HESDA Transferrable Competencies for Career Transitions

The Competences displayed by Contract Research Staff who make a successful transition from one career to another.

1. COMMUNICATION

1.1 Making an impact

writes to provide evidence of suitability
writes concisely and unambiguously, with a variety of layouts to help the reader
presents self effectively in interviews and presentations with the intention of demonstrating strengths for the post
asks questions to ensure the post and organisation are appropriate for the candidate
articulates constraints (such as geographical limitations) effectively

1.2 Networking effectively

networks with people who can influence
uses a wide range of sources of information, both print and electronic
builds relationships with named people in careers services or recruitment agencies
asks questions of careers/recruitment staff to ensure that they understand what is sought and what will be suitable
scans the environment by asking questions, visiting appropriate web sites and listening to people who might have an idea about the future

1.3. Persuading

uses well reasoned arguments in applications, interviews and presentations
is thoroughly prepared for application and interview - having researched the organisation and its environment and being fully self aware
provides a range of examples of achievements which used relevant key skills

2. COGNITIVE

2.1 Positive/analytical thinking and use of judgement

positive thinker, when things go wrong, looking forward and putting effort into next attempt
sees potential in things which are not immediately obviously suitable
uses judgement to assess the suitability of a post in relation to key skills, preferences and potential
analytical thinker in identifying own strengths, key skills from experience in the present and previous positions and relating them to requirements of new posts
makes timely decisions to take action (or not)

2.2 Lateral/creative/conceptual thinking

lateral thinker, in looking far outside the expected posts in seeking a change - systematically assembles and presents relevant data about self and links it to qualities required for posts
makes connections between unrelated fields of work and the application of key skills
innovative in seeking posts and presenting oneself as a candidate
uses initiative to make self known to people who can help

2.3 Political/Collaborative thinking

strategic thinker, planning the 'campaign' for finding a new career
understands the political implications of situations and events by being sensitive to the environment in which an organisation is operating and to interview questions or answers to candidate's questions
collaborates with colleagues, friends and advisers who can give advice or feedback to help the process of changing career

3. SELF DEVELOPMENT

undertakes voluntary work/work shadowing to get experience to help in decision making
uses mentors to support transition
gets additional qualifications to help transition
has an ongoing personal development plan which is regularly updated

4. SELF MANAGEMENT

4.1 Positive/enthusiastic

realistic about how long things will take and expectations
has energy
is enthusiastic - talks with passion/sees a positive side to everything/does things does with good spirit even when they are not preferred tasks
responsible - works to standards expected/meets deadlines/has pride in work and self

4.2 Persistence/stamina

persistent in making applications despite disappointments
stamina to keep making consistently high quality applications and attend and make an impression at interviews whilst still maintaining standards in current duties and responsibilities

4.3 Flexible/open-minded

flexible, in listening to feedback which requires action not previously thought of and in applying for posts which had not appeared appropriate formerly
open minded in applying for a range of posts which require key skills but will need a lot of new learning as well
inquisitive about what the world outside academia has to offer
does not dismiss anything

4.4 Self confident and self controlled

talks objectively about strengths, needs for development and achievements - with evidence
self aware - has a list of everything to offer an employer, backed by evidence for previous performance (at work or elsewhere)
objective - looking at things as they are - without bias from past experience
adaptable, being willing to try new things which are necessary to progress in the direction required to fit a career plan
assertive
self controlled when facing anger, disappointment, frustration and able to vent these emotions quickly and then move forward positively
has a clear vision for self
insightful - knows how to build a positive reputation

5. DRIVE TO ACHIEVE

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UNIVERSITY of GLASGOW