While not a content-based module, ES2007S provided a
skills-based curriculum that was as enriching the typical content-based modules
one would take in their university career. ES2007S was a short learning
experience covering various aspects of communication, allowing me to be
introduced and exposed to many facets of communication, one step at a time.
Below is a summary of key takeaways in this module:
1. Job Application Skills
Being Concise
No one would read a 5
page long resume or listen to you answer a simple interview question for 10
minutes. It is thus critical to condense all your know-how into a maximum 2
page resume, 1 page cover letter and answer straight to the point. This is
linked to the next learning point.
Being Relevant with Personal Examples
How do you stand out from
the countless job applicants? One good way of doing so is to show skills and
experiences that are relevant to the job description. These are unique to you
and depending on how much you can link it to what the company desires of their
workers, would raise the chances of getting the job significantly
A Platform to be judged and a platform
to learn
Interviews are indeed an avenue where potential
employers evaluate you, but it is also an opportunity for you to learn more
about the company you so passionately applied for. How is your potential
employer like? What do the interview panel of mostly senior workers and
managers value in their workers? How about questions that you are dying to know
the answer to (except those on pay, insurance and health benefits, or even work
hours)? Interviews are thus a place for you to learn as well.
2. Communication
Confidence and being well-informed
Being confident in
speaking up is sometimes correlated to how much you know about the subject.
Many people face difficulties in starting and continuing a conversation as they
may not know much about the topic, or are unable to link it to a topic that
they are more familiar with. Hence, it is important to keep up-to-date with
news, even reading a few topics in greater depth. It would not only enrich you,
but also enrich your conversations.
From phrasing questions to being mindful
of non-verbal cues
We may not be able to
continue conversations for long or may not elicit positive responses due to our
close-ended, harsh way of phrasing questions. One needs to be sensitive to
possible taboo topics (such as religion and politics) and phrasing questions
that require more than a “yes”, “no”, “its fine” answers from respondents. For example, instead of “How’s your weekend?”,
one could instead ask “What did you do over the weekend?”. This is applicable to a large range of communication forms, such as in conducting an interview, requesting a favour via email or during a simple conversation.
Tone, volume and even little things like
emphasis and enunciation matter
If you do not sound like what
you say, the chances of people taking you seriously decreases.
Think before you act, even under trying
conditions
As difficult as this may
sound, it really is pivotal to listen to the whole story and understand the
matter from the other person’s perspective before replying. What you perceive may
be vastly different from what the other person feels, especially when your
judgement is distorted by negative thoughts and stress. Hence, to minimise
conflict, one should try to first, calm him or herself down and know what can
be negotiated and be aware of what his or her bottom line is. Next, try to emphasize
with the other individual and compromise, or explain the situation to the
person calmly and logically. If the situation gets too out of hand, it may be
better to excuse oneself politely and arrange to continue the conversation when
both parties have calmed down.
Regular Communication
Channels and Being Open to Feedback is the backbone for teams
As mentioned in my
previous post, communication is important to reach a consensus on goals,
timelines and expectations. It is also essential to reduce misunderstandings
and for team bonding. Member-to-member feedback is critical for continuous improvement
of the team’s product.
Assertiveness and Oral Presentation skills would be covered
in the next post. Do look out for it!
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