Teach the Job Application Process
Career Education Lessons Plans for Graduating High Schoolers
Many smart and capable students graduate from school with no experience marketing themselves. Teachers can prepare students for applying for that dream job.
Many students today graduate from high school and college expecting their diplomas to earn them their dream jobs. However, hopes can be dashed quickly for even the most capable students when they discover applying for a job can be a full-time job. Educators can prepare them for this.
How can educators help? Not only should educators take the time to teach students how to write resumes, but they should also emphasize the importance of knowing how to market skills and knowledge through the job application process. Understanding this will make students more confident in their educations and will motivate them to hone their skills, while also giving them the tools to communicate effectively with their perspective employers. The steps below outline a Job Application Project that could be taught at the high school or college level. The Job Application Project includes
- finding an actual job posting;
- researching the company;
- writing a resume and cover letter;
- participation in a mock interview workshop.
Finding the Job Advertisement
The most important step in the job application project is finding a real job posting.
In this step
- students gain experience researching jobs through various search methods including online job hunters, newspapers and periodicals.
- students learn that the job search is time consuming and takes thoughtfulness.
- students learn to analyze the job descriptions carefully, focusing on key words and requirements. Finding a real job motivates them to gain more experience in their respective fields.
Researching the Company
Once the students have specific job advertisements for reference, the next stage is to research the company. Students are encouraged to study the history and mission statement, recognize key individuals, and identify other roles in the corporation. They should research the company’s background, philosophies, products, services, financials, and even competition. This prepares students for the job interview, and also helps them identify whether or not the company is a good fit for them. Most companies have websites which provide significant information, but students should also be encouraged to use newspapers, periodicals and other Internet sources to develop a deeper understanding.
Teaching the Resume and Cover Letter
Students develop and create resumes and cover letters that are tailored to that specific job description and are encouraged to highlight expertise and skills relevant to the job description. Standard categories on the resume usually include education, experience, skills, awards, and service. However, just because the certain information is expected, doesn't mean all resumes should be the same.
Students learn that resumes and cover letters should be personalized for specific jobs. Personalizing the resume does not mean that students should falsify information; rather, it means students learn to think critically about their education and skills. Also, they may notice that their experience, skills or education is weak in certain areas. So, analyzing the job description and noticing those weaknesses should make them aware of what they need to improve before they actually enter the job market. They may become more motivated to make the resume stronger by getting more experience or working harder in school.
Students prepare both a print and electronic version and learn to save versions separately in order to facilitate the job application process.
The Internet is loaded with information about writing resumes and cover letters. Check out the resume workshop at Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab.
Or check out these seminars and articles for more useful tips.
Cover Letters and Job Searches
Participating in a Mock Interview Workshop
This stage in the unit is designed to give students practice in one of the most feared aspects of the job application process—the job interview. Each student prepares and practices answering 10-20 common job interview questions as homework. During class, students are separated into interview teams. The students take turns being the interviewee in the “hot seat” responding to questions by their classmates and teacher. At the end of the workshop, each team member is allowed to vote for two individuals who she/he feels performed the best. The winner from each team is awarded extra credit.
