The Work Readiness Checklist

Ready, Willing and Able to Work?

The Work Readiness Checklist has been created to help you think about some of the qualities and skills that employers are looking for when hiring. You can go through the checklist by yourself, with a friend or family member, or someone you trust in your community. Some of these questions may be very easy for you to answer, while others may be more difficult. Are you ready, willing, and able to work?

During your job search, use this self-assessment to help ensure you have the skills necessary for getting and keeping a job.

Personal Qualities:

  • Will I show up for work on time, every day?

  • Can I stay until the workday is over?

  • Am I willing to follow company rules even though I may not agree with them?

  • Can I keep a positive attitude when things do not go as planned?

  • Can I deal with the stress that comes with a job?

  • Do I present a neat appearance and pay attention to personal hygiene?

  • Is the information I will share on the application true and accurate?

Social Skills:

  • Will I try to learn from my mistakes?

  • Can I accept correction or criticism and respect other people's ideas?

  • Do I typically say please and thank you and use good manners?

  • Am I accepting and tolerant of others regardless of race, religion or nationality?

Communication Skills:

  • Can I read, understand and fill out a job application? Can I read and understand other employment documents like an employee handbook?

  • Do I know the difference between stating facts and stating my opinion?

  • Do I know English well enough to follow directions and safely do my job?

  • Can I write clearly so that others can read it?

  • Will I ask my supervisor questions if I need help?

  • Can I follow multiple step directions?

Team Work:

  • Am I a team player; willing to help others and accept help?

  • Can I work to make everyone on the team successful?

  • Will I listen to what others say and be willing to share what I think?

Education:

  • Do I have a high school diploma or GED®?

  • Am I able to use a computer?

  • Can I do simple math problems like add and subtract?

Childcare, Transportation, and Other Support:

  • Do I have reliable childcare? Do I have a backup plan if my regular childcare falls through?

  • Do I have reliable (public or private) transportation? Do I have a backup plan if my car breaks down?

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

If you need assistance in the following areas, these resources could help.

  • Veterans Services

  • Work Clothes

    • Dress for Success Erie- Women’s Clothing Click Here

  • Drug or Alcohol Issues

    • Erie County Office of Drug and Alcohol Abuse (814-451-6877) Click Here

  • Criminal History

    • Erie County Re-entry Services and Support Alliance (ECRSSA) Click Here

  • Disability

    • Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (814-871-4551; 3200 Lovell Place, Erie) Click Here

  • Job Search Resource

  • Education / Training Resources

    • Adult Basic & Literacy Education: GECAC Click Here

    • Adult Education & Career Readiness: Northwest Tri-County IU #5 Click Here

    • PA Eligible Training Provider List Click Here

    • PA Colleges & Universities Click Here