Outdoor Job Quest Script

Duration: 60 minutes
Audience: Individual student anxious about applying for outdoor, hands-on jobs

1. Introduction & Anxiety Check-In (5 minutes)

“Hi there! I’m so glad you’re here today. Can we quickly make sure we have a calm, distraction-free space? Is the lighting okay? Comfortable temperature? Great.

I know applying for jobs can feel a bit overwhelming, and that’s completely normal. I’m here to support you every step of the way—no judgment, just teamwork.

Let’s start with a one-minute breathing exercise to help us both feel more relaxed. Ready?

1. Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of four… 1…2…3…4.
2. Hold for one second.
3. Exhale gently through your mouth for a count of four… 1…2…3…4.
4. Let’s repeat two more times. (Pause and guide student.)

How do you feel now? (Pause for response.) If you ever need another break, just let me know.

Thanks for that. Now, I’m curious: what outdoor job interests you the most, and why?

(Pause and listen.)

That’s awesome. Thank you for sharing.

Today’s goals:

• Draft your resume bullet points
• Customize a cover letter
• Practice a mock interview
• Play a quick review game

Sound good? Let’s get started!”

2. Overview of the Application Process (10 minutes)

“Please turn to slide 1 in the Outdoor Job Quest Slide Deck.

Slide: ‘Outdoor Job Quest’

• This is our roadmap: we’ll go step by step to help you apply independently for outdoor jobs.
• Remember: small steps add up to big progress!

Slide: ‘Agenda’

• Welcome & Anxiety Check-In
• Application Process Overview
• Resume & Cover Letter Creation
• Reading & Discussion
• Mock Interview Role-Play
• Job Search Game
• Quiz & Next Steps

Any questions about our plan? (Pause.)

Slide: ‘Why Outdoor Jobs?’

• Fresh air and physical activity
• Practical, hands-on work
• You already have skills like teamwork and problem-solving
• Local opportunities in parks, landscaping, maintenance

What part of outdoor work excites you most? (Pause.)

Slide: ‘5 Steps to a Strong Application’

1. Research & Reading
2. Resume Creation
3. Cover Letter Writing
4. Interview Preparation
5. Review & Practice Game

This breakdown makes each task manageable. Let’s dive into Step 1.”

3. Step 1: Research & Reading (10 minutes)

“Here’s Step 1: Research & Reading (Slide).

• We’ll look at job descriptions to find keywords and requirements.
• Then we’ll note any unfamiliar terms and ask questions.

Let’s read a sample posting together in the Job Application Reading.

(Read first paragraph aloud.)

Pause: What key skills did you notice?
(Pause for response.)

Great—‘teamwork,’ ‘equipment maintenance,’ and ‘safety protocols.’

Read next section.

What questions do you have about any terms so far?
(Pause.)

Perfect. Highlighting these helps us later when we write your resume and cover letter.”
 
 

4. Step 2 & 3: Resume & Cover Letter Creation (15 minutes)

“Now onto Step 2: Resume Creation (Slide). We’ll use the Job Application Essentials Worksheet.

Teacher models one bullet:

• ‘Maintained landscaping equipment by performing routine safety checks, reducing downtime by 15%.’

Your turn: List one outdoor skill or experience you’ve had.

Great! Turn that into an action-oriented bullet—start with a strong verb like ‘Operated’, ‘Managed’, or ‘Inspected.’
(Pause and guide.)

Repeat for a second bullet. (Pause.)

Nice work! Remember, keep formatting consistent.

Next, Step 3: Cover Letter Writing (Slide). We’ll customize the template in the same worksheet.

Teacher: ‘Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I’m excited to apply for the Grounds Maintenance position at Sunnyvale Park…’

Your turn: Write a greeting and one sentence explaining why you’re excited about an outdoor role.

Excellent! Now add one sentence matching your skills to the job requirements you highlighted. (Pause and support.)

Wrap up with a call to action like: ‘Thank you for your time, and I look forward to discussing my qualifications further.’”

5. Step 4: Mock Interview Role-Play (10 minutes)

“Let’s practice common interview questions in the Mock Interview Role-Play Activity.

I’ll ask first: ‘Can you tell me about a time you worked on a team outdoors?’

You can use this starter: ‘One time, I…’
(Pause for student answer, then give positive feedback.)

Now switch—your turn to ask me a question from the card.

(Continue for 3–4 questions, providing sentence starters and feedback as needed.)

Nice job! You’re sounding confident and clear.”

6. Step 5: Job Search Game (5 minutes)

“Time for our quick review! Grab cards from the Job Search Game.

I’ll show a term or step—if you get it right, you earn a point. Ready?

(Card 1): ‘What’s the first step in our process?’
(Answer: Research & Reading.)

(Card 2): ‘Give one strong action verb for a resume bullet.’
(Answer: Operated, Maintained, Inspected, etc.)

Celebrate each correct answer—small wins build big confidence!”
 
 

7. Quiz & Take-Home Test Assignment (5 minutes)

“Last step: let’s do the Application Confidence Quiz.

Complete it on your own—no rush. (Pause while student works.)

Now, let’s review your answers together using the Quiz Answer Key.

Great job!

For extra practice, I’m assigning the Job Application Test as take-home.

You can reach out anytime if you have questions. I believe in you—you’ve got this!”
 
 

End of Script

Positive reinforcement throughout, clear step-by-step guidance, and supportive language to manage anxiety and build independence.

Job Application Essentials Worksheet

Part 1: Resume Bullet Points

Step 1: List three outdoor skills or experiences you have:

Step 2: Turn each into an action-oriented bullet point for your resume.

Bullet 1:

Bullet 2:

Bullet 3:

Part 2: Cover Letter Template

Use the template below to draft your cover letter. Fill in each section.

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I am excited to apply for the __________ position at __________ because…

My experience with __________ and __________ demonstrates how I can meet the job requirements by…

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Part 3: Keywords from the Job Description

Return to the Job Application Reading and write three keywords or phrases that match your skills.

Job Application Reading

Sample Job Posting: Grounds Maintenance Crew Member

Location: Sunnyvale Park District, Sunnyvale, CA
Position Type: Full-Time, Seasonal
Posted: June 10, 2024

Job Overview

Are you someone who loves working outdoors and staying active? Our Grounds Maintenance team keeps Sunnyvale Park looking its best for visitors of all ages. As a Crew Member, you will perform routine equipment maintenance (checking and repairing tools), ensure landscaping (plant and garden care) is healthy, and follow proper safety protocols (steps to keep everyone safe). This role requires teamwork, attention to detail, and a positive attitude.

Key Responsibilities

• Mow lawns, trim hedges, and remove weeds using power tools and hand tools.
• Inspect and perform preventive equipment maintenance on mowers, trimmers, and blowers.
• Apply fertilizers and pesticides following established environmental guidelines (rules to protect nature).
• Clean up debris and litter to maintain a safe, welcoming park environment.
• Report any hazards (broken equipment, fallen branches) to the supervisor promptly.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs) and stand for long periods.
• Basic understanding of safety procedures, including wearing protective gear (gloves, goggles).
• Good communication skills to coordinate tasks with team members.
• Previous experience in gardening, landscaping, or groundskeeping is a plus but not required.

Why Join Us?

Working with the Sunnyvale Park District offers:

• Competitive pay and paid training on equipment use.
• A chance to improve your community’s outdoor spaces.
• Opportunities for seasonal advancement and skill-building workshops.
• A supportive team environment where your contributions matter.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter explaining why you enjoy outdoor work to jobs@sunnyvaleparks.org. In your cover letter, highlight one skill or experience that shows you can succeed in this role (for example, teamwork, problem-solving, or equipment care). We look forward to reviewing your application!

Key Terms to Notice
• Equipment maintenance
• Landscaping
• Safety protocols
• Environmental guidelines
• Preventive maintenance

Read the posting carefully, and think about how your own experiences match these responsibilities and qualifications.

Mock Interview Role-Play Activity

Purpose

Help the student practice answering common outdoor job interview questions to build confidence and fluency.

Materials

• Question cards (printed or on-screen)
• Sentence starter cards (optional)

Setup (1 minute)

1. Arrange question cards face down in a pile.
2. Place sentence starter cards nearby for support.
3. Explain roles: one person is the interviewer, the other the candidate.

Instructions (10 minutes)

1. Round 1: Teacher asks; student answers.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Teacher draws the top question card and reads it aloud.
   • Student uses a sentence starter if needed, then answers.
   • Teacher offers positive feedback and one suggestion for improvement.
2. Round 2: Roles switch; student asks, teacher answers briefly.
   • Student draws a question card; teacher models a concise answer.
3. Continue for 3–4 rounds total, alternating roles each question.
4. Celebrate progress and note any areas for follow-up.

Question Cards Examples

1. “Can you tell me about a time you worked on a team outdoors?”
2. “Why are you interested in working outside for long periods?”
3. “Describe how you safely operate or maintain outdoor equipment.”
4. “How do you handle unexpected challenges on the job (e.g., bad weather)?”
5. “What skills do you bring that match this position’s requirements?”
6. “How would you respond if you noticed a safety hazard?”

Sentence Starters

• “One time, I…”
• “I always make sure to…”
• “My experience with… shows that I can…”

Tip: Encourage the student to speak slowly, make eye contact, and pause if they need a moment to think. Positive reinforcement at each step builds confidence!

Job Search Game

Purpose

A fast-paced card game to review key vocabulary, application steps, and boost confidence through small wins.

Materials

• Job Search Game cards (printed or on-screen)
• Timer (optional)
• Points tokens or a tally sheet

Setup (1 minute)

1. Shuffle the game cards and place them face down in a pile.
2. Decide who will draw first.
3. Have points tokens or a tally sheet ready for scoring.

Instructions (5 minutes)

1. Player 1 draws the top card, reads the question aloud, and has 20 seconds to answer.
2. If the answer is correct, Player 1 earns 1 point.
3. If incorrect, Player 2 has one chance to “steal” for 1 point.
4. Alternate turns until the timer ends or cards are gone.
5. Tally points—celebrate the winner! Encourage rematches so the student can win multiple times for confidence building.

Sample Game Cards

1. Q: What’s the first step in our application process?
   A: Research & Reading.
2. Q: Name one strong action verb for a resume bullet.
   A: Operated (also: Maintained, Inspected, Managed, etc.)
3. Q: What should you highlight in your cover letter?
   A: How your skills match the job requirements.
4. Q: Give one safety protocol mentioned in the reading.
   A: Wear protective gear (gloves, goggles).
5. Q: Why do we practice mock interviews?
   A: To build confidence and fluency answering questions.
6. Q: Which worksheet guides your resume and cover letter drafting?
   A: Job Application Essentials Worksheet.
7. Q: After completing the Application Confidence Quiz, what’s next?
   A: Review with the Quiz Answer Key.
8. Q: How long is the breathing exercise in the anxiety check-in?
   A: One minute (three cycles of 4-count breaths).

Tip: Offer positive reinforcement after each correct answer and allow the student to win rounds to foster motivation!

Quiz Answer Key

Question 1 (Likert Scale)

There is no single correct answer. Use this question for self-reflection and to gauge confidence.

Question 2 (Multiple Choice)

Prompt: What is the first step in the job application process we practiced today?

• Correct Answer: Research & Reading
• Rationale: We began by reading job postings and identifying key terms before drafting any documents.

Question 3 (Multiple Choice)

Prompt: Which of the following is a strong action verb you could use in your resume?

• Correct Answer: Maintained
• Acceptable Alternatives: Operated, Inspected, Managed, Coordinated, Performed
• Rationale: Strong action verbs are concise and specific about your contributions.

Question 4 (Open Response)

Prompt: List two keywords or phrases from the job description that match your own skills. How might you use these in your resume or cover letter?

Rubric:

• Keywords/Phrases: Should choose any two from the posting, for example:
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Landscaping
  • Safety protocols
  • Environmental guidelines
  • Preventive maintenance
• Response Quality: Student should demonstrate how they will weave those terms into their documents.
  • Example: “I performed routine equipment maintenance on mowers and trimmers, ensuring they met all safety protocols before each use.”

Question 5 (Open Response)

Prompt: Write the greeting and first sentence of a cover letter applying for an outdoor maintenance position. Be sure to address the hiring manager by name (if known) and state why you’re excited about the role.

Rubric:

• Greeting: “Dear [Hiring Manager Name],” or “Dear Hiring Committee,” if unknown
• First Sentence: Must express genuine interest and tie to the outdoor role.
• Example Model Response:
  “Dear Ms. Johnson,
  I am excited to apply for the Grounds Maintenance position at Sunnyvale Park District because I love working outdoors and take pride in creating safe, beautiful green spaces for my community.”

Scoring Notes: Look for a personalized greeting, a clear statement of excitement, and connection of the student’s interests to the position.

Interactive Discussion

Purpose: Engage with the Job Application Reading through guided questions that build comprehension, vocabulary, and personal connection.

Guidelines:

• Create a calm space—pauses are okay.
• Encourage open-ended answers.
• Offer positive feedback and prompts if needed.

Discussion Prompts

1. Job Overview

Prompt: “What does a Grounds Maintenance Crew Member do according to this posting?”
Follow-Up:

• “Which task appeals to you most, and why?”
• “How have you done something similar before?”
  
  
  

2. Key Responsibilities

Prompt: “What skills and tools are mentioned in the bullet list?”
Follow-Up:

• “Can you recall a time you used a tool like a mower or trimming shears?”
• “Why are ‘environmental guidelines’ important for this role?”
  
  
  

3. Qualifications

Prompt: “Which qualification do you already meet?”
Follow-Up:

• “How would you explain ‘safety protocols’ in your own words?”
• “What protective gear have you used or seen?”
  
  
  

4. How to Apply

Prompt: “What two documents are required to submit your application?”
Follow-Up:

• “Why should you highlight one specific skill in your cover letter?”
• “How could you address the hiring manager by name if you don’t know it?”
  
  
  

Reflection

• Ask the student to name two keywords or phrases from the reading that match their experience.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Have them explain how they would use those terms in their resume or cover letter.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Close with: “What’s one new concept you learned today?”