Competencies, Abilities, and Ethics for Jobs and Careers (Grade 11 NSC Matric Life Orientation): Revision Notes

Competencies, Abilities, and Ethics for Jobs and Careers

Introduction

Developing the right competencies, abilities and ethical behaviour is crucial for securing employment and building a successful career. Competencies are the abilities or skills that employers look for when hiring new staff. These include both technical skills specific to a job and general workplace skills that apply across different careers.

Finding job advertisements and completing applications

Where to find job opportunities

Job advertisements can be found in several places that you should regularly check:

• Newspapers: Look in the classified or career sections of local and national newspapers
• Internet platforms: Check career-specific websites, social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, and company blogs
• Physical locations: Notice boards in shops, bulletin boards at community centres, and shop windows often display job opportunities

Many vacancies today are advertised online, making internet access essential for job searching. You can also hear about opportunities through word of mouth from friends, family and community members.

Writing effective application letters

When applying for a position, your application letter serves as your first impression with potential employers. Follow these essential guidelines:

Structure your letter properly: Include your address, the date, the recipient's details, a clear subject line referencing the position, and your signature at the end.

Content requirements: Start by stating which position you're applying for and where you saw it advertised. In your second paragraph, explain your relevant qualifications and experience. Highlight why you're suitable for the role by connecting your skills to the job requirements.

Professional presentation: Use formal language throughout, type your letter if possible or write very neatly, and ensure you submit it before the deadline.

Completing application forms accurately

Many employers require you to fill in standardised application forms rather than submit letters. These forms collect consistent information from all applicants, making it easier to compare candidates.

Key principles for form completion:

• Answer all questions truthfully and completely
• If you leave sections blank or provide incomplete information, your application may be rejected immediately
• Read instructions carefully before starting
• Only include additional documents if specifically requested
• Ensure you have certified copies of important documents like your ID, certificates and qualifications

Remember that busy administrative staff often discard incomplete forms without contacting applicants for missing information.

Building and writing a CV

Understanding what a CV is

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a résumé or summary document that presents your career experience, qualifications, skills and abilities in a professional format. It provides employers and training institutions with a comprehensive overview of your background and capabilities.

CV writing requires significant effort and attention to detail. Human resource administrators receive thousands of CVs for popular positions, so yours needs to stand out by clearly demonstrating how you meet the job requirements.

Essential CV components

Personal information: Include your full name, postal address, contact numbers (landline and mobile), email address, date of birth, ID number, and driver's licence details if relevant.

Qualifications and education: List your educational achievements starting with the most recent, including the institutions attended and years completed.

Work experience: Detail your employment history, including part-time jobs, temporary positions and volunteer work. Even informal experiences like helping at community events can demonstrate valuable skills.

Key skills and abilities: Highlight both technical skills (like computer literacy) and soft skills (like leadership or teamwork abilities).

Additional sections: Include career goals, special achievements, awards, and referee contact details.

Gaining valuable experience

Since most jobs require some experience, it's important to start building your background before completing Grade 12:

Job shadowing: This involves following a professional in your field of interest for a period (usually a week) to observe their daily activities. You'll learn about the career requirements, ask questions, and potentially receive small tasks to complete. Always request a certificate or reference letter as proof of your job shadowing experience.

Informal jobs: These include paid and unpaid temporary work such as selling products, gardening, car washing, babysitting, or assisting at events. Document these experiences with reference letters from the people you worked for.

Volunteer work: Contributing to community projects, charitable organisations, or school activities demonstrates commitment and develops transferable skills.

Securing testimonials and references

Testimonials are written statements that describe your character, personal qualities and strengths. Reference letters are provided by people you've worked for and detail your professional qualities and work performance.

When requesting testimonials or references:

• Ask permission before listing someone as a referee
• Give the person sufficient time to complete the task
• Thank them for their assistance
• Inform them they may be contacted for additional information about you

Managing meetings and office administration skills

Meeting management competencies

Effective meeting management is a valuable workplace skill that demonstrates leadership and organisational abilities.

Chairperson responsibilities: The meeting leader opens proceedings, welcomes attendees, manages the agenda systematically, facilitates discussions, helps reach decisions through agreement or voting, and formally closes the meeting.

Taking accurate minutes: Minutes serve as official records of meeting decisions and required actions. Listen carefully without interrupting, make concise notes of main points, record all decisions and resolutions, and note who is responsible for follow-up actions.

Project management skills

Managing group projects develops skills that employers value highly. Successful project management involves:

• Clear goal setting: Understanding exactly what needs to be achieved
• Planning and organisation: Breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable components
• Time management: Allocating realistic timeframes for each task
• Resource management: Identifying what materials, budget and support you need
• Communication: Keeping all team members informed of progress and changes
• Problem-solving: Adapting plans when challenges arise
• Leadership: Motivating team members and coordinating their efforts

Office administration abilities

These daily workplace activities form the foundation of professional environments:

Financial tasks: Planning budgets, processing payments, and maintaining financial records

Communication management: Answering telephone calls professionally, taking accurate messages, and handling correspondence

Information management: Keeping organised filing systems, maintaining databases, and managing appointments

Workplace coordination: Scheduling meetings, organising office space efficiently, and supporting other staff members' needs

Computer literacy essentials

Modern workplaces require basic computer skills including:

• Word processing: Creating, editing, saving and printing documents
• File management: Organising folders and documents systematically
• Internet skills: Using search engines, downloading files, and managing email communications
• Spreadsheet basics: Creating simple data tables and calculations

Many job applications now accept CVs sent via mobile phone, and employers may use SMS screening questions to assess candidate suitability quickly.

Interview skills and preparation

Understanding the interview process

An interview is a formal meeting between you and potential employers to assess your suitability for a position. It's your opportunity to demonstrate why you're the right person for the job while learning more about the role and organisation.

Panel interviews: Sometimes multiple people, including the human resources manager, department head and colleagues, will interview you together. They'll evaluate your answers, reactions, appearance and general conduct to determine if you fit their team.

Professional appearance and dress code

Your appearance creates the first impression before you even speak. Dressing appropriately shows respect for the opportunity and demonstrates your understanding of professional standards.

Appropriate interview attire: Wear business formal clothing such as a suit or smart trousers/skirt with a collared shirt or blouse, and clean, polished shoes. Avoid casual items like jeans, t-shirts, trainers, or revealing clothing.

Personal grooming: Ensure your hair is tidy, avoid excessive jewellery or strong fragrances, and cover visible tattoos if possible.

Preparing for common interview questions

Research the organisation thoroughly before your interview. Understand their mission, services, and recent developments. Prepare thoughtful answers to typical questions:

"Tell us about yourself": Give a brief, relevant summary focusing on your education, key experiences and career interests.

"Why do you want this job?": Connect your personal goals and skills to the specific role requirements.

"What are your strengths?": Highlight qualities that match the job description with specific examples.

"Describe your weaknesses": Show self-awareness and explain how you're working to improve.

"Where do you see yourself in five years?": Demonstrate ambition while showing commitment to the organisation.

Interview behaviour guidelines

Professional conduct during interviews:

• Arrive 15-20 minutes early
• Bring all required documents in an organised folder
• Maintain eye contact and smile appropriately
• Speak clearly and listen carefully to questions
• Answer honestly and avoid giving yes/no responses only
• Thank the interviewers for their time

Avoid these behaviours:

• Arriving late or appearing disorganised
• Using informal language or discussing inappropriate topics
• Chewing gum, smoking, or bringing food/drinks
• Speaking negatively about previous employers
• Refusing to answer legitimate questions

Telephone and video interviews

Sometimes initial interviews occur over the phone or via video platforms like Skype. These require the same preparation as face-to-face meetings:

• Choose a quiet location without distractions
• Have all relevant documents nearby
• Speak clearly and maintain professional language
• For video calls, dress professionally and ensure good lighting
• Test technology beforehand to avoid technical difficulties

Questions to ask interviewers

Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role:

• "What would my main responsibilities include?"
• "Who would I report to and work with?"
• "What training opportunities are available?"
• "What are the prospects for career advancement?"
• "When would I start if selected?"

Ethics and ethical behaviour in the workplace

Understanding workplace ethics

Ethics refers to the moral principles, values and rules that guide good, fair and correct behaviour in professional settings. All workplaces expect employees to demonstrate ethical conduct, which means developing good character and taking responsibility for your actions.

Ethical behaviour means consistently choosing to do the right thing, even when it's difficult or when no one is watching. It involves understanding the difference between right and wrong and making moral choices that benefit everyone.

Transparency in professional environments

Transparency means maintaining open, honest communication without hiding important information from colleagues, supervisors or customers. Transparent behaviour builds trust and creates positive working relationships.

Examples of workplace transparency include:

• Sharing relevant information with team members
• Admitting mistakes honestly and taking corrective action
• Providing accurate reports and documentation
• Being clear about your capabilities and limitations
• Communicating challenges or problems promptly

Accountability and responsibility

Accountability means taking full responsibility for the tasks assigned to you and accepting the consequences of your performance. Accountable employees work diligently to meet their obligations and maintain high standards.

Demonstrating workplace accountability involves:

• Understanding exactly what is expected of you
• Completing assigned tasks thoroughly and on time
• Taking ownership of both successes and failures
• Seeking help when needed rather than avoiding responsibilities
• Continuously working to improve your performance

Addressing unethical behaviour

Sometimes you may witness dishonest, corrupt or harmful behaviour in your workplace. A whistle-blower is someone who courageously reports such unethical conduct to appropriate authorities.

Whistle-blowing requires significant bravery because it may create conflict with colleagues or supervisors. However, reporting misconduct helps protect everyone and maintains professional standards.

If you observe unethical behaviour: Document what you witnessed, report it through proper channels (such as human resources or management), and follow up to ensure appropriate action is taken.

Government Anti-corruption hotline: 0800 701 701 - for reporting corruption in public institutions.

Applying ethical principles

Workplace ethical dilemmas often involve choosing between personal benefit and doing what's right for the organisation and community. Consider these principles when facing difficult decisions:

• Honesty: Tell the truth even when it's uncomfortable
• Integrity: Align your actions with your stated values
• Fairness: Treat all people with equal respect and consideration
• Responsibility: Accept accountability for your choices and their consequences
• Respect: Value the rights, dignity and property of others