Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills
Follow the links below to find resources related to the particular standards of Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills. Also see “Sample Workplace Skills Assessment Items” and “General Resources on Workplace Readiness.”
1. Demonstrate reading skills on a level required for employment in a chosen career field.
Standard: Demonstration of reading skills includes
- interpreting technical and general interest materials commonly used in this field
- applying understanding of the material to job operations.
2. Demonstrate math skills on a level required for employment in a chosen career field.
Standard: Demonstration of math skills includes
- performing math operations using whole numbers, fractions, percentages
- using statistics (percentages, averages, medians, and standard deviations) to monitor processes and quality of performance
- using mathematical reasoning to solve word problems
- using algebra-based formulas
- performing job-specific math operations.
3. Demonstrate writing skills on a level required for employment in a chosen career field.
Standard: Demonstration of writing skills includes composition and editing of work-related documents of varying complexity:
- Define the purpose.
- Determine the audience.
- Gather information.
- Plan the format/layout.
- Write a first draft.
- Edit and revise as necessary to ensure that the document is complete, clear, concise, correct, and considerate of the reader.
4. Demonstrate speaking and listening skills on a level required for employment in a chosen career field.
Standard: Speaking and listening skills involve the ability to express ideas clearly and to make sure one understands the ideas expressed by others in both formal and informal contexts, demonstrated by
- giving and taking direction or instruction
- giving and responding to oral reports or presentations
- participating in group or team discussions
- engaging in conversation with co-workers, supervisors, and clients
- conducting business in person and via electronic means.
5. Demonstrate computer literacy on a level required for employment in a chosen career field.
Standard: Demonstration of computer literacy includes
- using common software to accomplish word processing, construction of simple spreadsheets, and keying in and retrieving information from databases
- transferring the operating principles of one application to another similar application
- using knowledge of computer logic, operating systems, and basic troubleshooting techniques to identify problems
- using special job-specific computer equipment, software, and other technology.
6. Demonstrate reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Standard: Demonstration of reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills includes
- differentiating among types of problems (e.g., technical, human relations, ethical)
- using established methods of problem solving and decision making in both individual and group settings
- applying previous learning to situations where problems must be solved or decisions made quickly
- predicting short- and long-term effects of proposed solutions or decisions
- testing solutions or decisions to determine effects or to identify related problems.
7. Demonstrate understanding of the "big picture."
Standard: Demonstration includes
- identifying the company’s mission and the individual employee’s contribution to that mission
- how the company functions within the broad world of business, industry, and service
- explaining the rationale behind organizational policies and procedures
- explaining the necessity and benefits/disadvantages of organizational change
- explaining basic economic concepts.
8. Demonstrate a strong work ethic.
Standard: Demonstration includes
- exhibiting responsibility: coming to work as assigned, contributing work required to meet organizational goals, adhering to policies and procedures, managing time to accomplish assigned tasks
- exhibiting flexibility and adaptability: working longer hours than normal to accomplish a goal, substituting for an absent coworker, taking a temporary assignment, accepting changes in the work environment as a challenge and an opportunity.
9. Demonstrate a positive attitude.
Standard: Demonstration includes
- cooperating with coworkers and supervisors
- taking direction willingly
- exhibiting eagerness to learn
- acting in a pleasant and polite manner with customers, coworkers, and supervisors.
10. Demonstrate independence and initiative.
Standard: Demonstration includes
- working without constant supervision
- finding tasks to perform on one’s own
- making suggestions for improvement
- exhibiting interest in making the organization more effective and productive
- maintaining work standards in the midst of change.
11. Demonstrate self-presentation skills.
Standard: Demonstration includes
- identifying ways in which the individual employee represents the organization
- exhibiting a neat appearance
- using effective communication skills
- exhibiting elements of etiquette required in professional settings.
12. Maintain satisfactory attendance.
Standard: Satisfactory attendance involves
- being on time for work and all appointments
- limiting tardiness, early departures, and absences to legitimate and essential occasions
- explaining the importance of satisfactory attendance to the overall operation of the business
- negotiating anticipated absences according to company policy
- calling in to notify the supervisor of unanticipated absences.
13. Participate as a team member to accomplish goals.
Standard: Participation includes
- attending team (group) meetings, focusing on the topic and purpose of the meeting, offering facts and ideas, and helping others contribute facts and ideas
- passing on good ideas to others
- looking for ways to help others
- recognizing others for their contributions
- letting others know what is needed to get the job done
- explaining the importance of teamwork to the overall operation of the business.