assessing soft skills for jobs in manufacturing

Assessing Soft Skills for Jobs in Manufacturing A Guide to Using the LLSC Soft Skills Assessment Tool

Literacy Link South Central (LLSC) 1/1/21 Soft Skills Assessment:

Manufacturing

Literacy Link South Central: Soft Skills Assessment Tool Guidebook 1

Acknowledgements

This soft skills assessment tool and accompanying guidebook were created by Literacy Link

South Central (LLSC) to support entry-level hiring for manufacturers across Ontario. We

welcome organizations beyond manufacturing to use this tool free of charge to assess and

evaluate the soft skills of job seekers, applicants, and current employees. Please note that

selling this material or offering this assessment to clients for a fee is prohibited.

Literacy Link South Central wishes to thank the following people and organizations for their

work on and support of this soft skills assessment tool:

Debra Mountenay, Workforce Planning and Development Board (Elgin, Middlesex and

Oxford Counties)

Robert Collins, London Economic Development Corporation

Jason Bates, Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium

Jennifer Kirkham, Mischievous Cat Productions

Manufacturers across the London Economic Region, who provided insight, feedback on

their soft skills requirements, and real-life scenarios for this assessment tool

If you have any questions about this assessment tool or guidebook, please

contact Literacy Link South Central at [email protected] or 519-681-7307.

Visit us online at www.llsc.on.ca

The views expressed in this Guidebook are those of Literacy Link South Central, and do not

necessarily reflect those of the Province. The Government of Ontario and its agencies are in no

way bound by any recommendations contained in this document.

This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of

Canada and the Government of Ontario.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.llsc.on.ca/


About the LLSC Soft Skills Assessment Tool for Manufacturers This soft skills assessment tool is a two-part evaluation designed to assess the following soft skills:

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving (analytical skills)

Detail oriented

Organizational skills

Attitude

Dependability

Adaptability Before using this assessment with current employees or job applicants, consider whether all of these soft skills are critical for your business or not. You may find that some soft skills are not important to your workplace culture or the kind of work you do. Make a note of which skills those may be, so you can weigh their importance accurately. You may also find that some of the soft skills in this list are of critical importance to your business. Make a note of these as well, as you may want to set a higher goal for employees or applicants in these soft skill categories. The assessment tool has two sections:

Section 1 has 24 statements. Individuals are asked to circle a response from “1” (FALSE not like me) to “8” (TRUE like me) for each statement.

Section 2 has nine real-life workplace scenarios with four potential actions that can be taken. Individuals are asked to read each scenario and then select two actions - the action they would most likely take to respond to the scenario and the action they would least likely take to respond to the scenario.

Scoring A scoring sheet has been provided for the soft skills assessment tool. It is included in this package as Attachment B. The scoring sheet is organized by soft skill and has places to insert scores for both the statements in Section 1 of the assessment tool and the scenarios in Section 2 of the assessment tool. Our recommendations for weighting are outlined in Part 3 of this document: Interpreting the Assessment.

What do you need to begin? You will need to print one copy of the accompanying soft skills assessment tool (with or without the cover), and one copy each of Attachment A (Scoring Key for the Section 2 Scenarios) and Attachment B (Soft Skills Assessment Tool Scoring Sheet) for each applicant or employee being evaluated.


Part 1: The Assessment

Section 1: Statements Each of the statements in Section 1 of the assessment tool is linked to a soft skill. The statements are scored between 1 and 8. The number circled is the score the individual receives. The table below shows the statement and the soft skill it is assessing.

Statement Soft Skill

1. I plan well and do not leave things to chance Organizational skills

2. I am open to new ideas Adaptability

3. I am generous and helpful with others Teamwork

4. I am adaptable and flexible in my thinking and ideas Adaptability

5. I am resourceful in difficult situations Problem solving

6. I manage the way I use my time well Dependability

7. I am successful in social situations Communication

8. I use good sense and reason when making decisions Problem solving

9. When working on a project, I do my best to get the details right Detail oriented

10. I am punctual and do things on time Dependability

11. My actions are well organized using reason and facts Organizational skills

12. I change my thinking or opinions easily if there is a better idea Adaptability

13. I am an effective team member Teamwork

14. I do things when they should be done and do not put them off Organizational skills

15. I know I have the ability to do anything I want to do Attitude

16. I communicate well with people Communication

17. I try to do the best that I possibly can Detail oriented

18. I maintain a positive and productive attitude when things go wrong

Attitude

19. I plan and use my time efficiently Dependability

20. My personal organization is good Organizational skills

21. I like to be busy and actively involved in things Problem solving

22. I work well with people Teamwork

23. When applying myself to something I am confident I will succeed Attitude

24. I am flexible and adapt my thinking easily when plans change Adaptability


Example: As noted, the number circled by the individual is also their score for that statement. The example below shows that for:

For statement 1 the individual would receive a score of 4




Recording the score for section 1: The top portion of the Scoring Sheet (Attachment B),

has each of the statement numbers listed in a column that represents the soft skill being assessed. Find the statement number and write the individual’s score in the “Score” column immediately to the right. Example: Based on the answers this individual circled, you would fill in the Scoring Sheet as shown in the example below.

Record a number 4 in the “Score” column beside Statement #1 (under the heading “Organizational Skills”)

Record a number 6 in the “Score” column beside Statement #2 (under the heading “Adaptability)

Record a number 2 in the “Score” column beside Statement #3 (under the heading “Teamwork)

Record a number 8 in the “Score” column beside Statement #4 (under the heading “Adaptability)


Section 2: Scenarios Each of the scenarios in Section 2 of the assessment tool is linked to a soft skill. Each scenario is worth a total of 8 points – a maximum of 4 points for the most likely statement and a maximum of 4 points for the least likely statement. The individual’s score is based on the actions they selected for each scenario. The table below shows the scenario and the soft skill it is assessing.

Scenario Soft Skill

1. You get instructions from your supervisor about a new way to do your job and you don’t understand what is being asked. What do you do?

Communication

2. You are assigned to a specific machine for your shift. Another machine close to your work area has an error and the alarm is going off. What do you do?

Teamwork

3. You do not like one of your co-workers, and find it difficult to work with them because they do not have the same beliefs that you do. What do you do?

Teamwork

4. There is an issue with the machine you are working on and your supervisor isn’t available. What do you do?

Problem Solving

5. In your position, you are responsible to document quality and/or machine issues every four hours. You are running behind today, haven’t completed your documentation, and it is time for your break. What do you do?

Detail Oriented

6. You have 15 items that need to be completed during your shift at work today and aren’t sure how to start tackling the list. What do you do?

Organizational Skills

7. Your workload has been increased significantly and you feel you are working harder than your co-workers. What do you do?

Attitude

8. You slept in, are running late and will not get to work on time. What do you do?

Dependability

9. You are told that you will be moving from the morning shift to the afternoon shift in two weeks. What do you do?

Adaptability


Example: The example below shows that for scenario #1, the individual responded that they would be most likely to go back to their work area and try to figure it out, and least likely to approach a coworker and ask them to explain the change.

Tables that outline the scores to be given for each response in the scenarios have been provided in Attachment A. To determine a score for this scenario, you would circle the number in the “Score for Most Likely” column next to response 4 (in this case, 2), and circle the number in the “Score for Least Likely” column next to response 1 (also 2). The individual received a total score of 4 out of 8 on this scenario. Record that number at the bottom of the Scoring Table.

Scenario #1 You get instructions from your supervisor about a new way to do your job and you don’t understand what is being asked. What do you do?

Response Options/Potential Actions Score for Most Likely

Score for Least Likely

1. You approach your co-workers and ask them to explain it to you.

3 2

2. You smile and nod yes that you understand to your supervisor.

1 4

3. You tell your supervisor that you are not sure you understand what is different and ask them to explain it to you.

4 1

4. You go back to your work area and try to figure it out. 2 3

Total 4/8

Note: the answers to these scenarios have been ranked based on input from manufacturers in

the London Economic Region. Each company’s processes and procedures are unique, so if the

scoring in a scenario does not reflect your company’s needs, you can change the scoring prior

to using this part of assessment. Note that the maximum score cannot exceed 8 across both the

“Score for Most Likely” and “Score for Least Likely”.


Recording the score for section 2: Once you have scored each of the scenarios in section 2,

transfer them to the Scoring Sheet (Attachment B). The middle portion of the Scoring Sheet has each of the scenario numbers listed in a column that represents the soft skill being assessed. Find the scenario number and write the individual’s score in the “Score” column immediately to the right. Example: Based on the most likely and least likely actions this individual chose, you would fill in the Scoring Sheet by recording a number 4 in the “Score” column beside Scenario #1 (under the heading “Communication”)

Part 2: Calculating a Total Score for each Soft Skill Once the results from both section 1 and section 2 have been added to the Scoring Sheet, add the numbers in each “Score” column to determine the individuals total score in each of the soft skills being assessed. Example: In the example below, all of the individual’s scores have been entered, and we can see that they’ve scored as follows:

15 out of 24 in communication 27 out of 40 in teamwork 27 out of 32 in problem solving 13 out of 24 in being detail oriented 23 out of 40 in organizational skills 26 out of 32 in attitude 18 out of 32 in dependability 36 out of 40 in adaptability

Once you have calculated the total score for each soft skill, you can add them up and enter the result in the column on the far right titled “Total Score.” The maximum total score someone can receive is 264.


Part 3: Interpreting the Assessment At a minimum, we are looking for individuals who score at least 50% or higher on the soft skills being measured. With that said:

There may be some soft skills that are not as critical to your company. You can factor these out of your interpretation of results.

There may be some soft skills that are more critical to your company. You may want to set a higher threshold than 50% for these soft skills.

When reviewing an individual’s soft skills assessment: 1. Look at the total score out of 264 for all soft skills assessed, and reflect on the following

questions:

Did the individual score more than 50% overall (132 or higher)?

If yes, was the score closer to 100% or 50%?

Do their overall soft skills fall in the range of what you’re looking for in an employee?

If not, where are the challenges? 2. Look at the individual’s scores in each of the soft skills assessed and reflect on the following

questions:

Are there any soft skills that aren’t as critical to the position and can be set aside?

Are there any soft skills that must be rated very highly for you to consider this individual for employment?

Are there certain soft skills that stand out as being particularly higher or lower scoring?

Are most or all of the soft skills scores lower than 50% of the maximum score?

Is the individual scoring lower in soft skills that are critical to the position they will be/are filling?

Are you willing and able to invest in education to increase the individual’s soft skills in lower scoring areas? This could include arranging for workplace training to help employees build their skills or recommending free soft skills training programs to employees and making it possible for them to attend.


What should we do if someone’s soft skills are not high enough?

If someone’s soft skills are not strong enough for an entry-level job at your business, you may

choose not to hire them. As they have expressed an interest in working for your company,

when you let them know that they will not be proceeding to employment you can recommend

opportunities for improvement. Candidates may return to you for consideration once they have

attended training to build their soft skills.

Suggested Resources

Across Ontario, adult Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) programs offer free programs to help people

develop skills that include reading, writing, computers, math, and soft skills like communication

and working with others. To find out more about free LBS programs in your area, recommend

that the unsuccessful candidate visit https://learningnetworks.ca/

Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) programs are also available online through Ontario’s e-Channel

programs. Specializing in reading, writing, computers, math, and soft skills upgrading in an

online environment, these programs are offered in English, French, and American Sign

Language (ASL), and also customized for Indigenous adults. To find out more about free LBS

programs in your area, recommend that the unsuccessful candidate visit https://e-channel.ca/

Employment Ontario agencies offer free employment services including workshops to build

interviewing and networking skills, finding jobs that suit someone’s interests and abilities, and

more. To find out about free Employment Services in your area, recommend the unsuccessful

candidate visit https://feat.findhelp.ca/

https://learningnetworks.ca/

https://e-channel.ca/

https://feat.findhelp.ca/


Attachment A

Scoring Key for Section 2 Scenarios Each scenario is worth a total of 8 points – a maximum of 4 points for the most likely statement and a maximum of 4 points for the least likely statement.

Look for the potential action the individual selected as the action they are most likely to take and circle the score in the “Score for Most Likely” column beside that action

Look for the potential action the individual selected as the action they are least likely to take and circle the score in the “Score for Least Likely” column beside that action

Add the 2 scores together for a total out of a 8 Applicant / Employee Name or ID #: _______________________________________________

Scenario #1 (Soft Skill: COMMUNICATION) You get instructions from your supervisor about a new way to do your job and you don’t understand what is being asked. What do you do?



1. You approach your co-workers and ask them to explain it to you.

3 2

2. You smile and nod yes that you understand to your supervisor.

1 4

3. You tell your supervisor that you are not sure you understand what is different and ask them to explain it to you.

4 1

4. You go back to your work area and try to figure it out. 2 3

Total /8

Scenario #2 (Soft Skill: TEAMWORK) You are assigned to a specific machine for your shift. Another machine close to your work area has an error and the alarm is going off. What do you do?



1. Yell for the co-worker who is responsible for the machine to come and fix the error.

3 2

2. Go over to the machine and fix the error. 4 1

3. Ignore the alarm and continue on with your work. 1 4

4. Find your supervisor and report that there is an error on the machine.

2 3

Total /8


Scenario #3 (Soft Skill: TEAMWORK) You do not like one of your co-workers, and find it difficult to work with them because they do not have the same beliefs that you do. What do you do?



1. You talk to your other co-workers about this person. 1 4

2. You tell your supervisor you can’t work with this person and ask to be moved to another shift.

2 3

3. You treat this co-worker with respect even though you don’t have the same beliefs.

4 1

4. You talk to this co-worker and tell them you don’t understand them and their beliefs.

3 2

Total /8

Scenario #4 (Soft Skill: PROBLEM SOLVING) There is an issue with the machine you are working on and your supervisor isn’t available. What do you do?



1. Pull out your training manual and see what it says. 4 1

2. Ask a co-worker what you should do. 2 3

3. Think about past situations when the machine stopped working and what you did to solve the issue then.

3 2

4. Take a 15 minute break until your supervisor returns. 1 4

Total /8

Scenario #5 (Soft Skill: DETAIL ORIENTED) In your position, you are responsible to document quality and/or machine issues every four hours. You are running behind today, haven’t completed your documentation, and it is time for your break. What do you do?



1. Complete the documentation and then take your break. 4 1

2. Do not complete the documentation as it will be completed again in four hours.

1 4

3. Ask your supervisor what you should do. 2 3

4. Take your break and then come back and complete the documentation prior to beginning to work again.

3 2

Total /8


Scenario #6 (Soft Skill: ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS) You have 15 items that need to be completed during your shift at work today and aren’t sure how to start tackling the list. What do you do?



1. Start at the top of the list and work to get the list completed. 2 3

2. Ask a co-worker if they can help you complete the list. 1 4

3. Review the list and think about what items are important to complete first and how much time it will take to complete each item on the list.

4 1

4. Review the list with your supervisor to determine if some items are a higher priority to complete during your shift.

3 2

Total /8

Scenario #7 (Soft Skill: ATTITUDE) Your workload has been increased significantly and you feel you are working harder than your co-workers. What do you do?



1. Ask your co-workers to help you with your workload. 3 2

2. Ask to meet with the supervisor to discuss the issues you have about your workload increase.

4 1

3. Only do the bare minimum at work. 1 4

4. Complain to your co-workers that the supervisor doesn’t like you and is treating you unfairly.

2 3

Total /8

Scenario #8 (Soft Skill: DEPENDABILITY) You slept in, are running late and will not get to work on time. What do you do?



1. Call your supervisor and let them know that you are running late.

4 1

2. Call a co-worker and let them know that you are running late and ask them to cover for you.

3 2

3. Call in sick. 1 4

4. Go as quickly as you can and hope that you are not too late getting to work.

2 3

Total /8


Scenario #9 (Soft Skill: ADAPTABILITY) You are told that you will be moving from the morning shift to the afternoon shift in two weeks. What do you do?



1. You move to the new shift and look for ways to get back at your employer.

1 4

2. You complain to all of your co-workers that you don’t want to move to the new shift.

2 3

3. You bargain with your supervisor to see if he can keep you on the morning shift.

3 2

4. You tell your co-workers that you will miss them when you move to the new shift.

4 1

Total /8

Once you have scored each of the scenarios in section 2, transfer them to the Scoring Sheet (Attachment B).

Attachment B

Soft Skills Assessment Tool Scoring Sheet Write the score for each statement and scenario in the “Score” column below. Applicant / Employee Name or ID #: _______________________________________________

Communication Teamwork Problem Solving Detail Oriented Organizational Skills

Attitude Dependability Adaptability TOTAL SCORE

Statement #

Score Statement #

Score Statement #

Score Statement #

Score Statement #

Score Statement #

Score Statement #

Score Statement #

Score

7. 3. 5. 9. 1. 15. 6. 2.

16. 13. 8. 17. 11. 18. 10. 4.

22. 21. 14. 23. 19. 12.

20. 24.

Scenario # Score Scenario # Score Scenario # Score Scenario # Score Scenario # Score Scenario # Score Scenario # Score Scenario # Score

1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

3.

TOTAL SCORE

Maximum Score

24 40 32 24 40 32 32 40 264

Total score = add scores for statements and scenarios. This is the individual’s score for each soft skill Maximum score = the highest score an individual can get in each soft skill

assessing soft skills for jobs in manufacturing

Documents