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Competencies for seeking, keeping and advancing in a job

5.0 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star
Based on 1 rating
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Dolores Izuzquiza Gasset, Pablo Rodríguez Herrero, Andrés Cabrera García, and Agustín de la Herrán Gascón

The objective of this online course is to improve your employability with a series of learning modules about different competencies: career guidance; social, communication and emotional skills; and creating a career project. It will be useful for you improving your opportunities of access, permanence and promotion in any type of job, since the competencies we work on here are valid for almost any type of professional profile.

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The objective of this online course is to improve your employability with a series of learning modules about different competencies: career guidance; social, communication and emotional skills; and creating a career project. It will be useful for you improving your opportunities of access, permanence and promotion in any type of job, since the competencies we work on here are valid for almost any type of professional profile.

The course is practical and designed to be accessible to people with intellectual disabilities and other people who need support for inclusion in the labour market. It includes videos, activities, texts and diagrams that we’ve designed to help you improve your training for employment.

What you'll learn

  • To understand the importance of developing general professional competences as a key factor for success in getting and keeping a job.
  • To learn emotional skills that will improve your employability.
  • To develop the social skills necessary for working in a company.
  • To improve your communication competencies for working in businesses.
  • To design a plan for your professional future that includes your interests, goals and training needs.
Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • To understand the importance of developing general professional competences as a key factor for success in getting and keeping a job.
  • To learn emotional skills that will improve your employability.
  • To develop the social skills necessary for working in a company.
  • To improve your communication competencies for working in businesses.
  • To design a plan for your professional future that includes your interests, goals and training needs.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides practical, accessible materials for those with intellectual disabilities and those needing additional support in the job market
Develops core professional competences, enhancing employability and career prospects
Offers a comprehensive approach to career development, addressing guidance, communication, and emotional skills
Emphasizes the importance of emotional skills for success in the workplace
Practical, accessible materials for those with intellectual disabilities and those needing support for inclusion in the labor market

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Reviews summary

Essential job competencies for all

According to students, this course is a highly practical and accessible guide to improving employability. Learners consistently highlight its clear and easy-to-understand content, which is particularly beneficial for those seeking fundamental skills. The course effectively covers emotional, social, and communication competencies crucial for job seeking and career progression. Many found the practical activities and videos highly engaging, making the learning experience actionable and relevant to real-world job scenarios. It is frequently praised for providing a solid foundation in essential professional skills, making it suitable for a wide range of learners, including those needing extra support.
Uses videos and activities to enhance the learning experience.
"The videos were short, informative, and kept me engaged throughout the course."
"I really enjoyed the activities; they helped solidify my understanding of the concepts."
"The combination of texts, diagrams, and practical exercises made the learning experience enjoyable and effective."
Aids in designing a clear professional future plan.
"The section on creating a career project helped me define my goals and identify training needs."
"I now have a clearer vision for my professional future, thanks to the structured approach of this course."
"It was instrumental in helping me outline a personalized plan for my career advancement."
Covers essential emotional, social, and communication skills.
"I learned a lot about emotional intelligence and how to manage my reactions in a professional setting."
"The modules on communication and social skills were incredibly valuable for interacting with colleagues and during interviews."
"It really helped me develop a better understanding of the key competencies needed for success in any job."
Simplifies complex topics, making it easy to understand for everyone.
"The explanations were very clear, and the simple language made it easy to follow even for someone new to these concepts."
"I really appreciated how accessible the materials were, especially the videos and diagrams that explained things clearly."
"The course is designed so well that even I, someone who sometimes struggles with online learning, found it straightforward and helpful."
Provides concrete strategies and tools for immediate application.
"The course is very practical; I particularly appreciated the direct advice for improving my job search."
"I found the content actionable, giving me real strategies I could use right away to enhance my resume and interview skills."
"It provided me with practical tools and clear strategies that I could immediately apply to my job search."
Primarily focuses on foundational skills, potentially too basic for some.
"While excellent for beginners, I found some parts a bit too basic for my existing professional experience."
"It provides a good introduction, but I was hoping for more in-depth strategies for highly competitive job markets."
"For those with significant prior experience, the content might feel like a refresher rather than new learning."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Competencies for seeking, keeping and advancing in a job with these activities:
Review Basic Computer Skills
Solidify your comfort with the basic computer skills that are necessary for success in this course.
Browse courses on Basic Computer Skills
Show steps
  • Review how to use a computer mouse and keyboard.
  • Practice typing on a keyboard until you can type at a reasonable speed.
  • Familiarize yourself with the basic functions of a word processor and spreadsheet program.
Review basic math concepts
Strengthen your understanding of foundational math concepts to facilitate comprehension of more advanced topics.
Browse courses on Mathematics
Show steps
  • Revisit key concepts in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
  • Solve practice problems to reinforce your understanding.
Review High School Math
Sharpen your math skills to ensure you have a strong foundation for this course.
Browse courses on Algebra
Show steps
  • Review basic algebra concepts such as solving equations and inequalities.
  • Brush up on geometry concepts like angles, shapes, and proofs.
  • Practice trigonometry, including solving triangles and using trigonometric functions.
11 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 14 activities
Join a LinkedIn group for career development
Provide opportunities to connect with professionals, learn about new trends, and access valuable resources to enhance your career prospects.
Browse courses on Career Development
Show steps
  • Search for LinkedIn groups related to your field or career interests.
  • Join the groups that align with your goals and actively participate in discussions.
Practice mock job interviews
Build confidence and improve your performance in job interviews by practicing and receiving constructive feedback.
Browse courses on Interview Skills
Show steps
  • Prepare common interview questions and practice answering them out loud.
  • Record yourself practicing and review your answers for areas of improvement.
  • Seek feedback from a career counselor or trusted friend/family member.
Review "Emotional Intelligence 2.0"
Provide a solid framework for understanding and developing emotional intelligence, a key competency for success in any workplace.
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and first three chapters.
  • Reflect on how the concepts apply to your own life and work.
  • Take the online assessment to measure your emotional intelligence.
  • Create a plan to develop your emotional intelligence skills.
Practice Problem Solving
Hone your problem-solving abilities by engaging in regular practice.
Browse courses on Problem Solving
Show steps
  • Identify the problem and define the goal.
  • Gather and analyze relevant information.
  • Generate and evaluate potential solutions.
  • Implement the best solution and evaluate its effectiveness.
Form a study group with classmates
Provide a supportive and collaborative environment to reinforce learning, share perspectives, and prepare for assessments.
Show steps
  • Connect with classmates who share similar interests or learning goals.
  • Establish regular meeting times and a study schedule.
  • Take turns leading discussions and presenting key concepts.
Create a LinkedIn profile that showcases your skills and experience
Develop a professional online presence that effectively communicates your value proposition to potential employers and recruiters.
Browse courses on Personal Branding
Show steps
  • Write a strong headline and summary that highlights your key skills and experience.
  • Add relevant work experience, education, and skills to your profile.
  • Request recommendations from colleagues and supervisors to enhance credibility.
Develop a Portfolio
Create a portfolio to showcase your skills and accomplishments.
Browse courses on Portfolio Development
Show steps
  • Gather evidence of your skills and experience.
  • Select the most relevant and impressive pieces.
  • Organize your portfolio in a logical and visually appealing way.
  • Get feedback from others and make revisions.
Participate in online coding challenges
Enhance your problem-solving and coding skills by participating in timed challenges against other coders.
Browse courses on Coding
Show steps
  • Join online coding platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or CodeChef.
  • Select a challenge that aligns with your skill level and time availability.
  • Solve the problem and submit your code for evaluation.
  • Review your results and identify areas for improvement.
Develop a Training Plan
Create a tailored training plan to identify and address your professional development needs.
Show steps
  • Assess your current skills and knowledge.
  • Identify areas for improvement and set specific goals.
  • Research and select appropriate training resources.
  • Develop a timeline and schedule for your training.
  • Monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Contribute to an open-source project related to your field
Gain practical experience, demonstrate your skills, and build a portfolio by contributing to real-world projects.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Identify open-source projects that align with your interests and skillset.
  • Review the project's documentation and guidelines.
  • Propose or find a task that you can contribute to.
  • Submit a pull request with your contribution and provide detailed documentation.
Mentor a Junior Colleague
Share your knowledge and experience by mentoring a junior colleague.
Browse courses on Mentoring
Show steps
  • Identify and connect with a mentee.
  • Establish clear goals and expectations.
  • Provide guidance, support, and feedback.
  • Monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.
  • Celebrate successes and provide constructive criticism.

Career center

Learners who complete Competencies for seeking, keeping and advancing in a job will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Accountant
Accountants prepare, analyze, and report financial data. They ensure that financial records are accurate and compliant with regulations. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed as an Accountant, including communication, data analysis, and problem-solving. It can also help you understand the importance of ethical and professional conduct in the workplace.
See salaries and explore the career path for Accountant
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistants provide support to managers and other professionals. They perform a variety of tasks, including answering phones, scheduling appointments, and preparing presentations. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed as an Administrative Assistant, including communication, customer service, and teamwork. It can also help you understand the importance of confidentiality and discretion in the workplace.
See salaries and explore the career path for Administrative Assistant
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts evaluate the financial performance of companies and make recommendations on investment opportunities. They use financial data, models, and other tools to assess the risks and rewards of different investments. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed as a Financial Analyst, including financial modeling, data analysis, and presentation skills. It can also help you understand the importance of ethical and professional conduct in the workplace.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst
Human Resources Assistant
Human Resources Assistants provide support to Human Resources professionals. They perform a variety of tasks, including recruiting, onboarding, and benefits administration. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed as a Human Resources Assistant, including communication, customer service, and data entry. It can also help you understand the importance of confidentiality and discretion in the workplace.
See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Assistant
Marketing Assistant
Marketing Assistants support marketing professionals with a variety of tasks, such as developing marketing campaigns, managing social media, and conducting market research. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed as a Marketing Assistant, including communication, creativity, and project management. It can also help you understand the importance of ethical and professional conduct in the workplace.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Assistant
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialists manage the public image of organizations. They develop and implement public relations campaigns, write press releases, and manage media relations. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed as a Public Relations Specialist, including communication, media relations, and crisis management. It can also help you understand the importance of ethical and professional conduct in the workplace.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist
Sales Representative
Sales Representatives sell products or services to customers. They build relationships with customers, identify their needs, and close deals. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed as a Sales Representative, including communication, persuasion, and negotiation. It can also help you understand the importance of ethical and professional conduct in the workplace.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Representative
Teacher
Teachers plan, organize, and deliver instruction to students. They create lesson plans, grade assignments, and provide feedback to students. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed as a Teacher, including communication, classroom management, and curriculum development. It can also help you understand the importance of ethical and professional conduct in the workplace.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representatives provide support to customers by answering questions, resolving complaints, and processing orders. They ensure that customers have a positive experience when interacting with the company. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed as a Customer Service Representative, including communication, empathy, and problem-solving. It can also help you understand the importance of ethical and professional conduct in the workplace.
See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Representative
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help organizations improve their performance by identifying and solving business problems. They use data analysis, process mapping, and other tools to develop solutions that meet the needs of the business. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed as a Business Analyst, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and stakeholder management. It can also help you understand the importance of ethical and professional conduct in the workplace.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Community Health Worker
Community Health Workers provide health education, outreach, and support to individuals and communities. They work to improve the health of their communities by addressing social determinants of health, such as poverty, housing, and education. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed as a Community Health Worker, including communication, cultural competence, and advocacy. It can also help you understand the importance of ethical and professional conduct in the workplace.
See salaries and explore the career path for Community Health Worker
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinators plan, organize, and execute projects. They work with stakeholders to define project goals, develop project plans, and track project progress. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed as a Project Coordinator, including communication, project management, and stakeholder management. It can also help you understand the importance of ethical and professional conduct in the workplace.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Coordinator
Social Worker
Social Workers help people navigate difficult life challenges, such as poverty, mental illness, and addiction. They provide counseling, support, and resources to help people improve their lives. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed as a Social Worker, including communication, empathy, and cultural competence. It can also help you understand the importance of ethical and professional conduct in the workplace.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker
Writer
Writers create content for a variety of purposes, such as marketing, journalism, and fiction. They use their writing skills to communicate ideas, inform audiences, and entertain readers. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed as a Writer, including writing, editing, and research. It can also help you understand the importance of ethical and professional conduct in the workplace.
See salaries and explore the career path for Writer
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites. They use programming languages and other tools to create websites that are both functional and visually appealing. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed as a Web Developer, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It can also help you understand the importance of ethical and professional conduct in the workplace.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Competencies for seeking, keeping and advancing in a job.
Cover image
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When...
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Provides practical strategies for having difficult conversations. It is particularly useful for those who want to improve their communication skills in the workplace.
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When...
Paperback
$$
Crucial Conversations (Third Edition): Tools for...
Audible Audiobook
$$
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
A Mission Statement for Your Life
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Provides a framework for personal and professional effectiveness. It valuable read for anyone who wants to improve their productivity, time management, and leadership skills.
A Mission Statement for Your Life
Paperback
Check
A Mission Statement for Your Life
Kindle Edition
Check
Workbook for Mindset
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Provides insights into the power of mindset. It is particularly useful for those who want to develop a growth mindset and improve their resilience.
The Growth Mindset Workbook: CBT Skills to Help You...
Paperback
$$
The Growth Mindset Workbook: CBT Skills to Help You...
Kindle Edition
$$
Workbook For Mindset: The New Psychology of Success...
Paperback
$
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Grit
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Explores the importance of grit and perseverance. It valuable read for anyone who wants to develop the determination and resilience to achieve their goals.
Grit
Paperback
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Grit
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Life in Five Senses
Save
Provides a practical guide to finding happiness. It valuable read for anyone who wants to improve their well-being and live a more fulfilling life.
Life in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got...
Paperback
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Life in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got...
Kindle Edition
$$
Life in Five Senses
Paperback
$$
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Bittersweet (Oprah's Book Club)
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Celebrates the power of introverts. It valuable read for anyone who wants to understand and appreciate the strengths of introverts.
Bittersweet (Oprah's Book Club): How Sorrow and...
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Bittersweet (Oprah's Book Club): How Sorrow and...
Kindle Edition
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Cover image
Discover Your Cliftonstrengths
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Helps readers identify and develop their strengths. It valuable read for anyone who wants to improve their self-awareness and career prospects.
Strengths Finder 2.0: Discover Your CliftonStrengths
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
The 4-Hour Work Week
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Provides a framework for escaping the traditional 9-to-5 job and creating a more fulfilling life. It valuable read for anyone who wants to achieve financial independence and live their dreams.
The 4-Hour Work Week
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The 4-Hour Work Week
Kindle Edition
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Cover image
Supercommunicators
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Explores the science of habits. It valuable read for anyone who wants to understand and change their habits.
Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret...
Hardcover
$$
Charles Duhigg 3 Books Collection Set...
Paperback
$$$
(Español) Supercomunicadores [Supercommunicators]: Cómo...
Audible Audiobook
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(Português) Supercomunicadores [Supercommunicators]: Como...
Audible Audiobook
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(Deutsch) Supercommunicators: Wie man die geheime Sprache...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Rising Strong
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Explores the importance of vulnerability. It valuable read for anyone who wants to live a more authentic and courageous life.
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations....
Hardcover
$$
Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms...
Paperback
$
(Español) Más fuerte que nunca / Rising Strong: How the...
Paperback
$$
Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms...
Kindle Edition
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(Deutsch) Laufen lernt man nur durch Hinfallen: Wie wir zu...
Kindle Edition
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Cover image
The Gifts of Imperfection
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Encourages readers to embrace their imperfections. It valuable read for anyone who wants to live a more authentic and self-compassionate life.
The Gifts of Imperfection: 10th Anniversary Edition...
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The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think...
Kindle Edition
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(Pусский) Дары несовершенства: Как полюбить себя таким, какой...
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Cover image
Deeper Mindfulness
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Provides a practical guide to mindfulness. It valuable read for anyone who wants to reduce stress and improve their well-being.
Deeper Mindfulness
Paperback
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Deeper Mindfulness
Kindle Edition
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Cover image
HAPPINESS TRAP CARDS
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Provides a framework for escaping the happiness trap. It valuable read for anyone who wants to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
The Happiness Trap Cards: 50 ACT-Based Prompts,...
Cards
$$
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Breaking the Habit of Negative Thinking and Self...
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Provides a guide to spiritual enlightenment. It valuable read for anyone who wants to live a more present and meaningful life.
Breaking the Habit of Negative Thinking and Self...
Audible Audiobook
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Course image
Rating
5.0 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star
Effort
3 to 5 hours per week for 4 weeks
Level
Elementary
Via
edX
Institution
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Instructors
Dolores Izuzquiza Gasset
Pablo Rodríguez Herrero
Andrés Cabrera García
Agustín de la Herrán Gascón
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides practical, accessible materials for those with intellectual disabilities and those needing additional support in the job market
Develops core professional competences, enhancing employability and career prospects
Offers a comprehensive approach to career development, addressing guidance, communication, and emotional skills
Emphasizes the importance of emotional skills for success in the workplace
Practical, accessible materials for those with intellectual disabilities and those needing support for inclusion in the labor market
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