Browse by Essential Skills

Essential skills are skills you need for most jobs, such as reading, writing, math, and learning. Open and explore the folders below to see the different categories and levels of information. Ratings on occupations are available at the most detailed level.

  • Areas that support learning and applying skills across many types of work.
    • Active Listening
      Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
    • Mathematics
      Using mathematics to solve problems.
    • Reading Comprehension
      Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
    • Science
      Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
    • Speaking
      Talking to others to convey information effectively.
    • Writing
      Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Ways of doing work that support learning and building skills.
    • Active Learning
      Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
    • Critical Thinking
      Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
    • Learning Strategies
      Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
    • Monitoring
      Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.