VASK Library

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Traditional recruitment processes focus a lot on academic qualifications and paid work experience. However, this may not be the best way to capture the true potential of talents for both job seekers and employers, in particular for the first-time-job-seekers without much work experience. The VASK (Values, Attitudes, Skills and Knowledge) talent matching model adopted in JC PROcruit C enables a first-time-job-seeker to better understand their values and attitudes, breaking away from the traditional qualification-based in talent acquisition and development practised by many employers.

What does VASK stand for?

Values

One’s judgement of what is important in life.
Values act as principles for decision making and action, and also inform attitude.

Attitudes

How one views and responds to someone or something which, in turn, influences his/her thoughts and actions.

Skills

Enable the proper management of items, data, and relationship with others.

Knowledge

Experiences, know-hows, and how-tos that help individuals achieves things.

VASK Library – Your Values, Attitudes, Skills, and Knowledge

How to use this library

The following checklists sourced from different literatures can be used as a tool to facilitate your job-seeking, talent management, or youth supporting practices. Please note that these checklists do not aim to provide a normative and definitive set of VASK choices; you are free to present your VASK in any way you prefer.

Click on the respective tabs below to expand the content. Use your browser's search function to find specific keywords or browse through the entire checklist to discover what works best for you.

Values checklist

	Values (V)	Description for Reference
1.	A comfortable life	Being comfortable and avoiding stress
2.	A world at peace	A world free of war and conflict
3.	Ability utilisation	Using one’s abilities in different scenarios
4.	Achievement	Challenging myself and working hard to improve
5.	Aesthetics	Making and working with beautiful things
6.	Belonging	Being accepted by others and feeling included
7.	Concern for others	Caring about the wellbeing of others
8.	Concern for the environment	Caring about the protection and preservation of the environment
9.	Conformity	Avoiding actions that may violate social expectations (such as politeness, obedience, honouring parents and elders)
10.	Creativity	Discovering, developing, or designing new things
11.	Economic return	Obtaining large financial rewards from one’s work
12.	Equality	Everyone being treated equally and enjoying equal opportunity
13.	Fairness	Impartial and just treatment without favouritism or discrimination
14.	Freedom	Independence and free choice
15.	Health	Physical and mental wellbeing
16.	Honesty	Sincerity and truthfulness
17.	Humility	Modesty about one’s importance and accomplishments
18.	Independence	Having a sense of autonomy with one’s decisions and actions
19.	Inner harmony	Freedom from inner conflict
20.	Interdependence	Meeting the expectations of one’s family, social group, team, or organisation
21.	Kindness	Being considerate and caring
22.	Lifestyle	Work and life choices that permit one to live they like and to be the type of person they wish to be
23.	Loyalty	The quality of being faithful to a person or belief
24.	Personal development	Growth as a person
25.	Power	Enjoying social status and prestige, or control or dominance over people and resources
26.	Prestige	Positive reputation gained through success
27.	Privacy	Have alone time
28.	Relationships with co-workers	Enjoying friendship with and understanding from those one works with
29.	Responsibility	Being dependable and trustworthy
30.	Risk	Do risky things
31.	Security	Safety and stability
32.	Self-control	Self-discipline
33.	Self-respect	Self-esteem
34.	Social recognition	Gaining respect and admiration from others
35.	Spirituality	Having spiritual beliefs that reflect being a part of something greater than oneself
36.	Stimulation	Activities causing excitement or strong responses
37.	Supervisory relationships	Treasure working with a supervisor who is fair and easy to get along with
38.	Tradition	Respecting customs from one’s culture, family, or religion
39.	True friendship	Close companionship
40.	Variety of work	Treasuring a mix of work responsibilities, tasks, or roles
41.	Wisdom	The quality of having knowledge of what is true and good judgement
42.	Working conditions	A concern for the physical environment in which one works

Attitudes checklist

	Attitudes (A)	Description for Reference
1.	Accurate	Precise, free from error
2.	Calm	Low anxiety levels, relaxed
3.	Candid	Truthful, straightforward, frank
4.	Cheerful	Happy, personable
5.	Comforting	Soothing, caring
6.	Conscientious	Careful, meticulous, hard-working
7.	Cooperative	Willing to work with others
8.	Culturally sensitive	Has a respect for different cultures/ways of life
9.	Decisive	Makes decisions easily
10.	Detail-oriented	Thorough, pays attention to detail
11.	Empathetic	Compassionate, relates to others
12.	Flexible	Adaptable, willing to make changes, adjust
13.	Focused	Concentrates on a particular goal
14.	Friendly	Pleasant, warm, approachable
15.	Hard-working	Willing to work and makes efforts
16.	Helpful	Supportive, willing to give a helping hand
17.	Honest	Truthful, honourable, fair
18.	Humble	Modest
19.	Independent	Self-reliant
20.	Initiative	Self-motivated, self-directed, proactive
21.	Inquisitive	Curious, a yearning for knowledge
22.	Life-long learning	Continuous learning
23.	Loyal	Faithful
24.	Mature	Grown-up, sophisticated
25.	Open-minded	Open to new things, ideas and views
26.	Optimistic	Hopeful
27.	Patient	Tolerant
28.	Persistent	Determined, persevering
29.	Polite	Courteous
30.	Positive	Looking at the good side of things
31.	Punctual	On time, good attendance, meeting deadlines
32.	Respectful	Polite to others
33.	Self-confident	Having a sense of confidence
34.	Sincere	Genuine, truthful

Skills checklist

	Skills (S)	Description for Reference
1.	Active learning skills	Able to understand the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making
2.	Active listening skills	Able to pay full attention to what is being said, take time to understand the points being made, ask questions as appropriate, and avoid interrupting
3.	Adaptability skills	Able to adapt to new situations and settings, to cope well with change and show flexibility towards the needs of the moment
4.	Administrative/clerical skills	Able to operate computers and other basic office equipment, and design and maintain filing and control systems
5.	Analytical/logical thinking skills	Able to draw specific conclusions from a set of general observations or specific facts and synthesise information and ideas
6.	Coaching/monitoring skills	Able to give feedback in a constructive way and help others increase their knowledge or skills
7.	Complex problem solving skills	Able to clarify the nature of a problem, evaluate alternatives, propose viable solutions, and determine the outcome of the various options
8.	Computer skills	Able to confidently use a computer to write documents, browse the internet, work with email programmes, and manage files
9.	Coordinating skills	Able to work with other people and adjust one’s actions in relation to others' actions
10.	Counselling/mediation skills	Able to respond to what others have said in a non-judgmental way (‘active listening’), build trust and openness with others, resolve conflicts that stem from different perspectives or interests, and deal with conflict in an honest, positive way
11.	Creative thinking	Able to generate new ideas, invent or create new things, find new solutions to problems, and use imagination effectively
12.	Critical thinking	Able to review different points of view or ideas and make objective judgments, investigate all possible solutions to a problem, and weigh up pros and cons
13.	Innovating skills	Able to introduce something new or apply new approaches to solving old problems
14.	Interpersonal skills	Able to interact successfully with a wide range of people and successfully read body language
15.	Judgment and decision making skills	Able to identify all possible options, weigh up pros and cons, assess feasibility, and choose the most viable option
16.	Language skills	Able to use a language (write, read, speak, understand, translate) to a high standard
17.	Leadership skills	Able to motivate and empower others to act, and inspire trust and respect in others
18.	Management of financial resources	Able to determine how money should be spent in order to achieve goals, and then account for those expenditures
19.	Management of material resources	Able to obtain and see to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work
20.	Management of personnel resources	Able to motivate, develop, and direct people as they work, and identify the best people for the job
21.	Mechanical skills	Able to install, operate, and repair mechanical devices, and monitor their performance
22.	Numeracy/mathematics	Able to use numbers/mathematics to solve problems
23.	Oral communication skills	Able to orally present information and ideas clearly and concisely
24.	Visual perceptual skills	Able to visualise new formats and shapes and estimate physical space
25.	Performing skills	Able to entertain, amuse, and inspire an audience
26.	Persuading skills	Able to justify an opinion and influence a decision, convince others to change their minds, sell products or promote ideas
27.	Planning/organisation skills	Able to plan projects, events and programmes, establish objectives and needs, evaluate options, and choose the best options
28.	Practical skills	Able to use equipment, tools, or technology effectively, and follow instructions
29.	Reading comprehension skills	Able to thoroughly understand written work-related documents
30.	Science skills	Able to use scientific rules and methods to solve problems and make discoveries
31.	Serving skills	Able to help people in various capacities
32.	Social perceptual skills	Able to be aware of others' reactions and understand the reasons behind their reactions
33.	Speaking	Able to speak clearly and convey information effectively
34.	Teaching/training skills	Able to help others gain knowledge and skills, and create an effective learning environment
35.	Time management skills	Able to manage one's own time and the time of others, use time efficiently according to workload, and use a diary/planner to ensure tasks are completed on schedule
36.	Writing skills	Able to communicate effectively in writing

Knowledge checklist

	Knowledge (K)	Description for Reference
1.	Knowledge related to Administration and Management	Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership techniques, production methods, and the coordination of people and resources
2.	Knowledge related to Biology	Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, including their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment
3.	Knowledge related to Building and Construction	Knowledge of materials, methods and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings or other structures such as highways and roads
4.	Knowledge related to Chemistry	Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, properties, uses, and interactions of substances, and the processes and transformations they undergo, as well as production techniques and disposal methods
5.	Knowledge related to Clerical	Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office-based tasks
6.	Knowledge related to Communications and Media	Knowledge of media production, communication, and mass media through various mediums such as written publications, radio and audio outlets, and images, e.g. photography, movies
7.	Knowledge related to Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of electronic equipment, computer hardware and software, and applications and programming
8.	Knowledge related to Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services, including customer needs, quality standards, and customer satisfaction
9.	Knowledge related to Design	Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and basic principles involved in creating an idea that will be brought to life
10.	Knowledge related to Economics and Accounting	Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data
11.	Knowledge related to Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, and teaching and instruction for individuals and groups
12.	Knowledge related to Engineering and Technology	Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology, including applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of goods and services
13.	Knowledge related to Fine Arts	Knowledge of the theories and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual art, and drama
14.	Knowledge related to First Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the mother tongue including the meaning of words, and rules of composition and grammar
15.	Knowledge related to Food Production	Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, harvesting, handling and storing food products
16.	Knowledge related to Foreign Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of a non-native language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation
17.	Knowledge related to Geography	Knowledge of principles and methods for understanding the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life
18.	Knowledge related to History and Archeology	Knowledge of historical events and their causes and effects on civilisations, cultures and objects
19.	Knowledge related to Law and Government	Knowledge of laws, court procedures, and political processes
20.	Knowledge related to Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications
21.	Knowledge related to Mechanical	Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs and uses, and required maintenance and repair procedures
22.	Knowledge related to Medicine and Dentistry	Knowledge of procedures for symptom identification, diagnosis, and treatment of ailments, and knowledge of treatment alternatives, drug properties, and preventive measures
23.	Knowledge related to Personnel and Human Resources	Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, training, compensation and benefits, labour relations, and personnel information systems
24.	Knowledge related to Philosophy and Theology	Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions, including basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture
25.	Knowledge related to Physics	Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, and their interrelationships, as well as applications to understanding matter, atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and structures and processes
26.	Knowledge related to Production and Processing	Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control measures, costs, and other techniques for maximising effective manufacture and distribution of goods
27.	Knowledge related to Psychology	Knowledge of human behaviour and performance, individual differences in ability, personality, interests, and motivation, research methods, and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders
28.	Knowledge related to Public Safety and Security	Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions
29.	Knowledge related to Sales and Marketing	Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or service, including marketing strategies, product demonstrations, sales techniques, and sales control systems
30.	Knowledge related to Sociology and Anthropology	Knowledge of group behaviour and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicities, and cultures
31.	Knowledge related to Telecommunications	Knowledge of transmissions, broadcasting, and the operation of telecommunications systems
32.	Knowledge related to Therapy and Counselling	Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counselling and guidance
33.	Knowledge related to Transportation	Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits
34.	Knowledge developed from Voluntary work in organisational settings	Knowledge developed from volunteering, mentoring, service learning, community service, or emergency response
35.	Knowledge developed from Domestic / Neighbourhood provisioning	Knowledge developed from casual volunteering, DIY work, housework, self-provisioning, household provisioning, or neighbourhood provisioning
36.	Knowledge developed from Serious leisure	Knowledge developed from youth culture, sports, heritage preservation, environmental protection, human rights advocacy, animal rights advocacy, amateur interests (e.g. art, science, sports), and hobbies (e.g. collecting, making, repairing

For more information and examples of different job roles and VASK, please refer to the CLAP@JC website at HERE, or download the PDF version HERE (see p. 52-60).

What does VASK stand for?

VASK Library – Your Values, Attitudes, Skills, and Knowledge

How to use this library

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