Chapter 3 Agriculture as a Career 129 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. long story short, before you can be good at a specific job, you have to be good at being an employee. Important Skills Can you look at a situation and make a decision about how to make it better? Are you able to take verbal instructions and use them to complete a task? These are examples of the types of skills employers are looking for. The skills that will make you a successful employee, regardless of your position, include: „ Critical thinking—being able to logically reason to reach a solution. „ Problem solving—identifying and evaluating different parts of a situation to reach a desired outcome. „ Decision making—being able to weigh the benefits and risks of an action and make the best choice for a given situation. „ Active listening—giving someone undivided attention and taking the time to understand instructions and guidance. „ Computer use—ability to use computers and electronic equipment, including basic computer applications. SAE Connection Exploratory SAEs By keeping track of the hours you spend and the research you conduct in a career search, you are fulfilling the requirements for an Exploratory SAE. Entering the information into your record book can not only make it readily accessible, but can also allow you to make progress toward SAE hours for FFA degree applications. Ethics in AG Think about the following scenario and decide how you would handle it. You are responsible for hiring the new cashier at the local feed store. You have interviewed two candidates. Notes from your interviews are as follows: Potential Employee #1: Was 15 minutes late to the interview. Came in dressed in dirty jeans and a stained T-shirt. Has a lot of knowledge about animal feeding and nutrition and worked for a local feedlot feeding cattle. Mumbled at the ground during the interview never made eye contact. When asked why he was leaving the feedlot job, he said “because I hate the guy who owns it.” Potential Employee #2: Showed up five minutes early for the interview. Dressed in nice jeans and a short-sleeve, button-down shirt. Said that he had little experience with animal feeds but is anxious to learn about animal nutrition and feeding. Was warm and pleasant to speak with. He also made eye contact throughout the interview. Which potential employee would you hire? In groups, discuss the pros and cons of each individual and decide why you would make the hiring decision you agreed on.