Career Compass Teacher Guide Career Compass
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Duration
90-120 Minutes
Learning Objectives
Identify personal strengths and translate them into a professional resume format.
Evaluate the pros and cons of disability disclosure in various professional stages.
Practice self-advocacy and effective communication during interview simulations.
Understand key workplace behaviors required to maintain employment.
Materials Needed
Interview Intel Slides
Resume Blueprint Worksheet
Disclosure Dilemma Organizer
Office Audition Role-Play Cards
Job Keeper Worksheet
Resume Scorecard Rubric
Instructional Sequence
10 min
Warmup: The 30-Second Pitch
Students pair up and have 30 seconds to tell their partner one thing they are really good at (it doesn't have to be work-related yet). Prompt: "How would you tell a boss that this skill makes you a great employee?"
20 min
Building the Blueprint
Review the Resume Blueprint Worksheet . Focus on "Strengths Mapping." Guide students to translate daily tasks (e.g., caring for a pet, gaming, organizing a room) into professional language (e.g., consistency, strategic thinking, detail-oriented).
25 min
The Disclosure Dilemma
Facilitate a discussion using the Interview Intel Slides . Introduce the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). Use the Disclosure Dilemma Organizer to weigh the pros and cons of sharing information during an interview vs. after hiring.
25 min
Office Auditions
Distribute Office Audition Cards . Students role-play three scenarios: the "Standard Question," the "Skill Gap," and the "Accommodation Request." Focus on self-advocacy and professional tone.
10 min
Keeping the Gig
Review the Job Keeper Worksheet . Discuss "Soft Skills" vs. "Hard Skills." Emphasize communication when things go wrong or when help is needed.
5 min
Cooldown: The Goal Post
Students write one specific, actionable goal for their job search or current employment on the back of their worksheet.
Discussion Prompts
On Self-Worth:
"Why is it sometimes harder to talk about our strengths than our challenges? How can we shift our mindset to see our unique perspective as a 'competitive advantage'?"
On Disclosure:
"If you decide not to disclose during an interview, are you 'hiding' something? Why or why not? What is the difference between privacy and secrecy in a professional setting?"
On Communication:
"When you feel overwhelmed at work, what is the 'professional' way to ask for a break or a change in instructions? How does this differ from how you'd ask a friend?"
Facilitator Tips
Safe Space: Ensure students know there is no "right" answer to disclosure. It is a personal choice based on comfort and need for accommodations.Modeling: When role-playing, model a "poor" interview answer first (too quiet, too defensive) and ask students to help you "level up" the response. Interview Intel Slides Interview Intel
Navigating the Path to Professional Success
Part of the Career Compass Lesson Session 01
The 30-Second Pitch
Tell your partner ONE thing you are really good at.
"I'm a great listener," "I'm amazing at fixing things," or "I'm really organized."
GO!
Strengths Mapping
Personal Strength
"I play video games and lead a team."
Professional Language
"Collaborative Leadership & Strategic Goal Setting."
"Resumes aren't just lists of jobs. They are proof of what you can contribute to a team."
What is Disclosure?
Disclosure is the process of sharing information about your disability or medical condition with an employer.
The Law
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects you from discrimination and gives you the right to reasonable accommodations.
1
It is YOUR choice.
2
It is about NEEDS.
3
It is about TIMING.
Benefits of Disclosing
Accommodations
You get the tools, schedule, or environment you need to be your best.
Peace of Mind
Reduces the stress of "masking" or hiding your needs from your boss.
Legal Safety
Protects your rights if issues arise related to your disability.
Risks & Concerns
Unconscious Bias
Some interviewers may have unfair stereotypes about what you can do.
Loss of Privacy
Once shared, you can't "un-tell" them. You might prefer to keep medical info private.
Wait for the "Right" Time?
"You can choose to disclose during the application, the interview, or only after you have the job."
Interview Ace Method
S
Situation
T
Task
A
Action
R
Result
"Tell a story. Don't just say you're a hard worker—prove it with a STAR example."
The Big Day
Arrive Early
Aim for 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time. It shows respect and reliability.
Dress the Part
Wear clean, neat clothes that match the job vibe. When in doubt, go slightly more professional.
Bring Your Toolkit:
Resume Blueprint Worksheet Resume Blueprint
Name:
Date:
A resume is a professional snapshot of who you are. It’s not just a list of jobs—it's a tool to show an employer why your unique skills make you the perfect fit.
Step 1: Strengths Mapping
Think of things you do daily. How do they translate to "Work Words"? (Example: "Leading a gaming group" = "Coordinating a team")
Something I am good at...
"Work Word" translation...
A time I solved a problem...
"Work Word" translation...
Step 2: Your Professional Summary
Draft 2-3 sentences that describe who you are and what you bring to a job.
Step 3: Experience Drafting
Role/Activity Title
Date Range
Key Responsibilities & Achievements (Use Bullets)
Role/Activity Title
Date Range
Key Responsibilities & Achievements (Use Bullets)
Resume Checklist
Contact information is clear and professional (e.g., professional email).
Experience is listed in reverse chronological order (newest first).
Bullet points start with strong action verbs (Led, Created, Managed, Helped).
The font is consistent and easy to read (10pt-12pt size).
White space is used effectively so the page doesn't look "crowded."
Pro Tip:
"You don't need a 5-page resume. For your first jobs, one page is perfect. Focus on quality of experience over quantity."
Disclosure Dilemma Organizer Disclosure Dilemma
Navigating the Choice to Share Your Disability Status
Student Name
The Big Decision
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) , you are generally not required to disclose your disability to a potential employer unless you need a "reasonable accommodation" for the interview process itself. The decision to disclose is personal. Some people prefer to be open from the start, while others wait until after they are hired or until a specific need arises.
Reasons to Disclose (Pros)
Allows you to request accommodations (e.g., specific schedule, assistive tech).
You can be your authentic self without the stress of hiding your needs.
It establishes legal protection under the ADA early on.
Write another pro here:
Risks of Disclosing (Cons)
Risk of unconscious bias or discrimination from the interviewer.
Feeling vulnerable or that your privacy is being invaded.
Fear that you won't be seen for your skills first .
Write another risk here:
When should I tell?
1. On Application
Checking the "disability" box on the form. Pro: upfront. Con: can't explain in person.
2. In the Interview
Discussing needs face-to-face. Pro: you control the story. Con: may feel high-pressure.
3. After the Offer
Waiting until you are hired. Pro: you know they want you. Con: first impression might change.
Personal Reflection
Based on the pros and cons above, which timing feels most comfortable for YOU right now, and why?
Key Vocabulary
Reasonable Accommodation: A change in the work environment or the way things are done that enables an individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities.
Office Audition Cards Office Auditions
Role-Play Scenario Cards
Instructions: Cut out these cards. In pairs, take turns being the Interviewer and the Candidate. Use the "Professional Tip" on each card to improve your performance. Focus on tone of voice, eye contact, and clarity.
Scenario 01
The Challenge Question
Interviewer Prompt:
"Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult situation and how you handled it."
Goal:
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to tell a specific story from your life or school.
Professional Tip:
Avoid vague answers like "I'm a hard worker." Instead, say "Last month, my team was stuck, so I..."
Scenario 02
The Accommodation Ask
Candidate Prompt:
You have decided to disclose your need for a quiet workspace or a modified schedule during the interview.
Goal:
Practice saying: "To be most effective in this role, I sometimes need [Accommodation]. Is that something we can discuss?"
Professional Tip:
Keep it focused on success . You are asking for the tool you need to do the job perfectly.
Scenario 03
The Lack of Experience
Interviewer Prompt:
"I see you haven't worked in a retail store before. Why should we hire you instead of someone with experience?"
Goal:
Redirect the question to your transferable skills (e.g., punctuality, fast learner, positive attitude).
Professional Tip:
Confidence is key. Admit you're new, but emphasize how quickly you will master the tasks.
Scenario 04
The "Help Needed" Moment
Candidate Prompt:
You were just given three instructions at once and you feel overwhelmed and confused. Approach your manager.
Goal:
Practice Self-Advocacy : "I want to make sure I get these right. Could you write those steps down or show me one at a time?"
Professional Tip:
Managers love when employees ask for clarity early rather than making a mistake later.
Cut along the dashed lines
Job Keeper Worksheet The Job Keeper
Communication and Self-Advocacy for Long-Term Success
Employee Profile:
Soft Skills Checklist
"Hard skills" get you the interview, but "soft skills" (how you interact with others) help you keep the job. Rate yourself on these essential workplace behaviors.
Punctuality
"I arrive 5 minutes early and ready to work."
1
2
3
4
5
Professional Communication
"I use a calm tone and listen before responding."
1
2
3
4
5
Reliability
"If I say I will do a task, I finish it on time."
1
2
3
4
5
Self-Advocacy
"I ask for help or clarification when I am confused."
1
2
3
4
5
The Professional Pivot
How you respond to feedback or mistakes determines your future at a company. Rewrite these "unprofessional" reactions into "Job Keeper" responses.
Unprofessional Reaction:
"It's not my fault the customer was rude. I'm not doing this anymore."
"Job Keeper" Pivot:
Unprofessional Reaction:
"I forgot my password and now I can't do my work. I'll just wait for someone to notice."
"Job Keeper" Pivot:
Asking for Accommodations (Post-Hire)
If you chose NOT to disclose during the interview but realize you need support now, fill out this "Support Script."
"Hi [Manager's Name], I’ve been thinking about how to be even more productive in my role. I’ve found that I work best when I have . Because of my disability/medical condition, this change would really help me perform at my highest level. Can we discuss how to make this happen?"
My Goal for this conversation is...
Resume Scorecard Rubric Resume Scorecard
Self & Peer Assessment Tool
Reviewer:
Total Score:
/ 12
Criteria Exemplary (3) Proficient (2) Developing (1) Content & Strengths Identifying unique value.
| Includes 3+ clear strengths translated into professional "work words." | Includes 1-2 strengths; most are translated into professional language. | Strengths are listed but not professionally phrased or are vague. |
| Action Language
Using STAR-inspired verbs.
| Every bullet point starts with a strong, distinct action verb (Led, Managed). | Most bullet points use action verbs, though some are repetitive. | Uses passive language or full sentences instead of action bullets. |
| Organization & Flow
Visual hierarchy and spacing.
| Excellent use of white space; headings are bold and consistent. Easy to scan. | Generally organized; some minor inconsistencies in bolding or spacing. | Looks cluttered or disorganized; inconsistent formatting throughout. |
| Detail & Professionalism
Accuracy and contact info.
| Zero errors in spelling/grammar. Contact info is professional and complete. | 1-2 minor errors. Professional contact info is included. | Multiple errors. Missing or unprofessional contact information. |
Two Stars (Strengths)
One Wish (Growth)
Remember:
"A resume is never finished. As you learn new skills and gain new experiences, keep updating your blueprint to reflect the professional you are becoming."
