  (See list of Employability Skills below).

In todays’ world, it is not enough to be a good accountant, secretary, or manager; you need to have employability skills.  Take advantage of the opportunities you may have

now to develop such skills by getting involved and making a difference for yourself and your community.

There are an abundance of opportunities around us it’s just that we don’t recognize it.
Never run away from problems because they are usually a big breakthrough on the horizon.  By developing good character and integrity will help to recognize opportunities; doing good for others enhances skills and expertise.

What Do Employers Want?

Apart from the skills required to perform a particular job, employers are also looking for employability skills, also referred to as “soft skills”.  Listed below are skills and values employers are seeking from Jobseekers.

• Communication – Listening, verbal/non-verbal, written etc.
• Flexibility/Adaptability/Managing Multiple Priorities -  Someone who can multi-task, set priorities and adapt easily.
• Interpersonal Abilities – Persons who can relate easily to co-workers and mitigate conflict.
• Leadership/Management Skills – The ability to take charge and manage co-workers
• Planning/Organizing – The ability to plan, organize and implement projects or tasks within a specific time frame.
• Problem-Solving/Reasoning – The ability to find solutions to problems
• Teamwork – The ability to work with others in a professional manner
• Honesty/Integrity/Morality – This speaks for itself
• Multicultural Sensitivity/Awareness – The world is changing therefore Jobseekers must demonstrate a sensitivity and awareness of other people and their cultures.

Employability skills and personal values are critical tools you will need to succeed in the workplace.