How to Prepare for a Youth Job
You must prepare well in advance if you want to land the dream job as a youth worker. A psychologist and author a blog on mental health recommends that you do as much research as you can about the company and job before interview. If you know nothing about the company, you can easily fake it, or worse, make it look like you didn’t do any research. It will not make you look amateurish trying to fake your way through interviews by doing research on the company and the position.
Career exploration
New York City’s Job Training and Career Exploration Program connects at-risk youth with paid work experience, career exploration opportunities, and workplace skills. These paid, project-based learning activities prepare youth to enter the workforce and give them the skills necessary to succeed in life. This program partners with local employers as well as four-year universities to equip participants with the skills necessary to succeed in their chosen field. The Career Exploration and Job Training Program also includes guest speakers, field trips, and career exploration activities.
The model of career exploration helps youth understand their strengths and interests. It helps them determine what kinds of careers are suitable for them. Personal interest inventories are one way to explore career options. Interviews are another option. To help them find the right work environment, they can also participate in family activities. To help youth determine which careers are right for them, career exploration activities can be part of a youth’s IEP. Families can advocate for these opportunities by connecting youth with potential employers in IEP meetings.
CTE classes
The Foundation of CTE courses include career exploration and life skills planning. Students in 7th, 8th, and 9th grades will benefit from learning about the world of work. They will use this knowledge to plan for their education. During their senior year, all CTE Academy students participate in the Senior Capstone Experience. Students are required to create a portfolio and write a research paper. They also have to prepare an oral presentation. A faculty advisor will help with topic selection and track their progress.
The Perkins V legislation in South Carolina is changing the role of CTE. Through the legislation, the state can support secondary students participating in youth apprenticeships. TRACK has also created a pipeline that will allow students to earn a industry-recognized credential, as well as work experience. After completing the program, students will be eligible for a full Registered Apprenticeship, which is an industry certification program.
Job interview preparation
Even though you may not be able to find a job right now you can still provide real-world examples and skills. You might recall times when you helped your cousins with their chores. You might have been a member of a 4-H club or scout troop. These are great sources of work experiences. You may be required to submit official transcripts depending on the job.
Make sure your teen has a resume. Many interviewers report teens who act weird during the interview. For the duration of the interview, ensure that your teen has his phone with him. Avoid the “deadfish” handshake. This makes you appear nervous and unprofessional. Instead, be firm and polite with your handshakes You should make yourself appear like a candidate for hire.
Networking
Research shows that 70% people who are in their current job got it through networking. By using personal networks and encouraging young people to do the same, parents can help their kids build their professional network and improve their prospects for a successful future. The work environment can also help young people make positive connections that will benefit their happiness in the future. Positive relationships foster natural support for success and increase work motivation. Additionally, the youth will have the chance to explore their local area while extending their social circle.
