Career Kickstart SlidesCareer Kickstart Your Blueprint for a Successful Job Hunt Preparation Action Success The Job Hunt Roadmap 1 Discovery Finding your strengths and interests. 2 Research Searching for the right job matches. 3 Application Showing why you are the best fit. Hire Beginning your new career! The "Serious" Mindset Reliability • Arrive 10 minutes early. • Keep a calendar of interviews. • Respond to emails quickly. Professionalism • Wear clean, neat clothes. • Use polite language. • Listen more than you talk. Knowing Yourself Interests "What do I love to do in my free time?" Example: Solving puzzles, helping people, working outdoors. Strengths "What am I really good at doing?" Example: Organizing things, being on time, following directions. Reading Job Descriptions Stock Clerk Grocery Mart - Part Time $16/hour The Requirements: Must be able to lift 25 pounds. High attention to detail (matching numbers). Available to work early morning shifts. "Early morning shifts" means you must be excellent at punctuality! The Power of "Hello" AVOID THIS "Hey, you guys hiring?" Too casual. Doesn't show respect for the business. TRY THIS "Good afternoon. I am interested in applying for the Stock Clerk position. Who should I speak with?" Polite, clear, and professional. Nailing the Interview Eye Contact Look at the person who is asking the question. Smile It shows you are friendly and excited to work. Practice Practice your answers before you go!
Talent Map WorksheetMy Talent Map Job Discovery Worksheet NAME: DATE: Part 1: What I Love (Interests) Think about how you spend your free time. What activities make you happy? My favorite hobbies or activities are: I really enjoy helping people with: Part 2: What I'm Good At (Strengths) Think about things that are easy for you or things people thank you for. My Top 3 Skills: Need ideas? • Organizing / Sorting items • Being on time • Following a checklist • Working with technology • Cleaning / Tidying up Part 3: The Job Match-Up Based on your interests and strengths, let's pick three types of jobs you want to research today. Example: If you like dogs and are good at walking, a "Dog Walker" or "Kennel Assistant" might be a match. Job TitleWhy it matches my strengths?One requirement (from job ad) My Next Step: I will find one job opening for and ask about an application.
Social Pro ScenariosCommunication Practice Social Pro Scenarios Practice these real-world job hunt moments with your coach! Scenario 1: The Phone Inquiry Beginner Level The Situation You saw a "Hiring" sign at a local bookstore. You are calling them to find out how to apply for a job. Key Points to Include: State your name clearly. Ask for the manager. Say "Thank you for your time." Scenario 2: The Strengths Question Intermediate Level The Situation You are in an interview. The manager asks: "Why should we hire you for this position?" Key Points to Include: Mention a strength from your "Talent Map". Smile and make eye contact. Mention your punctuality. Scenario 3: The "I'm Late" Call Hard Level The Situation The bus is running 20 minutes late. You are going to be late for your interview. You must call them immediately. Key Points to Include: Apologize sincerely. Explain the situation briefly. Give an updated arrival time.
Hunt Hero ChecklistHunt Hero My Job Search Mission Target Date ____ / ____ 1 The Preparation Stage I have identified 3 strengths and 3 interests. I have my ID and Social Security card ready. I have chosen a clean outfit for my interviews. 2 The Active Search I have researched 5 local job openings. I have submitted 2 job applications this week. I have practiced my professional greeting 3 times. My Big Goal By this time next month, I will have: I will do this by: Motivation "Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."
Coach Playbook GuideCoach Playbook Lesson Plan: Career Kickstart (2 Hours) Focus Empowerment & Agency Pacing Guide 10 MIN Warm-up & Introduction Review Career Kickstart Slides. Set a positive tone. 20 MIN Discovery (Talent Map) Complete the Talent Map Worksheet. Identify 3 core strengths. 30 MIN Resume Building Use the Resume Ready Guide to draft a first profile. Focus on translating strengths into resume bullets. 20 MIN Job Research Match the new resume skills to local job postings. 30 MIN Interview Mastery Review Interview Ace Tips and role-play Social Pro Scenarios. 10 MIN Goal Setting Map out next week's steps on the Hunt Hero Checklist. Supporting Different Needs • If writing is a barrier, scribe for the student or use voice-to-text tools. • Use visual aids (icons on slides) to reinforce abstract concepts like "professionalism". • Take short 2-minute movement breaks between sections to maintain focus. Discussion Prompts "What is one thing you want a boss to know about you that isn't on a resume?" "If you were the boss, what would be the most important rule in your shop?" "How does being early to an interview make the manager feel about you?" Career Kickstart Coach Series Designed for 1-on-1 Vocational Coaching
Interview Ace TipsInterview Ace Quick Reference Guide Be Your Best Self! 1. Before You Go What to Pack Your ID Card Copy of your Resume A pen and notepad Your Look Clean, wrinkle-free clothes Brushed hair & clean nails Combed/Neat appearance 2. In the Hot Seat Body Language Sit up straight. It shows you are paying attention. Keep your hands on your lap if you feel nervous. Listening Wait for the manager to finish talking before you speak. If you don't understand a question, it's okay to ask them to repeat it! Common Questions "Tell me a little about yourself." "What do you know about our company?" "When are you available to work?" 3. The Secret to Success The Thank You After the interview, send a short email or leave a note. "Thank you for the opportunity to meet today. I look forward to hearing from you!" Tip: Practice your "Professional Handshake" or "Professional Greeting" with your coach today!
Resume Ready GuideResume Ready Your Professional Profile Builder Mission: Get Hired A resume is like a flyer for a movie—but the movie is about how great a worker you are! It tells bosses who you are and what you can do. 1 Contact Information Full Name Example: Alex Smith Professional Email asmith@email.com Phone Number (555) 012-3456 City, State Springfield, IL 2 Professional Summary Complete this sentence: "A hardworking and (Strength) individual with a great interest in (Interest) . I am excited to contribute to a team and always arrive on time." 3 Experience & Skills Work or Volunteer History Company / Organization Job Title Company / Organization Job Title Top 5 Skills 1 2 3 4 5 4 Education School Name & Graduation Year Coach Tip: Use "Action Words" Instead of "I did stuff", say "Assisted customers" or "Organized shelves".
