CAREER READINESS

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 workplaceThey expect strong communication, professionalism, and workplace etiquette, yet many young professionals say they’ve never been taught these skills.

Do you want to be one of these stats?


  • 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.

Why this course matters

This course addresses the gap directly. It teaches timeless skills that help students and young professionals:

  • Stand out with employers and get hired sooner
  • Keep their jobs longer
  • Build positive working relationships
  • Present themselves with confidence
  • Advance more quickly in their careers

Who should take this course?

  • Young professionals seeking to advance
  • University and college students preparing to enter the workplace
  • Recent graduates seeking employment
  • Newcomers adjusting to North American workplace culture
  • Institutions that want to strengthen student success and employability

Course curriculum

Today’s employers expect more than knowledge—they seek candidates who can present themselves with confidence, communicate effectively, and interact professionally in every setting.

    1. Soft Skills vs Hard Skills

    1. Understanding the Fundamentals of Networking

    2. Benefits of Networking

    3. What's Holding You Back?

    4. Networking Tips & Strategies

    5. Powerful First Impressions

    6. Body Language to Improve your First Impression

    7. Handshakes 1

    8. Handshakes 2

    9. Who to Approach

    10. The One Liner

    11. The Icebreaker

    12. Navigate Small Talk with Confidence

    13. Test your knowledge

    14. Becoming a Great Conversationalist

    15. Transitioning into Business Talk

    16. Exiting a Conversation

    17. Steps to Networking

    18. Networking in a Social Setting.

    19. Following up after Networking in Person

    20. Playing Host

    21. Networking in the Online World

    22. Business Networking Quiz. Test your knowledge

    23. Download: Following Up after Meeting Someone in Person

    24. Download; Networking in the Online World

    25. Download: The Networking Cheat Sheet

    1. Business Dining

    2. Navigating a Place Setting

    3. Styles of Eating, Continental and American

    4. The Napkin, Bread & Butter and Salt & Pepper

    5. The Soup Course

    6. Toasting

    7. The Dessert Course

    8. FAQ

    9. Setting a Table - test your skill

    10. Download: The Dining Etiquette Booklet

    11. Test your Dining Etiquette Knowledge

    1. Professionalism in the Workplace

    2. Business Introductions

    3. Respectful Communication - Names and Pronouns

    4. Business Card Exchange

    5. Cultivating a Strong Work Ethic

    6. Office Decorum

    7. The Little Things That Annoy

    8. Mastering Workplace Distraction and Focusing On Work

    9. How to Achieve Success in the Workplace 1

    10. Increase your Visibility in the Workplace

    11. Test your Knowledge of Workplace Conduct

    1. Business Casual Defined

    1. Introduction

    2. The Pros and Cons of Email

    3. Protecting Your Brand, Your Job and Your Message

    4. Using To, Cc and Bcc Correctly

    5. Crafting The Subject Line

    6. Salutations and Closings

    7. Creating Easy to Read Emails

    8. The Pleasantry

    9. The Purpose

    10. The Call to Action

    11. Closing Message, Signature and Disclaimers

    12. Internal vs. External Emails

    13. The Tone of an Email

    14. Flaming!!

    15. Replying to Email

    16. If and Then Statements

    17. Delay Delivery

    18. Attachments and Forwarding Email

    19. Composing Out-Of-Office Replies

    20. Benefits of Email Templates

    21. Saving Time With Screenshots

    22. Before You Press Send

    23. Email Etiquette Cheat Sheet

    24. Misused Words Quiz - Choose the correct word to complete each sentence.

The must have skills to excel in your job. What you didn't learn in school.

  • $199.00
  • 82 lessons
  • 4 hours of video content
  • 6 Downloads

Proven and Trusted

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.

A Sneak Peak of the Course

Preview a lesson


What They Say

“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. ”

Jan Francesca Napa

“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.”

Cielo Bingley

“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.”

Ujwal Telang

“"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."”

Professor Ryan Laverty, CFP®, FCSI, CIWM, PFP®, MBA, B.COMM Professor, School of Accounting and Financial Services, Seneca Polytechnic

“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, ”

Professor Brendan Bergie, School of Accounting & Financial Services Program Coordinator, Financial Services Compliance Administration Graduate Certificate, Seneca Polytechnic

DON'T BE ANOTHER STATISTIC.

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.

Instructor

Pat Stonehouse

President and Founder, Advancing With Style

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

Get A Job Keep A Job by Pat Stonehouse

FAQ

  • How long do I have access to the course?

    You have access for a full year.

  • Can I ask the instructor questions?

    Absolutely! You can send a question by email.

  • Do you have a money back guarantee?

    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.

  • Do I get a certificate?

    Yes, you get a certificate that you can display on your LinkedIn profile and list on your resume.