1. Analytical / diagnostic skills
A good advisor is able to manage a caseload of up to 100 clients, each of whom has a unique set of circumstances and needs.
"You have to be able to identify clients' individual needs by asking the right questions and really listening to their responses, with no preconceptions. It's essential that the rapport you build with each client is appropriate - it has to be focused on supporting clients into employment. Then, once you pinpoint exactly what support is needed, you use your expertise and creativity to design a tailor-made programme that's suited to each individual."
Raja Iqbal, Advisor, London
2. Organisational and multi-tasking skills
With responsibility for a diverse caseload of clients, advisors must organise their time well. Advisors are not fazed by being busy and are adept at multi-tasking.
"As an advisor, it's crucial to be able to juggle numerous tasks at the same time. Typically, a day could include seeing up to 12 clients, conducting mock interviews, and facilitating workshops. You must be extremely organised, focused and have lots of energy as you will be incredibly busy."
Anne McDaid, Advisor, London
3. Staying focused on the core objective
Advisors must be able to empathise with clients who face a range of issues, but their role is not social worker or counsellor. Advisors must remain focused on what is within their control: providing practical solutions to help people improve their situations through lasting employment.
"I believe that if someone is in the right kind of work, they will always benefit. No matter what else may be happening in my client's life - from family-related issues to substance misuse - it is my responsibility to ensure that they never lose sight of such a life-enhancing goal."
Katie Tunstall, Advisor, Nottingham
4. Being pro-active and taking responsibility
Advisors must use their initiative and creativity to help each client get a job, as well as motivate some clients to see the benefits of work. Good advisors are accountable for their own performance and take pride in exceeding challenging targets. They are also resourceful and eager to take on additional responsibilities.
"The bottom line in any advisor role is you're here to get people into jobs and that comes first. The targets are there to ensure that we provide a high quality service to our customers and, although challenging, they are achievable. If you do your job well then the targets become secondary and you can focus on coming up with new ways of helping your clients back to work."
Sukaina Lalji, Advisor, London
5. The ability to challenge and influence behaviour
It is not unusual for advisors to encounter issues such as clients having unrealistic job goals, using inappropriate language and having poor personal presentation. Advisors must remain professional and objective at all times, use common sense and negotiation, and come up with the most appropriate approach for each client.
"It is important to value and respect the opinions of your clients as well as challenge whether clients are being realistic in their behaviours and expectations. Some of our clients have been out of work for a long time and need to adjust to the working world. Advisors need a great deal of persistence, patience and enthusiasm to get the very rewarding results that make the job so enjoyable."
Chris Reynolds, Advisor, Edinburgh