Dr. Sandra Karnes

Twenty-first century skills for employment involve communication. One of the most important skills for employment is the ability to communicate effectively. Since communication is an important skill which employers expect from employees, the classes that I teach involve written communication and oral communication. These classes pertain to all students at Penn College. We communicate in all aspects of life. The way we walk, stand, sit, and dress communicates aspects about us. Students are preparing for various types of employment. Students usually have to submit an application letter and a resume in order to be invited for an interview. Once they are called for an interview, they must give good first impressions by the way they communicate with perspective employers. The hand shake is one of the first interactions with an interviewer.

The internet provides valuable tips associated with interviewing. For example, the American Psychological Association reported, "You don't get a second chance to make a first impression," says James Uleman, Ph.D., a psychology professor at New York University and researcher on impression management. First impressions are made by the way students communicate with employers, not only on what they say, but also on their ability to shake hands, use eye contact, display confidence and enthusiasm, dress professionally, and use voice variance. There is simply no easy way around it, communication touches all aspects of life and impacts how others view us. In my classes, I emphasize the importance of communication.