First Job Ready Lesson Plan First Job Ready
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Duration 40 MIN
Learning Objective
Students will be able to identify key steps in the job application process, create a basic resume outline, and practice answering common interview questions.
Why This Matters
Understanding how to apply for a job empowers students with essential life skills, increasing their confidence and readiness for future employment opportunities, especially for students with IEPs who benefit from structured career preparation.
Audience
11th Grade Students (Inclusive Environment/IEP Support)
Approach
Interactive discussion, guided practice, and collaborative activities.
Teacher Preparation (15 min)
Review the First Job Ready Slide Deck and practice the script.
Print copies of the Job Application Steps Worksheet (one per student).
Prepare an area for the Interview Role-Play Activity .
Review the Job Application Rubric for assessment criteria.
Lesson Instructions
5 Minutes
Warm-Up: Dream Job Brainstorm
Display Slide 1: "What's Your Dream Job?"
Ask students: "If you could have any job in the world, what would it be? Why?"
Encourage a quick, free-flowing discussion.
Transition: "No matter what your dream job is, the first step is knowing how to apply for it!"
10 Minutes
Intro to Job Application Steps
Display Slides 2-4
Introduce the three main steps: 1. Research & Resume, 2. Application & Cover Letter, 3. Interview.
Discuss the importance of researching jobs that fit their skills and interests.
Explain what a resume is and its purpose.
Review essential resume sections (contact info, education, experience, skills).
Action: Distribute the worksheet. Guide students through the resume-building section, emphasizing keywords and transferable skills.
5 Minutes
Applications & Cover Letters
Display Slide 5
Explain that an application is a formal document.
Discuss the purpose of a cover letter: to introduce themselves and explain why they are a good fit.
Action: Have students complete Section 2 of the worksheet.
15 Minutes
Interview Preparation & Practice
Display Slides 6-7
Discuss interview tips (attire, body language, asking questions).
Action: Start the Interview Role-Play Activity . Pair students up (Interviewer/Interviewee).Circulate and provide feedback based on the Job Application Rubric .
5 Minutes
Wrap-Up: Key Takeaways
Display Slide 8
Ask students to share one new thing they learned.
Reiterate that job searching is a process and practice makes perfect.
Action: Collect worksheets for review. Assign remaining parts as homework if needed. First Job Ready Slideshow What's Your
Dream Job?
What career are you passionate about? Let's brainstorm some ideas!
Slide 1
The Journey Begins
1
Research & Resume
Finding the right fit and showing your skills.
2
Application & Cover Letter
Making your formal introduction.
3
Ace the Interview!
Shining bright in person.
Step 1
Research & Resume
Research
Find jobs that match your skills & interests.
Resume
Your personal marketing document! It highlights your education, experience, and skills.
What Goes on a Resume?
Contact Information
How they reach you!
Education
Your school, graduation date, and any achievements.
Experience
Jobs, volunteering, clubs, and projects.
Skills
What you're good at (computer, teamwork, etc.)
Step 2
Application &
Cover Letter
Job Application
A formal document where you provide your specific details, history, and contact info to an employer.
Cover Letter
A personalized letter explaining why you are the perfect fit for this specific role!
Step 3
Ace the Interview!
Interviews are your chance to show who you are beyond the paper!
Be Prepared
Tips for Success:
Dress the Part: Look professional.Be On Time: Arrive early.Body Language: Sit up straight, make eye contact.Ask Questions: Show your interest!
Common Interview Questions
"Tell me about yourself."
"What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
"Why do you want to work here?"
"Do you have any questions for me?"
Time to Practice! Get into Pairs.
You're Ready!
Applying for a job is a skill that gets better with practice. You've got this!
Tip 1 Be Prepared
Tip 2 Be Confident
Tip 3 Be Yourself
Job Application Steps Worksheet Job Application Steps
Career Readiness • 11th Grade
Name
Date
1
Resume Building Blocks
A resume is a document that tells employers about your skills and experience. Let's start thinking about what would go on yours!
Phone Number
Email Address
Current School Name
Expected Graduation Date
Experience (Job, Volunteer, Club, Sport, or Helping at Home)
Specific Skill Gained
Top Three Skills
2
Application & Cover Letter Choices
1. What is the main purpose of a job application form?
a) To write a story about your life
b) To provide formal details about your qualifications and history to the employer
c) To ask the employer questions
d) To draw pictures for the employer
2. Which of these is the BEST reason to write a cover letter?
a) To tell the employer your favorite color
b) To introduce yourself and explain why you are a good fit for this specific job
c) To complain about your last job
d) To ask for a lot of money
3. Before submitting a job application or cover letter, what is one crucial step you should always take?
a) Make sure it's covered in glitter
b) Double-check for any spelling or grammar errors
c) Write it in a secret code
d) Send it to your pet for approval
3
Interview Question Reflections
1. "Tell me about yourself."
What key things about your education, experience, or skills would you share?
2. "What is one of your strengths?"
Think about a skill you have that would be good for a job.
3. "Do you have any questions for me?"
What would you ask the interviewer to show you are interested?
Interview Role-Play Activity Interview Role-Play
Practice Makes Perfect • Confidence Building
How It Works
Find a Partner: Pair up with a classmate. One person will be the Interviewer first, and the other will be the Interviewee .
Practice: The interviewer asks 2-3 questions from the list below. The interviewee answers as if they are in a real job interview.
Switch: After one round, switch roles and repeat with different questions.
Feedback: Briefly share one positive comment and one helpful suggestion with your partner.
The Interviewer
Ask questions clearly and professionally.
Listen carefully to the answers.
Note one specific thing they did well.
The Interviewee
Answer thoughtfully and honestly.
Use good eye contact and sit up straight.
Practice speaking clearly and slowly.
Questions to Practice
"Tell me about yourself."
"Why are you interested in this job?"
"What are your strengths?"
"What is a weakness you are working on?"
"Where do you see yourself in five years?"
"Do you have any questions for me?"
Your Feedback Notes
Round 1 Partner Feedback
Round 2 Partner Feedback
Job Application Rubric Evaluation Rubric
Job Application Readiness
Total Score
/ 12
Student Name
Date
| Criteria | Developing
Resume Basics
Worksheet Section 1
| Shows limited understanding of resume sections; few relevant details provided. | Identifies most key resume sections; provides some relevant details. | Clearly identifies all key resume sections; provides thoughtful and relevant details. |
|
Application Knowledge
Worksheet Section 2
| Answers choice questions with frequent errors; shows minimal understanding. | Answers choice questions with few errors; shows a basic understanding. | Answers choice questions correctly; demonstrates a strong understanding. |
|
Interview Prep
Section 3 & Activity
| Reflections are brief or unclear; participation in role-play is minimal. | Reflections are somewhat clear; participates adequately in role-play. | Reflections are thoughtful; actively participates and engages in role-play. |
|
Effort & Engagement
Whole Lesson
| Shows minimal effort or engagement during the lesson and activities. | Shows consistent effort and participates in most activities. | Consistently demonstrates high effort and active engagement throughout. |
Instructor Feedback
Career Readiness Assessment • Grade 11
