3.3.1 SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU EMPLOYABLE
SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU EMPLOYABLE
- Warm-Up: “The Ideal Employee”
“What makes someone highly employable in today’s workplace?”
Present your ideas to the group.
1B. Hard skills vs Soft skills
- What are the differences between hard and soft skills?
1C. Video
Watch this brief video about the difference. Click HERE.
2A. Skills Deep Dive
Categorise the following skills into:
- Hard skills
- Soft skills
2B. Discussion
- Which are most important in your field?
- Which are transferable across industries?
Rank the top 3 skills for:
- Your current role
- Future jobs
Tell them to your partner. Justify your answers
Example: “I’d argue that…, This is particularly relevant because…”
3A. Language: Talking About Skills
Look at the following box, and see how to make some more basic expressions into more advanced ones.
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3B. Practice Activity:
Rewrite some basic sentences using more precise, professional, and natural language:
Example:
- I’m good at teamwork → I excel at collaborating with cross-functional team
3C. Mini speaking
Pairs share upgraded sentences from Ex 3B.
Partner gives feedback: “Does it sound professional?”
3D. Other phrases
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3E. Personalisation
Choose 3 sentences and rewrite them about yourself.
Example: I’m highly proficient in data analysis, which has enabled me to identify key trends and improve decision-making processes.
3F. Discussion
4A. Linking words for professional communication
Linking words are very important because they:
- Structure ideas clearly
- Sound more fluent and professional
- Add depth to descriptions of their skills
Example:
- Basic:
I’m good at teamwork. I solve problems. I work under pressure. - Improved:
I’m good at teamwork, and I also have strong problem-solving skills. As a result, I work well under pressure.
Linking words
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4B. Practice
4C. Speaking: Explain Your Value
Explain why you are a strong employee
You must include:
- 1 reason → because
- 1 result → therefore / consequently
- 1 contrast → although / whereas
- 1 example → for example / for instance
Example:
I work well under pressure because I prioritise tasks effectively. As a result, I consistently meet deadlines. Although I prefer teamwork, I can also work independently. For example, I recently completed a project on my own.
4D. Debate
Topic ideas:
- Soft skills are more important than hard skills
- Experience matters more than qualifications
Rules:
Each student must include:
- a contrast → however / although / whereas
- a result → therefore / consequently
- an example → for example / for instance
5. Speaking Task: “Sell Your Skills”
Scenario:
You are introducing yourself to a potential employer or internal manager.
Task:
Students prepare a 1-minute “skills pitch” including:
- 2–3 key strengths
- One example
- One soft + one hard skill
Example structure:
I specialise in…
One of my key strengths is…
For instance,…
As a result,…
Delivery:
- Present in pairs or small groups
- Listener gives feedback:
- Clarity
- Impact
- Professional tone
6. Presentation: My Skills Profile
Task:
Write or prepare a short profile (120–150 words or spoken equivalent)
Must include:
- 3–5 key skills (mix of hard + soft)
- Evidence/examples
- Linking phrases
Model Structure:
- I am a results-driven professional with a strong background in…
- I have extensive experience in…
- In addition, I excel at…
- For example,…
- As a result,…
To download the pdf for this topic, click on the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vkaJSRIO-6NlDUHa-hjN5XV4zZY1VlrJ/view?usp=sharing