Get Hired Session Script

1. Introduction & Goal Setting (5 minutes)

Teacher:
“Hi there! It’s great to see you today. My name is [Teacher Name], and in the next 60 minutes we’re going to focus on three main areas:

1. Building or refining your resume
2. Finding and applying to jobs
3. Practicing interview skills

By the end of our session, you’ll have a draft of a strong resume, a list of target jobs or companies, and some real interview practice under your belt!”

“Before we jump in, I’d love to hear about your past experiences looking for work. What have you tried so far, and what challenges have you faced?”

Teacher (follow-up):
“Thank you for sharing that. I know it can feel tough to get started on your own—that’s exactly why we’re working together today. Let’s tackle each step so you feel confident moving forward.”

2. Resume Building (15 minutes)

Teacher:
“Let’s start with your resume. I’m handing you the Effective Resume Tips Handout. Keep this as a reference.”

Slide: Resume Basics
“On the slide, we see the key sections every resume needs:

• Contact Information
• Professional Summary
• Education & Experience
• Skills & Certifications
• Optional: Projects or Activities

Each part tells employers who you are, what you’ve done, and why you’d be a great fit.”

Slide: Effective Resume Tips
“Notice these best practices:

• Keep your resume to one page.
• Use clear headings and consistent fonts.
• Start bullet points with action verbs.
• Quantify achievements when possible.
• Proofread carefully.

Do you have any questions about these tips?”

Teacher:
“Now, let’s work on your own resume. Please open your copy of the Job Search Strategy Worksheet to the resume section. I want you to:

1. Write your contact information at the top.
2. Draft a one-sentence professional summary—think of it like your headline.
3. List your most relevant experience or activities.”

Teacher (while student works):
“Great—let me see your summary.”

Student reads summary.

Teacher feedback:
“That’s a solid start. I like how you mentioned [skill/quality]. You could make it even stronger by quantifying something—like how many hours you volunteered or customers you served. Let’s tweak that together.”

3. Job Search Strategies (10 minutes)

Teacher:
“Next, let’s talk about where to find job listings. Here’s the slide on Job Search Platforms.”

Slide: Job Search Platforms
“Popular sites are Indeed, Monster, CareerBuilder, plus LinkedIn and company career pages. Don’t forget school job boards or networking referrals.”

Teacher:
“On your worksheet, write down three to five roles or companies you’d like to target. Think about your interests and what you’ve done that prepares you for those positions.”

Teacher:
“Which ones did you choose?”

Teacher (discussion):
“Excellent picks. Now, let’s discuss Networking & Customization.”

Slide: Networking & Customization
“Connect with friends, family, teachers. Attend career fairs. Tailor your cover letter and resume to each job, and always follow up after you apply.”

Teacher:
“What might you do this week to customize an application?”

4. Discussion: Barriers & Mindset (5 minutes)

Teacher:
“Job searching can feel overwhelming, but mindset matters. Let’s use the Job Search Discussion Prompts.”

Teacher reads prompt:
“What barriers have you faced in your job search?”

Teacher:
“And how could we reframe one of those challenges as an opportunity? For instance, if you lack experience, you can highlight transferable skills like communication or teamwork.”

5. Mock Interview Practice (15 minutes)

Teacher:
“Now we’ll practice interviewing. Here’s the Mock Interview Activity Guide. I’ll ask you common interview questions. After each answer, I’ll give feedback on your content, tone, and body language.”

Teacher (question 1):
“Tell me about yourself.”

Teacher feedback:
“I liked how you started with your academic background. Next time, try to include one specific achievement—like organizing a school event or improving a process.”

Teacher (question 2):
“Describe a challenge you overcame.”

Teacher feedback:
“Great STAR structure—Situation, Task, Action, Result. To strengthen it, add numbers or results if possible.”

Teacher (question 3):
“Why do you want this job?”

Teacher feedback:
“Nice tie-back to the company’s mission. You could also mention how your skills align with the role’s responsibilities.”

6. Job Matching Game (5 minutes)

Teacher:
“Let’s switch things up with a quick game. Here are the Job Matching Game Cards. Shuffle them and match each job description card with the correct skill-set card. I’ll give you two minutes—ready, go!”

Teacher:
“Time’s up! Which matches felt easy, and which surprised you?”

Teacher (wrap-up):
“Matching skills to roles helps you write stronger resumes and cover letters.”

7. Quiz & Review (5 minutes)

Teacher:
“Finally, let’s check what you’ve learned with the Job Search Skills Quiz. Take about three minutes to complete it.”

Teacher:
“Great—now let’s go over the answers together using the Job Search Skills Quiz Answer Key. How did it feel?”

Teacher feedback:
“You got X out of Y correct—nice work! For the one you missed, remember…”

8. Next Steps & Closing (2 minutes)

Teacher:
“Today you’ve drafted a resume, identified target roles, practiced interview questions, and tested your knowledge. Here are your next steps:

• Finalize your resume draft.
• Apply to 3–5 jobs this week, customizing each application.
• Practice your STAR stories daily.
• Use these handouts and your network for support.

You’ve made fantastic progress—keep up the momentum! I know you can land a great position soon. Good luck, and feel free to reach out if you need more help.”

Job Search Strategy Worksheet

Section 1: Resume Building

1. Contact Information:
   • Name: ____________________________________________
   • Phone: ___________________________________________
   • Email: ___________________________________________
   • LinkedIn (optional): ______________________________

1. Professional Summary:
   Write a one-sentence summary that highlights who you are and what you bring to a role. Refer to the Effective Resume Tips Handout.

1. Experience & Activities:
   List up to three relevant experiences (jobs, volunteer roles, or extracurriculars). For each, include:
   • Role/Organization: ________________________________
   • Dates: ____________________________________________
   • Key Achievements (use action verbs and quantify when possible):

   ---

   ---

Section 2: Job Targeting

List 3–5 roles or companies you’re interested in and briefly explain why.

1. Role/Company: _______________________________
   Reason: ______________________________________

1. Role/Company: _______________________________
   Reason: ______________________________________

1. Role/Company: _______________________________
   Reason: ______________________________________

Section 3: Networking & Customization

1. People/Resources to Contact (friends, family, teachers, networking events):

   ---

1. How will you customize your resume or cover letter for one of your target roles?

   ---

   ---

Section 4: Interview Preparation (STAR Method)

Using the STAR framework, draft your response to:

“Describe a challenge you overcame.”

• Situation: ___________________________________________

• Task: ______________________________________________

• Action: _____________________________________________

• Result: _____________________________________________

Section 5: Action Plan & Next Steps

List three concrete next steps and set deadlines to keep your job search on track.

1. __________________________________________________ by ________
   
   
   
   
2. __________________________________________________ by ________
   
   
   
   
3. __________________________________________________ by ________
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Use this worksheet alongside the Get Hired Workshop Slides and Mock Interview Activity Guide to guide your job search process.

Effective Resume Tips Handout

A concise reference to help you craft a standout one-page resume for any job application.

1. Purpose of Each Section

• Contact Information: Include your full name, a professional email address, phone number, and LinkedIn URL (if available).
• Professional Summary: Write 1–2 sentences that highlight your top skills, experiences, and career goals.
• Education & Experience: List your most relevant education and work/volunteer roles first. Include organization names, dates, and key achievements.
• Skills & Certifications: Showcase hard skills (e.g., software, tools) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork).
• Optional Sections: Add projects, extracurricular activities, awards, or languages if they strengthen your candidacy.

2. Formatting Best Practices

• One page only: Keep employers’ attention on your strongest qualifications.
• Consistent design: Use the same font (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman) and font sizes (10–12 pt) throughout.
• Readable layout: Maintain 0.5”–1” margins and clear section headings.
• Alignment: Align text and bullet points uniformly—no hanging inconsistencies.

3. Writing Impactful Bullet Points

• Start with action verbs: Managed, Developed, Coordinated, Created, etc.
• Quantify results: “Increased social media engagement by 30%” is more powerful than “Improved engagement.”
• Be concise: Limit bullet points to 2–5 per experience; focus on the most meaningful contributions.
• Tailor to the job: Emphasize responsibilities and achievements most relevant to the position you’re seeking.

4. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Typos and grammar errors: Proofread carefully—and consider asking a friend to review.
• Vague language: Replace “Helped with marketing” with “Coordinated email campaigns that grew subscriber list by 500+.”
• Irrelevant details: Exclude outdated or unrelated experiences (e.g., unrelated high-school jobs if you have more recent roles).
• Overuse of jargon: Use industry terms only when they add clarity or show expertise.

5. Final Tips

• Save as PDF: Preserve your formatting when emailing or uploading.
• Professional filename: e.g., Jane_Doe_Resume.pdf.
• Update regularly: Add new skills, projects, and achievements as you gain experience.
• Use this handout with the Job Search Strategy Worksheet to practice drafting and refining your resume.

Job Search Discussion Prompts

Use these questions during the Barriers & Mindset segment to explore challenges and build a growth mindset for your job search.

1. What barriers have you faced or do you anticipate in your job search?
   • Follow-up: How does this challenge make you feel?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. How could you reframe one of those barriers as an opportunity?
   • Hint: Think about transferable skills you already have (e.g., communication, teamwork).
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Recall a time you overcame a challenge in school, work, or an activity.
   • What strategies did you use (planning, asking for help, breaking tasks into steps)?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. What positive self-talk or mindset techniques can help you stay motivated when things feel tough?
   • Examples: “I’ll learn from every experience,” or “Small steps lead to big results.”
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Who in your network (family, friends, teachers) can support your job search, and how will you reach out to them?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Use these prompts to guide our discussion and brainstorm practical solutions to keep your job search on track!

Mock Interview Activity Guide

Use this guide to run a structured, practice interview that builds confidence and highlights areas for growth.

Objective

• Give the student realistic interview practice using common questions and the STAR method.
• Provide targeted feedback on content, delivery, and body language.

Materials

• Get Hired Workshop Slides (for reference)
• Mock Interview Activity Guide (this document)
• A comfortable, distraction-free space
• Timer or stopwatch

Setup (1 minute)

1. Explain the purpose: “We’ll run through a short mock interview so you can practice answering questions confidently and receive feedback.”
2. Remind the student to use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions.
3. Encourage professional posture and eye contact, as if in a real interview.

Step 1: Warm-Up Question (2 minutes)

1. Ask an easy opener: “Tell me about yourself.”
2. Let the student respond for up to 60 seconds.
3. Give quick feedback:
   • Content: Was it concise?
   • Structure: Did they include relevant highlights?
   • Delivery: Tone and eye contact.

Step 2: Behavioral Questions (6 minutes)

Run through two STAR-based questions:

1. Describe a challenge you overcame.
   • Prompt the student to outline Situation, Task, Action, Result.
   • Listen for clear structure and specific outcomes.
2. Give an example of teamwork.
   • Encourage focus on their role and collaborative actions.
   • Note evidence of communication and problem-solving.

For each question:

• Allow 90 seconds response time.
• Pause briefly to highlight one strength and one improvement tip.
• Use non-verbal cues (nodding, smile) to reinforce positives.

Step 3: Skill-Specific Question (2 minutes)

• Ask a role-fit question like, “Why do you want this job?” or “How do you manage tight deadlines?”
• Focus feedback on how well they tied skills to the role and demonstrated enthusiasm.

Step 4: Feedback & Reflection (4 minutes)

1. Self-Assessment: Ask the student:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • “What went well?”
   • “What would you like to improve?”
2. Teacher Feedback: Summarize:
   • Content: Clear examples and quantifiable results.
   • Structure: Effective use of STAR method.
   • Delivery: Eye contact, tone, pacing, body language.
3. Action Steps:
   • Suggest one targeted practice (e.g., stronger opening, varying tone).
   • Encourage recording answers to self-review or practicing with a peer.

Tip: Remind the student that every interview is a learning opportunity. Encourage them to tweak responses, build on feedback, and track progress over time.

Job Matching Game Cards

Use these 12 cards—6 job descriptions and 6 skill sets—to practice matching real roles with the skills they require.

How to Play

1. Print or cut out each card.
2. Shuffle and separate into two piles: Job Description Cards and Skill Set Cards.
3. Lay all cards face up.
4. Match each job to the skill set that best fits.
5. Check your answers in the debrief below.

Job Description Cards

• Card A: Retail Cashier

• Process customer transactions at the register
• Provide friendly service and handle returns
• Maintain accurate cash drawer and receipts

• Card B: Social Media Assistant

• Create and schedule posts on Instagram and TikTok
• Monitor engagement metrics and report insights
• Assist with content planning and community replies

• Card C: Administrative Assistant

• Manage calendars, schedule meetings, and book travel
• Answer emails and greet visitors professionally
• Prepare reports and maintain organized files

• Card D: Warehouse Associate

• Pick, pack, and ship customer orders
• Operate pallet jack or forklift safely
• Track inventory and report stock discrepancies

• Card E: Tutor

• Develop lesson plans tailored to student needs
• Teach math, reading, or science concepts
• Assess progress and adjust instruction accordingly

• Card F: Event Coordinator

• Plan and organize corporate or community events
• Coordinate vendors, venues, and schedules
• Manage budgets and negotiate contracts

Skill Set Cards

• Card 1: Customer Service & POS Operation

• Strong communication and friendly demeanor
• Cash handling, register operation, and accuracy
• Problem-solving for returns or complaints

• Card 2: Social Media Management & Analytics

• Content creation (graphics, captions)
• Scheduling tools (e.g., Hootsuite) and analytics
• Community engagement and brand voice consistency

• Card 3: Organizational & Communication Skills

• Calendar and email management
• Professional correspondence and report creation
• File organization and data entry accuracy

• Card 4: Physical Stamina & Attention to Detail

• Safe operation of warehouse equipment
• Order accuracy, packing quality checks
• Inventory tracking and stock audits

• Card 5: Instruction & Assessment

• Lesson planning and curriculum alignment
• Clear explanations and subject-matter expertise
• Progress monitoring and feedback provision

• Card 6: Planning & Budgeting

• Event timeline creation and task delegation
• Vendor negotiation and contract management
• Budget estimates and expense tracking

Debrief

Match each Job Description Card (A–F) with the best Skill Set Card (1–6):

• A → Card 1
• B → Card 2
• C → Card 3
• D → Card 4
• E → Card 5
• F → Card 6

Discuss why each skill set aligns with the job, and how identifying these connections can strengthen your resume and cover letters.

Job Search Skills Quiz Answer Key

This answer key provides correct responses, explanations, and sample answers for the Job Search Skills Quiz.

Question 1

Prompt: Which of the following is NOT a recommended resume formatting best practice?
A. Keep your resume to one page
B. Use consistent font and font sizes throughout
C. Include detailed job responsibilities exceeding 10 bullet points
D. Start bullet points with action verbs

Correct Answer: C. Include detailed job responsibilities exceeding 10 bullet points

Explanation:

• Best practices emphasize brevity and clarity. More than 10 bullet points on a single job section is overwhelming. Aim for 2–5 concise, impactful bullets per role.

Question 2

Prompt: What does the “R” in the STAR method stand for?
A. Role
B. Result
C. Response
D. Review

Correct Answer: B. Result

Explanation:

• STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result.
• The Result describes the outcome or impact of the actions you took.

Question 3

Prompt: Which platform is LEAST likely to be used for finding job listings?
A. LinkedIn
B. Indeed
C. Monster
D. Instagram

Correct Answer: D. Instagram

Explanation:

• LinkedIn, Indeed, and Monster are common job search sites.
• Instagram is a social media platform, not typically used to post formal job listings.

Question 4

Prompt: List two networking strategies mentioned in the lesson and explain how each can help your job search.

Sample Correct Responses:

1. Reach out to friends, family, and teachers.
   • Explanation: These personal contacts may know of unadvertised openings or can provide referrals, which increase the chance of getting an interview.
2. Attend career fairs or info sessions.
   • Explanation: Meeting employers in person helps you make a positive impression, ask specific questions, and collect contact information for follow-up.
3. Tailor your application materials.
   • Explanation: Customizing your resume and cover letter for each role demonstrates genuine interest and highlights the most relevant skills, making you stand out.

(Any two distinct strategies with clear explanations earn full credit.)

Question 5

Prompt: Write a one-sentence professional summary for a student seeking an entry-level retail position. Include at least two relevant skills.

Scoring Rubric:

• Contains 1 sentence
• Mentions the target role (entry-level retail)
• Includes at least two skills (e.g., communication, customer service, teamwork, organization)
• Written in the first person implied (“seeking” or “seeks”)

Sample Professional Summaries:

• “Motivated high school student with strong communication and customer service skills, seeking an entry-level retail position to deliver exceptional experiences and support store operations.”

• “Enthusiastic student with proven teamwork and problem-solving abilities, seeking an entry-level retail role where I can leverage organizational skills to enhance customer satisfaction.”

(Any clear, concise sentence meeting the rubric criteria earns full credit.)

Teacher Notes:

• For open-response questions, award partial credit if students identify the correct concept but provide incomplete explanations.
• Encourage students to refine their professional summaries using the Effective Resume Tips Handout.
• Review answers aloud to reinforce learning and address misunderstandings immediately.