Employee Attributes

 

 

 

Full Time Employee Attributes

 

Attributes

An attribute is a charactaristic, feature or other quality that is an inherent part of a person.

Technical Knowledge

As the job entails keeping staff up to date with IT, a moderate to extensive knowledge of new and upcoming technologies in the IT sector is an essential skill for full time staff.

A competent understanding of office software would be expected, as programs such as excel can be used to format client details, volunteer details or appointment times into an easy to read spreadsheet.

Database software may also be used to keep a record of the above, as such employees should be familiar with a database management program; allowing them to carry out additions or other changes to it and so making them a more valuable asset to the organisation.

Full time employees may be required to assist or train volunteers to create the talking book discs. Therefore they must have knowledge of CD burning and label making software so they can pass it on to volunteers.

Employees that are familiar with Office Access will be able to contribute to a website or blog for the organisation.

More specifically, adept knowledge of communication systems is a crucial factor of a full time employee's job, as they are tasked with ensuring that staff are able to communicate with their clients through IT.

 

This means they should have at least basic awareness of VOIP software such as Skype and messenger clients like Windows Live Messenger; allowing them to instruct their peers in digital communications with clients.

As the charity "maintains a database of clients and a schedule of volunteers" full time workers should be versed in the use of database software, allowing them to contribute towards the management of client and volunteer information.

These skills could be demonstrable with qualifications gained from a computer networking course or previous experience in a job that entailed vocal communication via software. In cases with past experience, references would likely be an additional sign of proof.

 

 

Verbal Skills

Due to the interpersonal nature of the work, namely working with other staff to instruct them concerning new tech and communication methods, an at least moderately extroverted personality type is a must; being an incredible aid in terms of instructing staff and clients.

 Extroverts are naturally more confident in social scenarios than introverts, such as the training of volunteer groups.

As the job requires large periods of interpersonal interaction, strong social skills are a necessary attribute. This covers both verbal communication and an understanding of the role body language plays when interacting with others.

Full time staff with strong communication skills will be able to interact with and manage the volunteers with greater efficiency as they can convey information in a way that is understandable to the listener. As volunteers will likely be a diverse group these skills allow the employees to tailor their instructions to be easily comprehended by each volunteer depending on their level of competence.

Verbal skills will result in smooth communication throughout the organisation, from the manager down to the volunteers. The impact this can have on the organisation as a whole is clear, there will be fewer misunderstandings or incorrect information passed on amongst workers and so the organisation will operate with fewer issues and increased efficiency.

Even introverted staff can improve upon their existing social skills to communicate more efficiently, making their job easier while increasing their productivity.

Employees could highlight their social skills at the interview stage in multiple ways, the foremost being fluent and confident communication with the interviewer for the duration.

Examples of past group work experience, especially those with references to prove, would be a major aid in conveying their attributes

 

Volunteer Personal Attitudes

Attitude

An attitude is a person's predisposition towards or against an idea, person or situation.

An individual's attitude will influence their interactions with others and how they respond to stimuli.

Pride in Appearance

As the volunteers interact with the charity's clients they are the arm of the business that is seen by the public. This makes it crucial that they are seen to take pride in their appearance, giving the charity a professional image to society.

Volunteers should be well dressed and hygienic, not wearing tracksuits or any casual clothing that creates a sense of amateurism.

This attitude, or lack of, will be demonstrated immediately at the beginning of the interview stage by their appearance as they arrive.

With a good public image, more people will request their services, thus helping the charity expand and be successful.

 

Politeness

The charity's clients will consist of people with sight difficulties, which implies a large number of elderly clients.

Volunteers that will be interacting with them must show that they can converse politely and appropriately with potentially vulnerable clients.

The reason why politeness is a desireable trait in volunteers is that interaction is generally an easier process when both parties are able to communicate politely. This means that they will be more likely to get on well with co-workers and clients, resulting in fewer complaints due to volunteer demeanour. 

They will be able to show this attitude during an interview through their communication and demeanor; additionally, references from past employers vouching for them will secure their claims making them a viable choice.