CAREER READINESS: GET A JOB, KEEP A JOB
Learn the professional skills employers expect
Why it matters more than ever
Today’s job market is competitive and fast-paced. Employers are seeking young professionals who communicate well, demonstrate respect, adapt quickly, and understand how to conduct themselves in a professional environment. Whether you are starting your career, an internationally trained professional or a seasoned employee looking to sharpen their edge, this practical career readiness program teaches you the professional skills to get hired, communicate confidently and succeed in the modern workplace. Master the success skills that set true professionals apart.
Employers are increasingly looking beyond degrees, seeking candidates who possess a blend of hard skills and "soft" or transferable skills essential for productivity and a well-functioning workplace. They expect strong communication, professionalism, and workplace etiquette, yet many young professionals say they’ve never been taught these skills.
Employers report that only 50% of new recruits have the skills needed for their jobs.
60% of employers say graduates come to them unprepared.
Barely 42% believe new hires demonstrate the professionalism and work ethic required.
Research shows 46% of newly hired employees fail within the first 18 months - not because of a lack of technical ability, but because of poor communication, weak professionalism and difficulty interacting with others.
The truth is, there’s a widening gap between what employers expect and what graduates bring to the table. While 87% of recent graduates feel ready to succeed, only half of hiring managers agree. That disconnect is costing careers before they even start.
This course addresses the gap directly. It teaches timeless skills that help students and young professionals:
Today’s employers expect more than knowledge—they seek candidates who can present themselves with confidence, communicate effectively, and interact professionally in every setting.
Soft Skills vs Hard Skills
Understanding the Fundamentals of Networking
Benefits of Networking
What's Holding You Back?
Networking Tips & Strategies
Powerful First Impressions
Body Language to Improve your First Impression
Handshakes 1
Handshakes 2
Who to Approach
The One Liner
The Icebreaker
Navigate Small Talk with Confidence
Test your knowledge
Becoming a Great Conversationalist
Transitioning into Business Talk
Exiting a Conversation
Steps to Networking
Networking in a Social Setting.
Following up after Networking in Person
Playing Host
Networking in the Online World
Business Networking Quiz. Test your knowledge
Download: Following Up after Meeting Someone in Person
Download; Networking in the Online World
Download: The Networking Cheat Sheet
Business Dining
Navigating a Place Setting
Styles of Eating, Continental and American
The Napkin, Bread & Butter and Salt & Pepper
The Soup Course
Toasting
The Dessert Course
FAQ
Setting a Table - test your skill
Download: The Dining Etiquette Booklet
Test your Dining Etiquette Knowledge
Professionalism in the Workplace
Business Introductions
Respectful Communication - Names and Pronouns
Business Card Exchange
Cultivating a Strong Work Ethic
Office Decorum
The Little Things That Annoy
Mastering Workplace Distraction and Focusing On Work
How to Achieve Success in the Workplace 1
Increase your Visibility in the Workplace
Test your Knowledge of Workplace Conduct
Business Casual Defined
Introduction
The Pros and Cons of Email
Protecting Your Brand, Your Job and Your Message
Using To, Cc and Bcc Correctly
Crafting The Subject Line
Salutations and Closings
Creating Easy to Read Emails
The Pleasantry
The Purpose
The Call to Action
Closing Message, Signature and Disclaimers
Internal vs. External Emails
The Tone of an Email
Flaming!!
Replying to Email
If and Then Statements
Delay Delivery
Attachments and Forwarding Email
Composing Out-Of-Office Replies
Benefits of Email Templates
Saving Time With Screenshots
Before You Press Send
Email Etiquette Cheat Sheet
Misused Words Quiz - Choose the correct word to complete each sentence.
This course is built on the very same content we've delivered in seminars to Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and leading universities. These time-tested lessons have helped thousands of young professionals launch their careers with confidence. Today, this online version is also offered by select colleges and universities as part of their career readiness programs—because it works.
Preview a lesson
“The Success Skills: Get A Job, Keep A Job course was really helpful and practical. I liked how it explained the differences between soft skills and hard skills, since it showed why both are important in the workplace. The part on networking and building relationships gave me useful tips on how to connect with people professionally. I also found the lessons on dining etiquette, business casual, and workplace conduct very practical, things that we don’t always get taught but really matter in making a good impression. Overall the sessions were clear, easy to follow, and very useful for future work. ”
“I purchased Success Skills: Get a Job, Keep a Job as a gift for my niece, who is a registered nurse in the Philippines. She recently passed the NCLEX exam and is preparing to emigrate to North America to continue her career. I wanted to give her something that would help her feel prepared — not just technically, but professionally. After completing the course, she told me: The section on networking and building professional relationships was invaluable. It gave her the confidence to introduce herself to hospital representatives, make connections at career fairs, and navigate conversations with prospective employers. The etiquette modules — especially the ones on communication and writing — helped her refine her emails, speak with greater confidence, and present herself more professionally. She finished the course feeling prepared and optimistic. She told me that, for the first time, she truly understood what employers look for beyond technical ability — and she feels equipped to compete in the North American job market. From my perspective, the course was an outstanding investment. It gave her clarity, confidence, and real-world skills that will serve her for years to come. I highly recommend it to anyone supporting a student or young professional who wants to stand out for all the right reasons.”
“I really enjoyed Success Skills: Get A Job, Keep A Job, and having completed this course I am confident to enter any business setting with much more confidence. This course truly integrates business formalities, traditional business communication styles and understanding of social cues to create a coherent approach to enter business settings with confidence! In addition to this, Pat's teaching style feels very interactive, practical and fun. I truly enjoyed the course and I highly recommend this course to everyone willing to improve their professional communication and develop their professional image.”
“"When looking for ways to help students increase their soft skills in our programs, we met with Pat Stonehouse of Advancing with Style. Pat’s extensive experience in industry and openness to designing training that dovetailed into our existing curriculum made it an easy decision to integrate Advancing with Style’s Soft Skills for Success program into our programs. The content is thoughtfully designed and aligns perfectly with the professional development needs of our students. I've seen a noticeable boost in students’ confidence and overall readiness for the workplace. Many of our students have shared how proud they are to showcase their completion of the program on LinkedIn, using it as a talking point with potential employers. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see students not only gain essential professional skills but also take ownership of their growth and career readiness."”
“As a professor committed to preparing students for the workforce, I’ve found Soft Skills for Success to be an invaluable resource. Pat Stonehouse has designed a course that aligns perfectly with our school’s goal of ensuring students be career-ready. It offers practical, real-world guidance on topics as varied as business networking, workplace conduct, professional email writing, professional attire, and dining etiquette. These skills not only help students stand out in the job market but also empower them to thrive once they’ve secured a role. Advancing with Style has created a course that bridges the gap between academic learning and industry. Brendan Bergie Professor, ”
Career Readiness: Get a Job, Keep a Job, bridges that gap. This proven program equips you with the communication, professionalism, and workplace know-how that employers are demanding but schools rarely teach.
As the Founder and President of Advancing With Style, my journey spans more than 25 years of experience in advising a diverse spectrum of entities, from Fortune 500 giants to esteemed universities, government agencies, financial institutions, associations, diplomats, and individuals seeking personal growth. My professional path has led me to collaborate with over 600 organizations and to deliver seminars across the globe. My client roster boasts renowned names such as American Express, Scotia Bank, RBC, Citigroup, The Royal Canadian Mint, Liebherr, Stryker, Boston Scientific, CPA, The Department of National Defence, Black & MacDonald, Merrill Lynch, and IBM.
My mission is to assist you in unlocking your full potential, enabling you to reach new heights in your personal and professional journey. I firmly believe that every person, irrespective of their role, possesses the capacity to stand out, achieve greatness, and perform at their zenith. In my view, professionalism, leadership, and executive presence should permeate every facet of an organization's culture, transcending hierarchical boundaries and extending far beyond the corridors of management and the C-suite.
Join me on a transformative path towards excellence!
Get A Job Keep A Job by Pat Stonehouse
You have access for a full year.
Absolutely! You can send a question by email.
All enrollments are non-refundable and non-transferable. Since this is a digital learning experience with immediate access to all course materials when you enroll, we’re unable to offer refunds or exchanges after purchase. This policy ensures fairness while protecting the integrity of our intellectual property.
Yes, you get a certificate that you can display on your LinkedIn profile and list on your resume.