OTEC 162 Employability Skills

School of Business

OTEC 162 Employability Skills will help students develop successful job search strategies for today's competitive and changing job market. Topics include self-assessment, workplace skills, creating on online presence, job search strategies and research, using the Internet for job search and career planning, networking, resumes, employment-related communications, application forms, portfolios, and interviews. Students also explore the role of human resources, occupational health & safety, employment standards, and Worksafe BC.

Accessibility Services Notice

Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.

Transfer Agreements

Course to Course transfer – NoBlock Transfer – Nobctransferguide.ca
Course Details
Total number of weeks8
Total Credits
Total Hours45
Typical hours per week breakdown
Other45

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Assess their work skills and job readiness
  2. Identify job-specific and employability skills required by employers
  3. Create a professional online presence that supports employability
  4. Compose professional and effective employment communication, including resumes, cover letters, and requests
  5. Prepare a career portfolio that provides evidence of employment-related skills, abilities, and achievements
  6. Network and research employment opportunities online and identify strategies to access the hidden job market
  7. Prepare for and participate effectively in employment interviews
  8. Explain the role of Human Resources
  9. Identify health and safety standards, Worksafe rights and responsibilities, employee rights and employment standards
  10. Explain the importance of following organizational policies and procedures

Teaching and Learning Approach

The Employability Skills course is divided into 7 units of study. Development of a resume, cover letter and career portfolio are the principal learning activities. Verbal business communication skills are practiced through employment interviews. Multiple discussion postings and responses allow students to share ideas on the course content, utilize critical thinking skills and provide a chance to apply course material to realistic workplace situations. A final career portfolio and self-evaluation tie together the course concepts.

Learning Resources

Required: Roberson, Kasie. (©2024). Strategic Business Writing. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company Print Text: 9798385126705 eBook: 9798765796849 Available through Selkirk College bookstore or direct from publisher: https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/strategic-business-writing Personal computer, webcam, microphone, speakers, internet access, current Windows operating system, current web browser, and current Microsoft Word software. Recommended: Gregg Reference Manual or Pitman Office Handbook Dictionary (current college-level Canadian dictionary preferred) or an online dictionary.

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. Unit 1: Career Planning Preparing for your Career Workplace Success Personal Brand 2. Unit 2: Online Presence Your Online Presence Networking for your Career Protecting Your Identity 3. Unit 3: Job-Application Process Resumes Cover Letters Applying for Jobs 4. Unit 4: Landing a Job Preparing for the Interview The Interview Evaluating the Interview 5. Unit 5: Your Career Your First Day on the Job Starting your Career 6. Unit 6: The Role of Human Resources 7. Unit 7: Operational Health & Safety

Assessment

TitleLearning OutcomesValue
Discussions (5)1, 2, 6, 8-1020%
Resume & Cover Letter1, 2, 425%
Portfolio/Unit Assignments (11)1-1020%
Interview2, 5-725%
Unit Quizzes (2)Unit 6: 8, 9 / Unit 7: 9, 1010%
Total100%

Grading Table

 

Percentage Letter Grade GPA
90-100 A+ 4.33
85-89 A 4.00
80-84 A- 3.67
76-79 B+ 3.33
72-75 B 3.00
68-71 B- 2.67
64-67 C+ 2.33
60-63 C 2.00
55-59 C- 1.67
50-54 P 1.00
0-49 F 0.00
  DNW 0.00

See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.