Success at Work Slides Success at Work
Mastering Interviewing and Workplace Etiquette
The First Impression
Greeting
A clear "Hello" and your name. Use a firm, friendly handshake or a polite nod.
Eye Contact
Looking at the person shows you are listening and confident.
Did You Know?
Most interviewers decide within the first 5 minutes if they like a candidate! Practice your greeting until it feels natural.
Active Listening
Good communication is 50% talking and 50% listening.
Nod Along
Shows you are following the conversation.
Wait to Talk
Do not interrupt. Wait for a natural pause.
Clarify
"Could you say that again, please?" is okay!
Professional Dress
The "Golden Rule":
Clean, Pressed, and Appropriate.
No wrinkles or stains
No ripped jeans or hoodies
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
Minimal jewelry or strong perfume
Think: Would I wear this to a party? If yes, it might not be for an interview.
On Time is Late!
Aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early for your interview.
Check the Route
Know how to get there before the day of the interview.
Alarm Plan
Set two alarms to make sure you wake up on time.
Teamwork & Safety
Workplace Safety
• Follow all signs and rules.
• Keep walkways clear.
• Report spills or broken items immediately.
• Wear safety gear if required.
Teamwork
• Say "Please" and "Thank you."
• Help others when you finish your work.
• Listen to your supervisor's feedback.
• Stay positive even when things are busy.
Interview Roadmap Flowchart Interview Roadmap
Your step-by-step guide to a great interview!
1
Preparation
Choose your outfit, print your resume, and check your route the day before.
2
Arrival
Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Silence your phone and put it away in your bag.
3
The Greeting
Smile, use eye contact, and say: "Hello, I am [Your Name]. I am here for my interview."
4
The Interview
Sit up straight. Listen carefully to each question. It's okay to take a moment to think!
5
Closing & Thank You
Ask 1-2 questions. Thank the interviewer by name. Send a thank-you note later.
Pro-Tip Checklist:
Eye contact shows confidence.
Take deep breaths to stay calm.
Bring a pen and a copy of your resume.
Job Hunt Journal Worksheet Workplace Readiness
Interviewing & Etiquette Journal
Name:
Date:
1. Making a First Impression
When you first meet an interviewer, what are three things you can do to show you are ready and professional?
1
2
3
2. Being Prepared
Why is it important to arrive 10-15 minutes early for an interview?
List two things you should bring with you to an interview:
3. Dressing for Success
Circle the items that are NOT appropriate for a job interview:
Clean T-shirt
Ripped Jeans
Dress Shoes
Pajamas
Baseball Cap
Pressed Shirt
4. On the Job
You are at work and you finish your tasks early. What should you do next?
A coworker is having a hard time lifting a heavy box. How can you show teamwork ?
5. Workplace Safety
Imagine you see a spill on the floor at your workplace. What are the three steps you should take to stay safe?
1
2
3
Personal Goal
What is one interviewing skill you want to practice more?
Workplace Talk Cards Workplace Talk Cards
Cut these cards out to practice with a partner!
Role-Play
The Greeting
You walk into the office for your interview. The receptionist says: "Hello! How can I help you today?"
Practice: Standing tall, smiling, and stating your name clearly.
Mock Interview
The Strength Question
The interviewer asks: "What is something you are really good at? Why should we hire you?"
Practice: Naming a skill like "I am a hard worker" or "I am always on time."
Problem Solving
The Busy Coworker
Your coworker looks very stressed and is falling behind on their work. What do you say to them?
Practice: Using a kind voice and offering specific help.
Communication
Asking for Help
Your supervisor gives you a task, but you aren't sure how to start. What do you say to them?
Practice: Saying "Could you show me one more time, please?"
Discussion
Running Late
You are on your way to work, but the bus is stuck in traffic. You will be 10 minutes late. What do you do?
Discuss: Who do you call? What do you say when you arrive?
Workplace Rules
Cell Phone Use
You are bored at work and want to check your social media. When is the best time to check your phone?
Discuss: Breaks vs. Working Time. Where should your phone be kept?
Etiquette
The Dress Code
You are working at a grocery store. Your uniform is a polo shirt, but you forgot it at home. What do you do?
Discuss: Being honest with your manager and planning for next time.
Growth
Getting Feedback
Your boss tells you: "You need to sweep the floors a bit faster." How do you react to this?
Discuss: Staying calm, saying "Okay, I will try," and not getting upset.
Work Profile Template My Work Profile
A simplified resume to share my skills!
Full Name
Phone Number
Things I Am Good At (Skills)
Examples: Following directions, being on time, cleaning, helping others, using a computer.
My Experience
List chores, school jobs, or volunteer work you have done.
Job/Task Name Dates
What I did there:
Job/Task Name Dates
What I did there:
Why I Want to Work Career Launchpad Facilitator Guide Teacher Resource
Career Launchpad Guide
Lesson Objective
Students will identify and practice the social, communication, and safety skills necessary for successful employment interviews and professional workplace conduct.
Preparation Checklist
Print Roadmap Flowchart for each student.
Cut and laminate Workplace Talk Cards .
Review Success at Work Slides .
Prepare Work Profile samples.
Instructional Flow
1
Visual Introduction
Use the Success at Work Slides to introduce key concepts. Pause for discussion on professional dress vs. casual attire.
2
The Roadmap
Distribute the Interview Roadmap Flowchart . Model the "Greeting" (Step 3) with a volunteer student.
3
Guided Practice
Break into pairs using the Workplace Talk Cards . Rotate between groups to provide immediate feedback on eye contact and volume.
4
Documentation
Students complete the Work Profile Template to organize their skills for future job searches.
Facilitation Tips
For Different Learners:
Non-verbal students: Use the Talk Cards for visual sequencing or select appropriate responses from a field of three pictures.
Anxious students: Practice "The Greeting" using a puppet or in a one-on-one setting before group practice.
Writing support: For the Work Profile Template , allow students to use stamps, stickers, or dictation to record their skills.
Discussion Starters
"What if an interviewer asks a question and you don't know the answer right away? Is it okay to say 'Let me think for a second'?"
"We talked about arriving early. What happens if your bus is actually broken? Who should you call?"
"Why do we need to follow safety signs even if we've worked at a place for a long time?"
Signs of Progress
Look for these indicators of mastery during role-play:
Student uses a volume appropriate for the setting.
Student waits for the speaker to finish before responding.
Student offers at least one personal skill during the "Work Profile" activity.
Job Detective Activity Job Detective
Searching for the facts in a Job Description!
Name:
Date:
Help Wanted
Shelf Stocker
Sunshine Grocery Store - Downtown Location
The Job:
We need someone to help put groceries on the shelves. You will also help keep the store clean and answer customer questions.
What You Need:
Must be able to stand for a long time.
Must be friendly and say "Hello" to customers.
Must be on time for every shift.
PAY: $15.00 PER HOUR HOURS: SATURDAY & SUNDAY
Answer the Facts:
1. What is the name of the job?
2. Where is the job located?
3. List one thing you have to do at this job:
4. Do you have to work on Mondays? (Circle one)
YES
NO
5. Why do you think being "friendly" is important for this job?