Lesson Plan
Job Match Quest
Students will explore job roles, craft a basic resume, and practice filling out a job application to build foundational career-readiness skills.
Early exposure to job research and application processes empowers students with ASD by boosting confidence, organization, and real-world employability skills.
Audience
7th Grade Students with ASD
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Guided research and hands-on exercises to build real-world job skills.
Materials
Job Role Research Worksheet, Basic Resume Template, Sample Job Application Form, Projector or Smartboard, and Computers or Tablets
Prep
Review Materials & Setup
5 minutes
- Print or prepare digital copies of Job Role Research Worksheet, Basic Resume Template, and Sample Job Application Form
- Familiarize yourself with each document’s sections and instructions
- Ensure computers/tablets are ready and projector/smartboard is connected
Step 1
Introduction & Engagement
5 minutes
- Welcome students and state objectives: researching jobs, building a resume, completing an application
- Briefly discuss why career skills matter for future success
- Show an example job listing on the projector and highlight key parts (job title, tasks, skills)
Step 2
Researching Job Roles
10 minutes
- Distribute Job Role Research Worksheet
- Model how to look up a job online and record: title, main tasks, required skills, typical salary
- Students choose one job of interest and complete the worksheet, with teacher support as needed
Step 3
Crafting a Basic Resume
10 minutes
- Provide Basic Resume Template
- Guide students through filling in: contact info, education, skills, any volunteer or hobby experiences
- Circulate and assist individuals in formatting and wording their entries
Step 4
Practicing Job Application
5 minutes
- Hand out Sample Job Application Form
- Demonstrate how to fill essential fields (name, address, education, availability)
- Have students complete key sections; offer support and answer questions
- Close by summarizing steps and encouraging students to save their materials for future use
Slide Deck
Job Match Quest
Career Readiness for 7th Graders with ASD
30-Minute Lesson
Welcome students! Today we begin our Job Match Quest. Introduce yourself and share excitement about exploring careers together.
Today’s Objectives
• Research job roles
• Craft a basic resume
• Practice completing a job application
Read aloud the objectives and relate each to why it matters. Ask: “Which skill sounds most useful for your future?”
Why Career Skills Matter
• Boost confidence and self-esteem
• Highlight your strengths and interests
• Prepare you for future opportunities
Explain how career skills build independence and confidence. Share a personal anecdote or example.
Researching Job Roles
- Choose a job online
- Record: job title, main tasks, required skills, typical salary
- Complete your Job Role Research Worksheet
Model using a projector to look up a simple job listing. Point out key parts: title, tasks, skills, salary.
Crafting Your Resume
• Contact Information: name, phone, email
• Education: school, grade level
• Skills & Experiences: hobbies, volunteer work, special talents
Show a blank resume template. Guide students to fill contact info first, then education and skills.
Practicing a Job Application
- Fill in personal details (name, address, contact)
- List education and availability
- Review for accuracy and save your form
Demonstrate filling out the sample job application form step-by-step, answering any questions.
Next Steps
• Save your worksheets and resume for review
• Share your materials with a mentor or family member
• Keep practicing to reach your dream job!
Encourage students to keep practicing these steps at home or in future classes.
Lesson Plan
Ace Your Application
Students will create a basic resume, practice answering common interview questions, and apply self-advocacy strategies to confidently present themselves in job applications.
Providing ASD-friendly, structured steps for job applications builds essential real-world skills, reduces anxiety, and empowers students to advocate for their strengths and needs.
Audience
10th Grade Students with ASD
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Guided templates and role-play practice.
Materials
Resume Builder Worksheet, Sample Interview Questions, Self-Advocacy Tips Guide, Projector or Smartboard, and Computers or Tablets
Prep
Review & Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Print or distribute digital copies of Resume Builder Worksheet, Sample Interview Questions, and Self-Advocacy Tips Guide
- Familiarize yourself with each handout’s sections and model answers
- Arrange seating for pair or small-group interaction
- Ensure any audio/visual equipment is ready for role-play demonstrations
Step 1
Introduction & Objectives
5 minutes
- Welcome students and outline session goals: resume building, interview practice, self-advocacy
- Explain why clear, structured application steps reduce stress and increase success for ASD learners
- Show an example of a finished resume on the projector, highlighting key sections: contact info, education, skills, experiences
Step 2
Building Your Resume
10 minutes
- Distribute Resume Builder Worksheet
- Guide students through each section: contact details, education, skills, volunteer or hobby experiences
- Model filling in one example on the board
- Circulate to support students with wording, formatting, and prompting specific details
Step 3
Interview Question Practice
10 minutes
- Hand out Sample Interview Questions
- Read aloud three common questions (e.g., “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths?”)
- Demonstrate a sample answer with clear, brief language and positive body language
- Pair students to role-play interviewer and interviewee, rotating roles and providing supportive feedback
Step 4
Self-Advocacy Strategies
5 minutes
- Share Self-Advocacy Tips Guide
- Highlight strategies: requesting accommodations, clarifying questions, summarizing strengths
- Ask students to choose one tip and role-play a short scenario (e.g., asking for extra time on a task)
- Conclude by reviewing key takeaways and encouraging students to save all materials for future application
Slide Deck
Ace Your Application
A 30-minute career-prep session for 10th graders with ASD.
Learn to build a resume, practice interview skills, and advocate for yourself.
Welcome students! Introduce the session: today you’ll learn how to craft a resume, practice interview questions, and use self-advocacy strategies to feel confident when applying for jobs.
Session Objectives
• Build a basic resume
• Practice answering common interview questions
• Apply self-advocacy strategies to showcase your strengths
Read the objectives aloud. Ask: “Which of these skills do you think will help you most when you apply for a job?”
Building Your Resume
• Contact Information: name, phone, email
• Education: school, grade level
• Skills & Experiences: hobbies, volunteer work, special talents
• Use Resume Builder Worksheet to fill in details
Display the Resume Builder Worksheet on the screen. Walk through each section, modeling one example entry. Circulate to support wording and formatting.
Interview Practice Tips
• “Tell me about yourself”
• “What are your strengths?”
• “Why do you want this job?”
• Role-play using Sample Interview Questions
Hand out the Sample Interview Questions. Read three questions aloud, then demonstrate a clear, concise answer. Pair students for role-play and circulate to offer feedback.
Self-Advocacy Strategies
• Request accommodations when needed
• Ask clarifying questions
• Highlight your strengths and preferences
• Practice scenarios with Self-Advocacy Tips Guide
Distribute the Self-Advocacy Tips Guide. Highlight key strategies, then have volunteers practice asking for an accommodation or clarification.
Next Steps
• Save your resume and interview notes
• Practice answers at home with a friend or family member
• Choose one position and submit an application this week
Summarize: encourage students to save all materials, practice with family or mentors, and set a goal to apply to one job this week.
Worksheet
Resume Builder Worksheet
Use this worksheet to organize your information and create a clear, easy-to-read resume.
1. Contact Information
Full Name: _______________________________
Phone Number: ____________________________
Email Address: ____________________________
## 2. Objective / Summary
Write 1–2 sentences that describe who you are and the type of job you want. For example: “I am a dedicated student with strong communication skills seeking a part-time retail position.”
## 3. Education
School Name: _______________________________
Grade Level: _______________________________
Graduation Year (Expected): ___________________
## 4. Skills
List up to five skills you have that relate to the job you want (e.g., teamwork, computer skills, problem-solving).
- _______________________________________________________________
- _______________________________________________________________
- _______________________________________________________________
- _______________________________________________________________
- _______________________________________________________________
## 5. Experience (Volunteer, Clubs, Hobbies, or Past Jobs)
For each experience, include your role/title, the organization or activity, dates, and a brief description of what you did.
Experience #1
- Role / Title: ____________________________
- Organization / Activity: ___________________
- Dates (e.g., 2022–2023): ___________________
- What I did:
Experience #2 (optional)
- Role / Title: ____________________________
- Organization / Activity: ___________________
- Dates (e.g., 2021–2022): ___________________
- What I did:
## 6. Additional Information (Optional)
Certifications or Awards:
Languages Spoken:
---
When you finish, review all sections for accuracy, check spelling, and make sure your resume is clear and neat. Save this worksheet and use it to type your final resume or share it with someone who can help you format it professionally.
Worksheet
Sample Interview Questions
Use this worksheet to practice answering common interview prompts. Write your responses in the space below each question, then role-play with a partner to build confidence and clarity.
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What are your greatest strengths?
3. What is a challenge or weakness you’re working to improve?
4. Why do you want this job or position?
5. Describe a time you solved a problem or worked successfully on a team.
6. Do you have any questions for us?
Tip: Keep your answers clear and concise. Practice positive body language and maintain eye contact during your role-play sessions!
Reading
Self-Advocacy Tips Guide
This guide will help you speak up for your needs, share your strengths, and get the support you deserve when applying for jobs or in any learning situation.
Why Self-Advocacy Matters
• Builds confidence and independence
• Helps others understand how you learn and work best
• Ensures you get fair support and accommodations
Key Strategies
-
Requesting Accommodations
• Be clear and specific about what you need (e.g., extra time, written instructions).
• Use polite, direct language: “Could I please have ____ to help me succeed?” -
Asking Clarifying Questions
• If you don’t understand a task or question, pause and ask for more details.
• Example: “Can you explain what you mean by _______?” -
Highlighting Your Strengths
• Share your skills and experiences confidently.
• Example: “I work well in teams because I’m organized and I listen carefully.” -
Summarizing Needs and Solutions
• State the challenge, then suggest a solution.
• Example: “I find long instructions hard to follow. Could I get key steps written down?”
Sample Scripts
Use these examples to practice talking about your needs. Personalize them for your own situation.
-
Requesting Extra Time
“I focus best when I can read questions more than once. Could I have an extra 10 minutes to review the application form?” -
Clarifying a Question
“I’m not sure what you mean by ‘availability.’ Could you tell me if you want my weekly schedule or just the days I can work?” -
Sharing a Strength
“I enjoy organizing tasks and I’m very detail-oriented. In my last volunteer role, I created a checklist that improved our team’s efficiency.”
Practice Your Own Script
Think of one situation where you might need to speak up. Write a short script below using the strategies above.
Situation: _______________________________________________________________
Script:
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
When you’re ready, role-play this script with a partner or record yourself to build confidence.
Save this guide and use it whenever you need to advocate for yourself—at school, at a job interview, or in any new situation. You’ve got this!
Cool Down
Application Reflection
Before you leave, take a moment to reflect on today’s session. Your feedback will help you remember key ideas and set a goal for your job search.
1. One thing I learned today was:
2. One goal I will set to apply this learning is:
Thank you for sharing! Keep this reflection and review it next time you work on your resume or practice interview skills.
Script
Ace Your Application: Teacher Script
Slide 1: Ace Your Application
Teacher (smiling, enthusiastic):
“Good morning, everyone! Welcome to Ace Your Application. Today you’ll learn three important skills: how to build a basic resume, how to practice answering common interview questions, and how to use self-advocacy strategies to showcase your strengths. These steps will help you feel confident when you apply for jobs.
Before we begin, please raise your hand if you have ever filled out a job application before.”
(Pause; acknowledge a few hands.)
“Thank you for sharing. Whether this is your first time or you’ve tried before, we’ll work step by step together.”
Slide 2: Session Objectives
Teacher:
“Let’s look at our session objectives on the screen. They are:
• Build a basic resume
• Practice answering common interview questions
• Apply self-advocacy strategies to showcase your strengths
Which of these skills do you think will help you the most? Give me a thumbs-up if it’s resume building, two fingers for interview practice, or three fingers for self-advocacy.”
(Pause; scan the room.)
“Great! Keep that in mind as we go through each part.”
Slide 3: Building Your Resume
Teacher (pointing to screen):
“Now we’ll use the Resume Builder Worksheet. You should have a copy in front of you. If you need one, please raise your hand now.”
(Distribute or confirm everyone has a copy.)
“First, let’s fill out Contact Information. On the board I’ve written an example:
• Full Name: Jordan Smith
• Phone Number: 555-1234
• Email Address: jordan.smith@example.com
Now please write your full name on line 1, your phone number on line 2, and your email on line 3.”
(Give 1–2 minutes. Circulate and help as needed.)
“Excellent. Next is Objective/Summary. This is 1–2 sentences that describe who you are and the type of job you want. For example: ‘I am a dedicated student with strong communication skills seeking a part-time retail position.’
Take a moment to write your objective. I’ll come by to help you with wording.”
(Give 2–3 minutes. Offer examples and encouragement.)
“Great work. Let’s move to Education. Write your school name, grade level, and expected graduation year. Then in Skills, list up to five skills—things like teamwork, computer skills, problem-solving, or any talents you have.”
(Allow 2 minutes; assist students who need prompting.)
“If you finish early, you can start filling in Experience at the bottom of the page—volunteer work, clubs, hobbies, or any past jobs.”
Slide 4: Interview Practice Tips
Teacher (handing out worksheet):
“Now we’ll practice answering interview questions. Here is the Sample Interview Questions worksheet. On the screen you see three common prompts:
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are your strengths?
- Why do you want this job?
I’ll read question #1 aloud: ‘Tell me about yourself.’ Then I’ll show you a sample answer.”
(Model answer with positive body language.)
“My answer: ‘Hello, my name is Alex. I’m a sophomore who enjoys helping others. I volunteer at the animal shelter on weekends and I’m excited to learn new skills in retail.’
Now, pair up with someone nearby. Decide who will be the interviewer and who will be the interviewee. The interviewer asks one of these three questions, and the interviewee answers. Then swap roles. You have three minutes.”
(Circulate, listen, and offer gentle feedback: “Great eye contact!” or “Try a clear, calm voice.”)
Slide 5: Self-Advocacy Strategies
Teacher (showing guide):
“Fantastic job role-playing. Our last topic is self-advocacy, using the Self-Advocacy Tips Guide. Self-advocacy means asking for the support you need and sharing your strengths.
Look at these four strategies:
- Requesting accommodations (e.g., extra time)
- Asking clarifying questions
- Highlighting your strengths
- Summarizing needs and solutions
Here’s an example script for requesting extra time: ‘I focus best when I can read questions twice. Could I please have an extra 10 minutes to review the application form?’”
“Volunteer: how would you ask for clarification if you didn’t understand what ‘availability’ means on an application?”
(Select a volunteer; coach their wording: “Use polite, direct language.”)
“Great! Now turn to your partner and choose one tip from the guide. Practice a short one-sentence script. You have two minutes.”
(Circulate and support.)
Slide 6: Next Steps
Teacher:
“You’ve all done excellent work today. Here’s what to do next:
• Save your resume worksheet, interview notes, and self-advocacy guide.
• Practice with a family member or mentor.
• Set a goal to apply for at least one job this week.
If you need help formatting your resume or practicing, let me know. Thank you for your focus and participation—you’ve got this!”
(End with a thumbs-up and a smile.)
Rubric
Job Application Skills Rubric
This rubric evaluates student performance on three key tasks from the Ace Your Application lesson: building a resume, practicing interview skills, and applying self-advocacy strategies. Each criterion is scored on a 1–4 scale.
Scoring Scale
1 – Beginning (Requires support)
2 – Developing (Partial support)
3 – Proficient (Meets expectations)
4 – Exemplary (Exceeds expectations)
| Criterion | 1 – Beginning | 2 – Developing | 3 – Proficient | 4 – Exemplary | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resume Content & Organization | • Missing or incorrect contact information • Objective unclear or absent • Sections incomplete and disorganized | • Most sections present but lack detail • Formatting is uneven • Some important info omitted | • All sections present and complete • Details are clear and relevant • Format is organized and easy to read | • Content is thorough and tailored to target job • Details highlight strengths and achievements • Layout is professional and visually polished | 30% |
| Interview Responses | • Answers are off-topic or incomplete • Limited eye contact or body language • Hesitant delivery without clear examples | • Answers address question but lack clarity or detail • Some body language or eye contact • Examples are general | • Answers are clear, concise, and on-point • Maintains appropriate eye contact and posture • Uses specific examples to support responses | • Answers demonstrate insight and strong preparation • Confident body language and positive tone • Includes thoughtful, detailed examples or stories | 30% |
| Self-Advocacy & Communication | • Does not request support or accommodations • Unclear or no questions asked • Minimal expression of strengths | • Requests support but not specific • Asks one clarifying question • Mentions strengths generally | • Clearly asks for needed accommodations • Uses polite, direct language for clarification • Confidently shares relevant strengths | • Anticipates needs and requests proactively • Articulates solutions and next steps • Persuasive, self-aware presentation of strengths | 20% |
| Overall Engagement & Preparedness | • Limited participation in activities • Materials incomplete or unorganized • Appears unprepared | • Participates when prompted • Partial completion of materials • Some evidence of practice | • Actively participates in all tasks • Materials are complete and legible • Demonstrates practice effort | • Leads activities and models best practices for peers • Materials are polished, saved, and ready to share • Sets clear goals for follow-up | 20% |
Total Score: ______ / 4
Weighted Score: ______ / 100
Use this rubric to provide objective, structured feedback on each student’s progress. Align scores with next-step recommendations and individualized support plans.
Warm Up
Job Application Brainstorm
Kick off today’s session by thinking about the types of jobs you might enjoy and the skills you already bring. You have 3–4 minutes to complete both sections below.
1. Three Jobs I’m Interested In
- ________________________________________________
- ________________________________________________
- ________________________________________________
2. Three Skills I Already Have
- ________________________________________________
- ________________________________________________
- ________________________________________________
Next: Pick one job from your list and one skill you have. Be ready to share why that skill would make you a good fit for the job!