Employability Skills and Workplace Communication
This domain tests whether you can communicate like an employee rather than a student: choose the right channel, write a clear email, present results in an interview, and give feedback that changes behaviour.
Core rules
- The 7Cs: clear, concise, concrete, correct, coherent, complete, courteous.
- Choose the channel to fit the message: email for record, phone for speed, memo for internal policy, minutes for meeting decisions, report for analysis.
- Email etiquette: meaningful subject, proper greeting, short paragraphs, no ALL CAPS, proofread, signature block, sensibly named attachments, careful use of Reply All.
- Resume: reverse chronological, achievement-focused with numbers, one to two pages, tailored to the role. A cover letter connects your evidence to that employer's need.
- Interviews: STAR structure - Situation, Task, Action, Result.
- Body language: eye contact, upright posture, controlled tone; active listening; feedback should be specific, timely and behavioural.
- Teamwork, conflict resolution, prioritisation and confidentiality are assessed as much as grammar.
Worked example
Rewrite You people never reply, this is useless! as: Subject: Follow-up on ticket #4521 - status request. Dear Ms Sharma, I raised ticket #4521 on 3 June about a login error. Could you confirm the expected resolution date? Thank you. Reasoning: it states the reference, the facts and the specific request in a courteous tone, so it is far more likely to be answered.
Traps that cost marks
- Using Cc where Bcc was intended, exposing addresses.
- Listing duties on a resume instead of results.
- Giving vague feedback such as be better.
- Using SMS abbreviations in workplace email.