Skill Audit Slides Skill Audit Mastery
Unit: Professional Blueprint
Discovering Your Professional Identity
The Challenge
Mission 01
The Goal
Build the tallest freestanding structure using only 20 sticks of spaghetti, 1 yard of tape, 1 yard of string, and 1 marshmallow.
The Rules
18-minute time limit
Marshmallow must be on TOP
Structure must be freestanding
18:00
Countdown
Who Did What?
Leadership
Who kept the team on task? Who made the final decisions?
Communication
Who explained the ideas clearly? Who listened to others?
Problem Solving
Who found a way to fix the tower when it started to lean?
"These are not just game skills. They are your professional currency."
The Two Sides of Success
Hard Skills
Technical Abilities
Teachable & Measurable
Using specific software
Typing speed
Knowing a second language
Soft Skills
Interpersonal Abilities
How you work with others
Time management
Adaptability
Professionalism
The "Hidden" Truth
"Hard skills get you the interview... but soft skills get you the job."
92%
of talent professionals say soft skills are as important as hard skills.
89%
of bad hires are due to a lack of soft skills.
Professional Vocabulary
Punctuality
Being on time, every time.
Adaptability
Handling change with a positive attitude.
Interpersonal
Getting along with different personality types.
Accountability
Taking responsibility for your own actions.
Next Step: Complete your Personal Skill Audit.
Soft Skills Inventory Worksheet Personal Skill Audit
Professional Blueprint: Lesson 1
Transition Planning
Student Name
Date
Part 1: My Hard Skills
Hard skills are specific abilities you have been taught or trained to do. Think about school, hobbies, or chores.
List 3 things you know how to do well (Examples: Typing, Cooking, Mowing Lawn, Using Photoshop, Fixing a bike):
Part 2: My Soft Skills Inventory
Rate yourself honestly. 1 = I need practice. 5 = This is a major strength.
Punctuality
I am consistently on time to class and events.
1 2 3 4 5
Communication
I listen well and explain my ideas clearly.
1 2 3 4 5
Teamwork
I work well with others even if we disagree.
1 2 3 4 5
Problem Solving
I try to find solutions when things go wrong.
1 2 3 4 5
Part 3: Growth Mindset
Based on your ratings above, which soft skill would you like to improve the most?
Why is that skill important for a job you might want in the future?
End of Audit Phase 01
Skill Sorter Activity Cards Skill Sorter Activity
Classroom Card Sort & Discussion
Material Type Cut-Out Manipulatives
Teacher Instructions:
Cut out the cards below. Ask students to sort them into two categories on their desk: Hard Skills (Technical) and Soft Skills (Interpersonal). Use this as a quick-fire formative assessment.
Typing 40 WPM
Punctuality
Quick Mental Math
Friendly Attitude
Basic Coding
Teamwork
Bilingual
Critical Thinking
Safety Protocol Knowledge
Conflict Resolution
Microsoft Office
Organized Workspace
Hard Skills
Place Technical Skills Here
Soft Skills
Place Social Skills Here
Skill Audit Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
Skill Audit Mastery
Lesson 1 of 5
90 Minute Block
Learning Objectives
Distinguish between hard skills (technical) and soft skills (interpersonal).
Identify personal transferable skills relevant to entry-level employment.
Articulate how behavioral skills (collaboration, communication) contribute to group success.
The Hook: Marshmallow Challenge (30 min)
Teacher Note:
"Watch closely for who emerges as a leader, who handles frustration well, and who asks clarifying questions. These are the soft skills we will audit later."
Debrief Prompts
• What was the hardest part about working in a group?
• How did you decide whose plan to follow?
• What happened when the structure failed?
Common Observations
• Students who take charge (Leadership)
• Students who build quietly (Execution)
• Students who encourage (Support)
Instructional Steps
1
The "Marshmallow" Reveal (Slides 1-3)
Conduct the challenge. During the debrief, pivot to the idea of 'hidden skills.' Ask: "Which of these skills would help you in a job at a pizza place?"
2
Direct Instruction: Hard vs. Soft (Slides 4-6)
Explain the difference. Use the card sort activity as a check for understanding. Challenge students to find "Hard Skills" they already have (e.g., video editing, bike repair).
3
Personal Audit (Worksheet)
Students complete the self-evaluation. Encourage them to be honest—the goal is growth. Circulate and help students identify 'Hard Skills' they might be overlooking (hobbies/chores).
Differentiation Strategies
Scaffolded Writing
Provide a list of "Action Words" for the reflection section. Allow students to use icons or stickers to rate themselves if writing is a barrier.
Peer Support
Pair students for the card sort to encourage verbal discussion of the concepts. Use visual aids/icons for all vocabulary terms.
Resume Builder Slides Resume Power Workshop
Unit: Professional Blueprint
Building Your First Professional Profile
The 5-Second Test
Resume A
Messy Margins & Typos
Decision: Trash Pile
Resume B
Decision: Interview!
Employers spend an average of 6 seconds on a first glance.
Experience vs. Skills
Volunteer Work
Helping at a food bank or animal shelter shows dedication.
School Roles
Sports teams, band, clubs, or being a hallway monitor.
Home Tasks
Babysitting siblings, mowing lawns, or caring for elderly family.
We call this a Functional Resume.
The Power of Action Verbs
The "Boring" Way
"I helped clean the gym after basketball games."
The "Professional" Way
"Maintained athletic facilities and coordinated equipment storage."
Top Resume Verbs
Assisted
Managed
Solved
Planned
Organized
Lead
Anatomy of a Resume
1
Contact Info (No Nicknames!)
2
Skill Summary
3
Education & Awards
4
Experience (Volunteer/Chores)
Functional Resume Template [FIRST NAME] [LAST NAME]
Address: ________________________ • Phone: (___) ___-____ • Email: ________________________
Professional Objective
Motivated 9th-grade student with strong skills in ____________________ and ____________________. Seeking a part-time position at ____________________ to contribute to a professional team and gain workplace experience.
Key Skills & Strengths
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
Related Experience (Volunteer / Clubs / Chores)
Role Title: ______________________________ Dates: _______________
Organization/Location: ______________________________
Role Title: ______________________________ Dates: _______________
Organization/Location: ______________________________
Education
High School Student, [Name of School]
Expected Graduation: June 20XX
Awards & Achievements
Pro-Tip for 9th Graders:
Since you don't have "official" jobs yet, focus on your responsibilities at home or school. Did you help coach a younger sibling's team? Did you organize a school fundraiser? That is all experience! Use the "Action Verbs" list on your desk to fill in those bullet points.
Action Verb Cheat Sheet Resume Action Verbs
Upgrade Your Experience
Communication
Assisted (Helped)
Coordinated (Set up)
Greeted (Talked to customers)
Promoted (Suggested/Sold)
Reported (Told a boss)
Leadership
Delegated (Gave out tasks)
Guided (Showed someone how)
Led (Was the captain)
Managed (Was in charge of)
Supervised (Watched over)
Organization
Arranged (Put in order)
Collected (Gathered things)
Maintained (Kept it clean/working)
Monitored (Checked on)
Sorted (Categorized)
Problem Solving
Fixed (Repaired)
Identified (Noticed a problem)
Improved (Made it better)
Resolved (Ended a fight/issue)
Saved (Prevented waste)
How to Use Them:
Boring:
"I was the babysitter for my three younger cousins."
Pro:
"Supervised and managed the safety and meal schedule for three children."
Choose 3 verbs from above that describe YOU, and try to write one bullet point for your resume:
Resume Review Rubric Resume Review Rubric
Peer Editing & Quality Check
Total / 20
1. Visual Format & Organization
5 POINTS
Needs Work (1-2) Messy margins, inconsistent fonts, or too much empty space.
Good (3-4) Clean layout, clear headings, and easy to read quickly.
Excellent (5) Passes the "5-second test" perfectly. Professional and polished.
2. Content & Action Verbs
5 POINTS
Needs Work (1-2) Uses "I" statements or boring verbs (e.g., "I did this").
Good (3-4) Includes at least 3 strong action verbs. Clear responsibilities.
Excellent (5) Every bullet point starts with a powerful verb. No "I" statements.
3. Contact Info & Professionalism
5 POINTS
Needs Work (1-2) Missing phone/email or uses an unprofessional email address.
Good (3-4) Complete contact info with a professional email address.
Excellent (5) Contact info is perfectly centered or aligned. Email is very professional.
4. Spelling & Grammar
5 POINTS
Needs Work (1-2) 3+ errors in spelling, grammar, or capitalization.
Good (3-4) Only 1-2 minor errors. Generally very clean.
Excellent (5) Zero errors. Perfect capitalization throughout.
Reviewer's Notes:
One thing you did really well:
One thing you should fix/improve:
Application Pro Slides Application Accuracy
Unit: Professional Blueprint
The Art of the Perfect Form
The "Gatekeeper" Form
1 Misspelling =
A sign that you don't pay attention to detail. In a job like a pharmacy or a restaurant, details are everything.
1 Blank Space =
An incomplete application. Many computer systems will auto-reject you if fields are empty.
The Truth
"If you can't fill out the form correctly, they won't trust you with the register."
Your Master Info Sheet
Never guess on an application. Create a Master Info Sheet to keep in your pocket or phone.
References
Full names, phone numbers, and job titles of 3 people who aren't your family.
Addresses
Previous school addresses and phone numbers. Know the zip codes!
Schedule
Exactly what hours you can work each day. Be realistic about school.
Watch Out! Common Pitfalls
"Reason for Leaving"
NEVER write "My boss was mean" or "I hated it." Use: "Seeking new challenges" or "Schedule conflict with school."
"Salary Expected"
Avoid specific high numbers. Use: "Negotiable" or "Standard for position."
"Date Available"
Write "Immediately" or give a specific date (e.g., "June 1st").
The 100% Club
Your goal today is to complete the Mock Job Application with zero errors.
Only Perfect Applications Pass the Test
Master Info Sheet Master Info Sheet
Your Private Application Cheat Sheet
1. The Basics
Full Legal Name
Full Address (Incl. Zip)
Phone Number
Social Security # (Keep Hidden!)
Ask a parent/guardian later
2. Education History
Current High School Name
School Address
School Phone #
3. Professional References (No Family!)
Ref 1: Name & Title
Phone Number
Ref 2: Name & Title
Phone Number
4. Availability
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
This is for your records only. Do not hand this to an employer!
Mock Job Application Employment Application
Standardized Form / Equal Opportunity Employer
Instruction: Please print clearly in black or blue ink. Answer every question completely. If a question does not apply, write "N/A." Applications with errors or missing information may not be considered.
I. Personal Information
Full Legal Name
Street Address
Phone Number
City/State
Zip Code
II. Position Desired
Position Applying For
Salary Expected
Can you work weekends?
YES
NO
III. Education History
School Name / Location Years Attended Did you graduate?
IV. Professional References
List three persons not related to you, whom you have known at least one year.
I certify that the facts contained in this application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that, if employed, falsified statements on this application shall be grounds for dismissal.
Signature of Applicant
Date
Application Accuracy Checklist Accuracy Checklist
Self-Audit for Success
"Before you hand in your application, check it against these points. If even one box is unchecked, you are not ready yet!"
No Blank Spaces
Every single field is filled. If it doesn't apply to you, you wrote "N/A."
Correct Spelling
You double-checked your name, address, and city for any typos.
Professional Language
You avoided slang. For example, you wrote "Seeking challenge" instead of "I need cash."
Proper Capitalization
All names, streets, and school titles start with capital letters.
Signature & Date
You signed your name in cursive or your best print and included today's date.
Verified 100% Accurate
Final Step: Hand in to your supervisor (Teacher)
Interview Master Slides Interview Ace Prep
Unit: Professional Blueprint
Speaking the Language of Success
The "Don't Do This" Guide
Comedy Clip Placeholder
Discuss: Why would this person NOT get hired?
The Red Flags:
Poor Posture/Slouching
No Eye Contact
Checking Phone
"Um... I dunno" answers
The S.T.A.R. Method
For answering: "Tell me about a time when..."
S
Situation
Set the scene. What was happening?
T
Task
What was your job or goal in that moment?
A
Action
What specific steps did YOU take to fix it?
R
Result
How did it end? What did you learn?
The 55-38-7 Rule
Communication is more than just words.
55%
Body Language
Posture, eye contact, and smile.
38%
Tone of Voice
How you say it (energy and volume).
7%
Words
The actual answers you give.
Managing Interview Nerves
Box Breathing
4 seconds in, 4 hold, 4 out, 4 hold.
Power Pose
Stand tall for 2 minutes before the interview.
Ask for a Second
"That's a great question, can I take a second to think?"
Mock Interview Mode
Time to practice with your partner!
STAR Method Organizer Worksheet The STAR Organizer
Prepare Your Perfect Story
Choose Your Story Prompt:
A time you solved a problem
A time you worked in a team
A time you were a leader
A time you were confused
S
Situation
When and where did this happen?
T
Task
What was your goal or the problem?
A
Action
What exactly did YOU do?
R
Result
What was the outcome? How did it end?
Interview Practice Cards Interview Practice Cards
Simulated Behavioral Questions
Practice Level Entry-Level
The Warm Up
"Tell me about yourself."
The Motivation
"Why do you want to work for our company?"
The Conflict (STAR)
"Describe a time you had a disagreement with a team member. How did you handle it?"
The Resilience (STAR)
"Tell me about a time you failed or made a mistake. What did you do?"
The Schedule
"How will you manage your school schedule with this job?"
The Strength
"What is your greatest strength? How would it help us?"
Partner Feedback Tips:
Did they look at you while speaking?
Was their voice loud and clear?
Did they use S-T-A-R for the "Tell me about..." questions?
Mock Interview Feedback Form Mock Interview Feedback
Peer Review Form
Score / 15
Applicant Name
Interviewer Name
I. The Introduction (First Impression)
Handshake & Eye Contact
1 2 3
"Tell me about yourself" answer
1 2 3
II. Behavioral Questions (STAR Method)
Answer was clear & structured
1 2 3
Used specific examples
1 2 3
III. Non-Verbal Communication
Posture & Professional Tone
1 2 3
You sounded most confident when...
Next time, try to... Professionalism Playbook Slides Office Survival Guide
Unit: Professional Blueprint
Mastering the Workplace Hidden Curriculum
The "Hidden" Rules
Unwritten Rule #1
If you have nothing to do, find something to clean or organize. Don't sit on your phone.
Unwritten Rule #2
If you are going to be 1 minute late, call/text 10 minutes before your shift starts.
Unwritten Rule #3
Don't complain about coworkers to other coworkers. Talk to the manager in private.
Observation
"Professionalism is watching how the best employees behave and copying them."
Workplace Crisis!
!
Scenario A
"A customer is screaming at you because their order is wrong. It wasn't your fault."
!
Scenario B
"Your manager gives you a task, but you have no idea how to do it. They look very busy."
!
Scenario C
"You are 20 minutes late because the bus broke down. This is your second time late this week."
What is the professional solution?
Discuss
The "Help" Script
Don't say: "I can't do this." Say this instead:
Level 1: Clarifying
"I want to make sure I do this correctly. Could you show me the first step again?"
Level 2: Prioritizing
"I'm working on [Task A] right now. Should I finish that first, or switch to [Task B]?"
You are Employable!
You've built your skills, written your resume, and mastered the interview. Now, it's about consistency.
Reliable
Teachable
Professional
Workplace Crisis Cards Workplace Crisis Cards
Role-Play Scenarios for Success
Exercise Type Conflict Resolution
The Angry Customer
"A customer is yelling because their coffee is cold. You didn't make the coffee, but you are the only one at the counter."
Professional Fix:
The Vague Boss
"Your manager says: 'Clean the back area' and walks away. You've never been to 'the back' and don't know where the supplies are."
Professional Fix:
The Busy Shift
"You are supposed to leave at 4:00 PM. It is 3:55 PM, and a huge crowd of customers just walked in. Your coworkers look stressed."
Professional Fix:
The Honest Mistake
"You accidentally dropped a tray of food. It made a huge mess in the middle of the dining room while people were eating."
Professional Fix:
How to Use:
Step 1: The Panic Ask the student to react naturally. Then, pause the "scene."
Step 2: The Script Have them rewrite their reaction using one of the professional scripts from the slides.
Conflict Resolution Scripting Sheet Conflict Resolution Scripts
Drafting Your Professional Response
1
Scenario: The Difficult Customer
A customer is upset because they had to wait too long. They are being rude to you.
Practice Script (Professional Version):
"I am very sorry for the wait. I appreciate your patience. Let me [Action] for you right now."
Write your own version here:
2
Scenario: The Confusing Instruction
Your boss tells you to "fix the display," but you aren't sure what they mean.
Practice Script (Professional Version):
"I'd like to get started on that display. Could you clarify if you want me to [Option A] or [Option B]?"
Write your own version here:
3
Scenario: The Honest Mistake
You accidentally broke a piece of equipment. You need to tell your manager.
Practice Script (Professional Version):
"Manager, I wanted to let you know that [Item] was damaged while I was using it. It was an accident, and I'd like to know how I can help fix the situation."
Write your own version here:
Scripting Phase 05: Professional Communication
Workplace Etiquette Quiz Final Workplace Ready Quiz
Final Professional Check-In
Student Name
1. You have finished all your assigned tasks for your shift. What should you do?
Sit in the breakroom and wait for your shift to end.
Check your phone for messages from friends.
Ask your manager if there is anything else that needs to be done.
2. What does the "S" stand for in the STAR method?
Explain why this part is important for an interview answer.
3. Match the professional term to its meaning:
A. Hard Skill
?
B. Punctuality
?
C. Soft Skill
?
1. Working well in a team
2. Being consistently on time
3. Knowing how to use a cash register
4. Your coworker is talking badly about the boss in front of customers.
Write one professional thing you could do or say to handle this.
Career Ready Certification
