Teacher Script: Your Dream Job: Get It, Keep It!

Warm Up: Job Search Kickstart (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Let's start with a quick thought. Imagine you've just landed your dream job. What kind of job is it? What does it feel like to have it? Or, if you're looking for a job, what's one thing you hope to gain from finding the right employment? Take a few minutes to think about it, and if you feel comfortable, you can share with a partner or the class."

Teacher: "Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It's great to hear what you're thinking and hoping for. Today, we're going to talk all about getting that dream job and, just as importantly, keeping it!"

Introduction: Welcome to Your Dream Job! (5 minutes)

(Display Your Dream Job: Get It, Keep It! Slide Deck - Slide 1)

Teacher: "Welcome to 'Your Dream Job: Get It, Keep It!' This lesson is all about empowering you to find and succeed in a job that makes you happy and independent. We'll cover everything from searching for jobs to acing interviews and thriving in your workplace."

(Display Your Dream Job: Get It, Keep It! Slide Deck - Slide 2)

Teacher: "Our mission today is to help you:

1. Understand the basics of job searching.
2. Learn how to create strong application materials like a resume and cover letter.
3. Practice effective interview skills.
4. Discover strategies for keeping a job and growing professionally.

Why is this important? Because having a job you love is not just about earning money; it's about building confidence, making new friends, and contributing your unique talents to the world. We're going to give you the tools to make that happen."

Understanding the Job Market (20 minutes)

(Display Your Dream Job: Get It, Keep It! Slide Deck - Slide 3)

Teacher: "So, where do jobs actually come from? It might seem like a mystery sometimes, but there are many places to look! We're talking about online job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn, company websites, job fairs, and even just talking to people you know – that's called networking! We also have local services specifically for people with disabilities that can help."

(Distribute Navigating the Job Market Reading)

Teacher: "I'm handing out a reading called 'Navigating the Job Market.' Take about 5-7 minutes to read through it. Pay attention to the different places where you can look for jobs and any tips for getting started."

Teacher: "Now that you've read through it, what are some new places you learned about where you can search for a job? What stood out to you?"

(Display Your Dream Job: Get It, Keep It! Slide Deck - Slide 4)

Teacher: "Before we even start applying, it's super important to think about what kind of job is right for you. What do you enjoy? What are you good at? What are your unique strengths? And it's perfectly okay to think about what accommodations or support you might need to do your best work. This helps us find jobs where you can truly shine."

(Display Your Dream Job: Get It, Keep It! Slide Deck - Slide 5)

Teacher: "When you see a job posting, it's like a secret code you need to decode. It tells you exactly what the job involves, what skills they're looking for, and if there are any special requirements. Taking time to understand this means you won't waste time applying for jobs that aren't a good fit, and you can tailor your application to stand out."

Activity: Job Seeker's Toolkit (25 minutes)

(Display Your Dream Job: Get It, Keep It! Slide Deck - Slide 6)

Teacher: "Every good craftsman has a toolkit, and every good job seeker needs one too! We're going to work on building your 'Job Seeker's Toolkit.' I'm handing out the Job Seeker's Toolkit Worksheet. We'll focus on the first three sections: creating a resume, writing a cover letter, and understanding references. Work individually or with a partner. I'll be walking around to help and answer questions."

(Circulate and provide support as students work on the Job Seeker's Toolkit Worksheet. After about 15-20 minutes, bring the class back together for a brief share-out.)

Teacher: "Great work, everyone! What was one thing you learned or solidified about resumes, cover letters, or references while working on your toolkit?"

Role-Play: Mastering the Interview (30 minutes)

(Display Your Dream Job: Get It, Keep It! Slide Deck - Slide 7)

Teacher: "Now for the interview! This is your chance to really show who you are. First impressions truly count. Remember to research the company, dress appropriately, be on time, and use confident body language. And most importantly, practice!"

(Display Your Dream Job: Get It, Keep It! Slide Deck - Slide 8)

Teacher: "Here are some common questions you might hear. Does anyone want to share how they might answer one of these?"

(Display Your Dream Job: Get It, Keep It! Slide Deck - Slide 9)

Teacher: "Now, let's put it into practice! We're going to do some role-playing. I have a Job Interview Role-Play Script that we can use. I need some volunteers to be interviewers and applicants. After a few role-plays, we'll then play a fun game called 'Interview Ace Game' to see how well you can answer unexpected questions and show off your interview readiness!"

(Facilitate role-plays using the script, providing gentle feedback. Then, transition to the Interview Ace Game.)

Discussion: Keeping Your Job (20 minutes)

(Display Your Dream Job: Get It, Keep It! Slide Deck - Slide 10)

Teacher: "Fantastic job with the interviews! Now, let's say you've got the job. Congratulations! But getting the job is only half the journey. Keeping it and excelling in it is just as important. What do you think are some important things to do once you start a new job?"

(Refer to the Job Retention Discussion Guide for prompts.)

Teacher: "We'll use our Job Retention Discussion Guide to explore this further. Let's talk about things like being reliable, having a good work ethic, communicating clearly, and maintaining a positive attitude. These are all superpowers for job success."

(Display Your Dream Job: Get It, Keep It! Slide Deck - Slide 11)

Teacher: "Remember, it's okay to ask questions, solve problems when you can, work well with your team, and be open to feedback. These strategies will help you not just keep your job, but truly thrive and grow in your career."

Assessment & Wrap-Up (10 minutes)

(Display Your Dream Job: Get It, Keep It! Slide Deck - Slide 12)

Teacher: "You've covered a lot today! To see how much you've learned, we're going to do a quick Job Preparedness Quiz. Don't worry, it's not meant to be tricky, just to help you remember the key points."

(Administer the Job Preparedness Quiz. Briefly review answers using the Job Preparedness Answer Key as needed, or allow students to self-correct.)

Teacher: "Before we finish, let's do one last quick activity. I'm handing out the My Next Step Cool Down. Just write down one thing you learned today that you will try to remember or put into practice as you think about your job journey. One actionable step you can take after this lesson."

Teacher: "Excellent work today, everyone! You have the tools, the knowledge, and the potential to achieve your career goals. Believe in yourselves!"

Homework/Further Practice (Optional)

Teacher: "As an optional activity for further practice, I encourage you to take the Job Readiness Test at home. You can also try updating your resume with the skills we discussed, or practice some interview questions with a family member or friend. The more you practice, the more confident you'll become!"

Job Seeker's Toolkit: Building Your Foundation

This worksheet will help you start building the essential tools you need for a successful job search.

Section 1: Your Resume - Your Work Story

A resume is a document that highlights your skills, experience, and education. It tells a potential employer why you'd be a great fit for their team.

1. Personal Information:

• Your Name:
  
  
  
• Phone Number:
  
  
  
• Email Address:
  
  
  

2. Top 3 Skills: What are you good at? Think about things you do well at home, school, or in past jobs/volunteer roles. (Examples: communicating, organizing, problem-solving, using computers, teamwork, being on time)

• Skill 1:
  
  
  
• Skill 2:
  
  
  
• Skill 3:
  
  
  

3. Experience/Education (List 1-2 examples): Think about any past jobs, volunteer work, school projects, or training programs. What did you do?

• Example 1:
  • Your Role/Title (e.g., Volunteer at Animal Shelter, Student in Woodworking Class):
    
    
    
  • What you did (e.g., cared for animals, built a birdhouse):
    
    
    
• Example 2 (Optional):
  • Your Role/Title:
    
    
    
  • What you did:
    
    
    

Section 2: Your Cover Letter - Why You're a Great Fit

A cover letter is a short letter you send with your resume. It explains why you are interested in this specific job and highlights how your skills match what they are looking for.

1. What is one job you are interested in applying for? (Even if it's just a made-up or dream job)

2. What is one reason you are interested in that specific job? (Try to connect it to your skills or interests)

3. What is one skill you have that would make you good at that job?

Section 3: References - People Who Know Your Strengths

References are people who can tell an employer about your work ethic, skills, and character. They should not be family members.

1. Who is one person you could ask to be a reference? (Think of a former teacher, coach, mentor, supervisor, or someone you volunteered for)

2. Why would this person be a good reference for you? What positive things might they say?

Navigating the Job Market: Your First Steps to Finding Work

Finding a job can seem like a big adventure, but with the right map, you can find your way! This reading will help you understand where to look for jobs and how to start your journey.

Where Can I Find Job Openings?

There are many places where companies announce they are hiring. Think of them like a giant digital newspaper for jobs!

1. Online Job Boards

These are websites where thousands of job openings are listed every day.

• Indeed.com: A very popular website with many different types of jobs.
• LinkedIn.com: Great for professional jobs and networking, but also has many entry-level positions.
• Monster.com: Another large job search site.
• Disability-Specific Job Boards: Websites like GettingHired.com or abilityJOBS.com focus specifically on connecting job seekers with disabilities to employers.

2. Company Websites

Many companies list their job openings directly on their own websites. If you know a company you'd like to work for, always check their "Careers" or "Jobs" section.

3. Networking (Tell Everyone!)

This means telling people you know—friends, family, past teachers, mentors—that you are looking for a job. They might know someone who is hiring, or they might hear about an opening before it's advertised publicly. Many jobs are found through connections!

4. Job Fairs and Community Events

Job fairs are events where many different companies gather to meet potential employees. You can talk to recruiters directly, learn about different companies, and sometimes even have a mini-interview on the spot! Community centers and disability support organizations also often host job readiness events.

5. Local Employment Agencies or Disability Services

There are agencies specifically designed to help people find jobs. Some even specialize in helping individuals with disabilities connect with supportive employers. They can help with resumes, interview practice, and finding job openings that fit your needs.

Getting Started with Your Search

1. Know Yourself: What are your strengths? What do you enjoy doing? What kind of work environment makes you feel comfortable and productive? Think about what you can do and what kind of support you might need.
2. Make a List: Write down a few types of jobs or companies you are interested in. This will help you focus your search.
3. Create a Simple Resume: Even if you don't have a lot of formal work experience, you can create a resume that highlights your skills, volunteer work, school projects, or any other experiences that show you are a capable and reliable person.
4. Practice: Practice talking about yourself and why you want to work. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when you speak to potential employers.

Remember, finding a job takes time and effort, but every step you take brings you closer to your goal. Don't get discouraged, and keep trying!

Job Retention Discussion Guide: Thriving in Your Role

Congratulations! You've landed a job. Now, let's talk about how to keep it and truly shine in your new role. This discussion guide will help us explore key strategies for long-term success in the workplace.

Section 1: Being a Great Employee

1. Reliability & Punctuality:

   • Why is it important to show up on time for work every day?
     
     
     
   • What should you do if you know you're going to be late or need to miss a day?
     
     
     
   • How does being reliable impact your coworkers and the company?
     
     
     

2. Work Ethic & Effort:

   • What does it mean to have a good work ethic?
     
     
     
   • How can you show your employer that you are willing to learn and work hard?
     
     
     
   • Why is it important to try your best, even on tasks you might not enjoy?
     
     
     

Section 2: Communication and Teamwork

1. Clear Communication:

   • Why is it important to communicate clearly with your boss and coworkers?
     
     
     
   • What are some good ways to ask questions if you don't understand a task?
     
     
     
   • How can you give and receive feedback respectfully?
     
     
     

2. Working with Others:

   • Why is teamwork important in most jobs?
     
     
     
   • How can you be a good team member?
     
     
     
   • What should you do if you have a disagreement with a coworker?
     
     
     

Section 3: Problem-Solving and Adaptability

1. Facing Challenges:

   • What should you do if you encounter a problem at work that you don't know how to solve?
     
     
     
   • When is it okay to ask for help, and when should you try to figure things out on your own?
     
     
     
   • How can being flexible and open to new ways of doing things help you keep your job?
     
     
     

2. Professional Growth:

   • Why is it important to continue learning new skills, even after you have a job?
     
     
     
   • What are some ways you can show initiative and take on new responsibilities?
     
     
     
   • How does a positive attitude contribute to your success and job satisfaction?
     
     
     

Interview Ace Game!

Objective: To practice thinking on your feet and answering unexpected interview questions confidently.

How to Play:

1. Teams: Divide the class into two or three teams.
2. Question Cards: Prepare a set of cards (or simply call out) various interview questions, including common ones and some trickier behavioral questions.
3. The Ace: One student from the chosen team will be the 'Interview Ace' for that round.
4. The Challenge: The teacher (or another student) draws a question card and reads it aloud.
5. The Answer: The 'Interview Ace' has 30-60 seconds (teacher's discretion) to provide their best answer to the question.
6. Team Feedback: After the Ace answers, their team can quickly offer one suggestion for improvement or praise one excellent part of the answer.
7. Scoring: The teacher awards points based on the quality of the answer and the team's feedback (e.g., 2 points for a great answer, 1 point for good feedback).
8. New Ace: A new student from the next team becomes the 'Interview Ace'.
9. Winning: The team with the most points at the end of the game wins!

Example Question Cards:

• "Tell me about yourself."
  
  
  
• "Why do you want to work for our company?"
  
  
  
• "What are your biggest strengths?"
  
  
  
• "What is your greatest weakness, and what are you doing to improve it?"
  
  
  
• "Where do you see yourself in five years?"
  
  
  
• "Describe a time you had to work with someone difficult. How did you handle it?"
  
  
  
• "How do you handle stress or pressure?"
  
  
  
• "Why did you leave your last job/volunteer position?"
  
  
  
• "What are your salary expectations?"
  
  
  
• "Do you have any questions for me?"
  
  
  
• "Describe a time you failed and what you learned from it."
  
  
  
• "How do you stay organized?"
  
  
  
• "What motivates you?"
  
  
  
• "What do you know about our company?"
  
  
  
• "How would your past supervisor describe you?"
  
  
  

Teacher Tips:

• Encourage positive and constructive feedback from teams.
• Remind students that there isn't always one "right" answer, but rather effective and confident ways to communicate.
• Adjust the difficulty of questions to match the students' comfort level.
• Emphasize active listening and clear articulation.

Job Preparedness Answer Key

This answer key provides the correct responses and reasoning for the Job Preparedness Quiz and the Job Readiness Test.

Job Preparedness Quiz Answer Key

1. Which of the following is NOT a good place to look for job openings?

• Correct Answer: Your best friend's diary
• Reasoning: Online job boards, company websites, and job fairs are all common and effective places to find legitimate job openings. A personal diary is not a public forum for job postings.

2. What is the main purpose of a resume?

• Correct Answer: To highlight your skills, experience, and education to employers
• Reasoning: A resume is a professional document designed to quickly show a potential employer why you are qualified for a job by summarizing your relevant background.

3. Name two important things you should do to prepare for a job interview.

• Possible Answers: Research the company, practice answering common questions, choose appropriate attire, plan your travel to be on time, prepare questions to ask the interviewer.
• Reasoning: Preparation helps you feel more confident and allows you to make a strong, positive impression, showing the interviewer you are serious about the opportunity.

4. Which of these is most important for keeping a job?

• Correct Answer: Being reliable and communicating well
• Reasoning: While all options relate to job performance, reliability (showing up on time, completing tasks) and effective communication are fundamental to maintaining a positive working relationship and meeting employer expectations.

5. Why is it important to research a company before an interview?

• Possible Answers: To show the interviewer you are genuinely interested in their company, to understand the company culture and values, to prepare relevant questions, to tailor your answers to their specific needs.
• Reasoning: Researching demonstrates initiative and genuine interest, allowing you to ask intelligent questions and provide answers that align with the company's mission and needs, making you a more attractive candidate.

Job Readiness Test Answer Key

1. Which of these is the LEAST effective way to find job openings?

• Correct Answer: Waiting for a job to find you
• Reasoning: An active job search involves proactively looking for opportunities through various channels. Passively waiting is generally ineffective for securing employment.

2. List three essential components of a strong job application package (besides the job application itself).

• Possible Answers: Resume, Cover Letter, References.
• Reasoning: These three documents work together to present a comprehensive and compelling case for your candidacy, showcasing your qualifications and interest.

3. What should you do immediately before a job interview?

• Correct Answer: Research the company
• Reasoning: While getting enough sleep is important, researching the company immediately before an interview (or refreshing your memory) allows you to tailor your answers and questions, demonstrating genuine interest and preparedness. Arriving late or dressing casually are negative actions.

4. Describe a time you demonstrated teamwork or helped someone at school/work. What was the situation, what did you do, and what was the outcome?

• Expected Response: Students should provide a specific example (Situation, Task, Action, Result - STAR method) where they collaborated with others or offered assistance. The answer should highlight their positive contribution to a shared goal.
• Reasoning: This question assesses a candidate's interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment, which is crucial in most workplaces.

5. If you are unsure about a task at your new job, what is the best first step?

• Correct Answer: Ask your supervisor for clarification
• Reasoning: While asking a coworker can be an option, your supervisor is the primary source for instructions and expectations. Guessing or ignoring a task can lead to errors and demonstrate a lack of initiative or understanding.

6. Why is it important to have a positive attitude and be open to feedback in the workplace?

• Possible Answers: A positive attitude creates a better work environment, makes you more pleasant to work with, helps you overcome challenges, shows you are a good team player. Being open to feedback helps you learn and improve, grow professionally, and avoid repeating mistakes.
• Reasoning: A positive attitude contributes to a healthy work culture and personal resilience, while openness to feedback is essential for continuous learning and professional development, leading to better performance and job satisfaction.

7. Which of the following is a key strategy for retaining a job?

• Correct Answer: Being reliable and punctual
• Reasoning: Reliability and punctuality are fundamental expectations in any job. Consistently showing up on time and being dependable builds trust and demonstrates commitment, which are crucial for job retention. The other options describe behaviors that could jeopardize employment.

8. Imagine you have an interview next week. What is one specific thing you will do to prepare, based on what you learned today?

• Expected Response: Students should state a concrete, actionable step they will take, such as:

Job Search Kickstart Warm Up!

Instructions: Take a few moments to think about the following questions. You can jot down your thoughts, or just think quietly to yourself. Be ready to share one idea if you feel comfortable.

1. If you could have any job, what would it be? What makes that job appealing to you?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What is one thing you hope to learn today about finding or keeping a job?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What is one skill you have that you think would be valuable in a job?
   
   
   
   
   
   

My Next Step: Taking Action!

Instructions: Think about everything we discussed today about finding and keeping a job. In the space below, write down one specific, actionable step you can take in the next few days or week to move closer to your job goals. It can be big or small!

My Next Step:

Bonus (Optional): What is one positive word that describes how you feel about your job search journey after this lesson?

Job Interview Role-Play Script

Objective: To practice common interview scenarios and develop confident responses.

Roles:

• Interviewer: Asks questions, takes notes.
• Applicant: Answers questions, demonstrates professional behavior.

Instructions:

1. Pair up or form small groups.
2. Decide who will be the Interviewer and who will be the Applicant first.
3. Read through the script. Interviewers should ask the questions, and Applicants should try their best to answer as if it were a real interview.
4. After each role-play, switch roles or discuss feedback within your group.

Scenario 1: Entry-Level Retail Associate

Interviewer: "Thank you for coming in today. Let's start with a few questions."

Interviewer: "Tell me a little bit about yourself and why you are interested in this Retail Associate position?"

Interviewer: "What experience do you have that makes you a good fit for this job?"

Interviewer: "This job requires working with customers. Can you describe a time you helped someone or provided good service?"

Interviewer: "Do you have any questions for me about the store or the role?"

Interviewer: "Thank you for your time. We will be in touch."

Scenario 2: Office Assistant

Interviewer: "Welcome! We're looking for an enthusiastic Office Assistant. Let's get started."

Interviewer: "Why are you interested in becoming an Office Assistant with our company?"

Interviewer: "What are your strengths when it comes to organizing tasks or keeping track of details?"

Interviewer: "Sometimes things can get busy in an office. How do you handle stressful situations or multiple tasks at once?"

Interviewer: "Do you have any questions for me?"

Interviewer: "Thank you for your application. We'll be in contact soon."

Scenario 3: Maintenance Helper

Interviewer: "Thanks for coming in. We're hiring for a Maintenance Helper position. Tell me about yourself."

Interviewer: "What kind of tasks or projects do you enjoy working on with your hands, or fixing things?"

Interviewer: "This job requires being on time and following safety rules. Why are these important to you?"

Interviewer: "Do you have any questions for me about the role or our team?"

Interviewer: "Great, thank you for your time. We will review your application and be in touch."