Your Job Journey Script

Introduction & Warm-Up (15 minutes)

(Teacher): "Good morning, everyone! Welcome. Today, we're going to talk about something really important: your journey to a great job! We'll explore how to find a job, how to keep it, and even how to grow in your career. It's an exciting topic, and I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences."

"To get us started, I have a quick activity for you. I'm handing out a Warm Up: Job Readiness Checklist. Please take a few minutes to look it over and check off the things that apply to you or that you feel confident about. Don't worry, there are no right or wrong answers, it's just to get us thinking."

(Distribute Warm Up: Job Readiness Checklist. Allow 5-7 minutes for students to complete it.)

(Teacher): "Alright, who would like to share one thing from their checklist that they feel good about, or one area they're curious to learn more about?" (Facilitate a brief discussion, encouraging a few students to share.)

Finding a Job: The Basics (30 minutes)

(Teacher): "Great! Now, let's dive into the first part of our journey: finding a job. This can sometimes feel like a big puzzle, but we're going to break it down. Take a look at our first slide."

(Display Your Job Journey Slide Deck - Slide 1: "Welcome to Your Job Journey!")

(Teacher): "As you can see, we're all on a job journey. And a big part of that journey is being ready. What do you think 'job readiness' means?"

(Listen to student responses, then advance to Slide 2: "What is Job Readiness?")

(Teacher): "Exactly! Job readiness means being prepared, having the right skills, and knowing what employers are looking for. It's about showing up ready to learn and work."

"So, where do you even begin to look for a job? It's not always about walking into a store and asking. There are many ways to find job openings. Look at our next slide."

(Display Your Job Journey Slide Deck - Slide 3: "Finding a Job: Where to Look")

(Teacher): "We have online job boards, company websites, networking—which just means telling people you know that you're looking for a job—and even job fairs. Has anyone ever used any of these methods? What was your experience like?" (Facilitate a short discussion.)

"Once you find a job you like, you usually need to apply. And a really important part of applying is your resume. Think of your resume as your story."

(Display Your Job Journey Slide Deck - Slide 4: "Your Resume: Your Story")

(Teacher): "Your resume tells an employer about your skills and experiences. It's a quick way for them to learn about what you can do. We want to make it clear and easy to read so they can see all your great qualities."

"After applying, if an employer is interested, they'll often ask you for an interview. This is your chance to shine!"

(Display Your Job Journey Slide Deck - Slide 5: "Rocking the Interview!")

(Teacher): "Interviews can feel a little nerve-wracking, but with a little practice, you can rock them! It's important to be on time, dress neatly, and practice what you might say. Making eye contact, smiling, and even asking the employer questions about the job shows you're engaged and interested. We want to show them the best 'you'."

Maintaining a Job: Key Skills (30 minutes)

(Teacher): "Fantastic! So you've found a job and aced the interview. Congratulations! But the journey doesn't stop there. Now, how do you keep that job and be a great employee? Let's look at what comes next."

(Display Your Job Journey Slide Deck - Slide 6: "Keeping Your Job: Knowing What to Do")

(Teacher): "The first step is to really understand what your job duties are. What are you expected to do each day? If you're ever unsure, what should you do?"

(Allow for responses. Guide them to say, "Ask questions.")

(Teacher): "Exactly! Always ask questions if you're unsure. And one of the most basic, but most important, things is to show up on time, every day. It shows you're reliable."

"Next up, communication! This is a huge part of any job."

(Display Your Job Journey Slide Deck - Slide 7: "Communication is Key!")

(Teacher): "Good communication means listening carefully to instructions, speaking clearly, and always being respectful. If you have a problem or something isn't right, who should you talk to?"

(Guide students to say, "Your supervisor" or "Boss.")

(Teacher): "Right! Your supervisor is there to help. And working with others is also a big part of many jobs."

(Display Your Job Journey Slide Deck - Slide 8: "Working Together")

(Teacher): "Being a team player means offering help when you can and being respectful of everyone you work with. Everyone contributes, and everyone deserves respect."

"Sometimes, problems come up at work. It's normal. The key is knowing how to handle them."

(Display Your Job Journey Slide Deck - Slide 9: "Solving Problems at Work")

(Teacher): "Don't be afraid to ask for help! Talk to your supervisor about issues, and try to stay calm. The goal is to find solutions together. Now, I have a reading for you that covers some of these important workplace skills. Please take a few minutes to read the Reading: Navigating the Workplace."

(Distribute Reading: Navigating the Workplace. Allow 10-15 minutes for reading.)

(Teacher): "What stood out to you in the reading? What's one tip you think is most important for being a great employee?" (Facilitate a brief discussion.)

"Let's recap what makes a great employee."

(Display Your Job Journey Slide Deck - Slide 10: "Being a Great Employee")

(Teacher): "Punctuality, a positive attitude, following rules, and being reliable – these are all superpowers in the workplace!"

Advancing in Your Career (20 minutes)

(Teacher): "Now for the exciting part: advancing in your career! This means growing, learning more, and sometimes even getting a promotion or a better job. It starts with setting goals."

(Display Your Job Journey Slide Deck - Slide 11: "Advancing Your Career: Setting Goals")

(Teacher): "What are some things you might want to achieve in a job or career?" (Allow responses.)

(Teacher): "Setting small, achievable goals is a great way to start. It could be learning a new task, or taking on a little more responsibility. And how do we learn and grow?"

(Display Your Job Journey Slide Deck - Slide 12: "Learning and Growing")

(Teacher): "We can seek out training, ask to learn new tasks from co-workers, or even take classes if that's an option. Learning new skills makes you even more valuable. And finally, taking initiative."

(Display Your Job Journey Slide Deck - Slide 13: "Taking Initiative")

(Teacher): "This means showing you are eager to learn, looking for ways to improve things, and sometimes asking for more responsibility. It shows your boss that you are dedicated and ready for more."

"To help you think about your future, I have a Worksheet: My Career Action Plan. We'll start filling it out now, thinking about what you want to achieve."

(Distribute Worksheet: My Career Action Plan. Allow 5-7 minutes for students to begin.)

Interactive Discussion & Scenarios (20 minutes)

(Teacher): "Alright, let's put some of these ideas into practice! I have some workplace scenarios for us to discuss as a group. This is a chance to think about how you would handle different situations. I'll be using our Discussion Guide: Workplace Scenarios to lead us."

(Lead the discussion using the prompts and scenarios from the Discussion Guide: Workplace Scenarios. Encourage active participation and problem-solving.)

Assessment & Wrap-Up (25 minutes)

(Teacher): "You all have had some excellent insights today! To see what we've learned, we're going to do a quick quiz. I'm handing out the Quiz: Employment Essentials. Take your time to answer the questions."

(Distribute Quiz: Employment Essentials. Allow 10 minutes for completion.)

(Teacher): "Let's quickly go over the answers to the quiz. Feel free to ask questions if something is unclear." (Review answers.)

"For a more in-depth look at what you've learned, I also have a Test: Comprehensive Employment Skills that you can start now or take home to complete. This will help you see how much you've grown today."

*(Distribute Test: Comprehensive Employment Skills.)

(Teacher): "Finally, to wrap up our job journey today, let's do our Cool Down: One Step Forward. Think about one thing you learned today that you will try to do or remember. Write it down, or just think about it."

(Allow 5 minutes for the cool down.)

(Teacher): "Thank you all for your participation today! Remember, your job journey is a continuous one, and every step forward is progress. Keep learning, keep growing, and you will achieve great things!"

Warm Up: Job Readiness Checklist

Instructions: Read each statement below. Check the box next to the statements that you feel confident about or that apply to you. Don't worry if some don't apply, this is just to see where we're at!

My Skills & Strengths

• I know what kind of jobs I am interested in.
• I know what I am good at (my skills).
• I have some work experience (even if it was volunteering or helping family).
• I am willing to learn new things.

Finding a Job

• I know how to look for job openings online.
• I know how to ask friends or family if they know about jobs.
• I have an idea of how to write a resume.
• I know how to prepare for a job interview.

Working on the Job

• I know it's important to be on time for work.
• I can follow instructions from a boss or supervisor.
• I can work well with other people.
• I know how to talk respectfully to co-workers and bosses.
• I understand that I need to do my best work.

Growing in My Job

• I want to learn more skills in a job.
• I would like to advance or get a better job in the future.
• I am open to feedback and suggestions to improve.

Reflect: What is one thing you checked that you feel really good about? What is one thing you are curious to learn more about today?

Reading: Navigating the Workplace

Working a job is more than just doing your tasks. It's also about how you act and interact with others. Being a good employee means understanding how to navigate the workplace successfully. Here are some key tips:

Be Punctual and Reliable

One of the most important things you can do is show up on time, every single day you are scheduled to work. If you are going to be late or absent, it is crucial to let your supervisor know as soon as possible. Being reliable means your boss and co-workers can count on you. This builds trust and shows you are serious about your job.

Follow Instructions and Rules

Every job has tasks that need to be done in a certain way, and rules to keep everyone safe and productive. Listen carefully when your supervisor gives instructions. If you don't understand something, don't be afraid to ask for clarification. It's better to ask than to make a mistake. Also, make sure you know and follow all company rules.

Communicate Clearly and Respectfully

Good communication is vital. This means speaking clearly when you talk and listening carefully when others speak to you. Always be respectful, even if you disagree with someone. If there's a problem, talk to your supervisor calmly and clearly. Avoid gossip or talking negatively about co-workers; it can create a bad atmosphere at work.

Work Well with Others

Many jobs involve working as part of a team. This means being helpful, sharing tasks when appropriate, and supporting your co-workers. Be polite, cooperative, and willing to contribute to the team's success. A positive team environment makes work more enjoyable for everyone.

Be Open to Feedback and Learning

Your supervisor might give you feedback on your performance. This is not meant to criticize you, but to help you grow and improve. Listen to feedback with an open mind and try to use it to get better at your job. Also, always be willing to learn new skills or take on new tasks. This shows initiative and helps you grow in your career.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

Your attitude can affect everyone around you. Try to come to work with a positive and willing attitude. Even when things are challenging, a positive outlook can help you and your team stay motivated. Employers appreciate employees who bring a good spirit to the workplace.

Worksheet: My Career Action Plan

Instructions: Use this worksheet to think about your job goals and how you can achieve them. Be honest with yourself and think big!

Part 1: My Current Job & Skills

1. What is one job you have now, or have had in the past? (Even if it was helping out at home or volunteering.)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What is one skill you use or used in that job?
   
   
   
   

3. What is one thing you enjoy about working?
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Looking for a Job / Keeping My Job

1. What is one new way you could look for a job?
   
   
   
   

2. What is one thing you can do to make a good impression during a job interview?
   
   
   
   

3. What is one important rule you think you need to follow at any job?
   
   
   
   

4. How can you show your boss that you are reliable?
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Growing in My Career

1. What is one new skill you would like to learn that could help you get a better job or advance in your current job?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What is one small step you can take this week to learn that skill or move closer to a career goal?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Who can help you with your career goals (e.g., family, friends, teacher, job coach)?
   
   
   
   

My Big Picture Goal: In your own words, what is your main goal for your job journey?

Discussion Guide: Workplace Scenarios

Instructions: Read each scenario and discuss with your group or class. Think about what you would do and why.

Scenario 1: The Late Arrival

Situation: You are supposed to start work at 9:00 AM. One morning, your bus is late, and you realize you will be 15 minutes late for your shift.

Discussion Questions:

• What should you do as soon as you realize you will be late?
• Who should you tell?
• Why is it important to communicate about being late?
• What could be the consequences if you don't say anything?

Scenario 2: Unclear Instructions

Situation: Your supervisor asks you to complete a task, but the instructions are a bit confusing, and you're not entirely sure what to do.

Discussion Questions:

• What is the first thing you should do when you don't understand instructions?
• How can you politely ask for clarification?
• What might happen if you try to do the task without fully understanding it?
• Is it okay to ask for help more than once?

Scenario 3: Working with Others

Situation: You are working on a project with a co-worker. You have a different idea about how to complete a part of the task than they do.

Discussion Questions:

• How can you share your idea respectfully?
• What should you do if your co-worker doesn't agree with your idea?
• Why is it important to try and find a solution together?
• What are some ways to be a good team player in this situation?

Scenario 4: Wanting to Learn More

Situation: You enjoy your job, and you see a co-worker doing a more complex task that looks interesting. You'd like to learn how to do it.

Discussion Questions:

• How could you show your interest in learning this new task?
• Who should you talk to about learning new skills?
• What benefits might come from learning new skills at work?
• What if your supervisor says you can't learn it right now?

Cool Down: One Step Forward

Instructions: Think about everything we discussed today about finding, keeping, and growing in a job.

What is ONE specific thing you learned or were reminded of today that you want to try or remember in your own job journey?

Write it down below, or just think about it quietly. This is your personal "One Step Forward" from today's lesson.