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Unit 8

Finding and Getting a Job

8.1 Utilize job-search strategies

No matter who you are or what you are interested in, you will, at some point in your life, need to find a job.

We all need jobs so we can receive the income we need to live.
But how do you go about finding a job?
Where do you look?
How do you find the right one?

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Which would you rather have:

a) a casual dress code at work OR

b) a salary that is $5,000 higher?

www.ngpf.org Last updated: 8/30/19

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Click here for more info on this topic

“...one-third of workers said they would rather have a casual dress code than an extra $5,000 in pay each year.”

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Follow Up Questions

Why do you think that dress code is so important to so many employed adults?
Which did you choose and why?
How much do you think it costs to buy work clothes in a more formal business environment?
What if the question was an hour closer commute every day or $5,000 extra?

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Conducting a Self-Analysis

Understand yourself first.
Identify interests, skills, goals, etc.
Brainstorm jobs related to what you’ve learned about yourself.

PD:026 Utilize job-search strategies

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Sources of Job Information

PD:026 Utilize job-search strategies

Government websites
Job board websites
Company websites
Your city or town’s chamber of commerce

Recruiters and employment agencies
Friends, family, and other personal contacts
Professional organizations and clubs
Job fairs and hiring events

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Steps in Conducting a Job Search

PD:026 Utilize job-search strategies

Set professional goals.
Research job opportunities.
Decide what type of job.
Prepare your résumé, cover letter, references, and LinkedIn.
Search job sites.
Search company websites.
Start networking.

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Job-Search Best Practices

PD:026 Utilize job-search strategies

Filter job search.
Ask for help.
Search better.
Sign up for job alerts.
Don’t be afraid to reach out.

Consider using employment services.
Keep track of your job-search process.
Don’t give up!

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Got to your Student Activity Sheet and do the following:

Compile a list of local agencies and resources you could access for employment information. Categorize your findings as print materials, public agencies, private agencies, and online sources; share findings with a small group of students who have similar career interests; add on to your lists; and keep your lists for further use.

Print materials

Public agencies

Private agencies

Online sources

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8.2 Prepare a résumé

Trevor notices a “Help Wanted” sign in the window of his favorite restaurant and is instantly excited because he has been looking for a job.

He walks inside and asks to talk to someone about a position.
Trevor strikes up a conversation with the manager, and things are going great.
They are getting along, and the position sounds like it would be a perfect fit for Trevor’s schedule.
“One last thing,” the manager says as the conversation ends. “Do you have a copy of your résumé?”

Trevor doesn’t have a résumé prepared!

His heart sinks.
He will have to put one together before he can apply for the job.
If Trevor had already created a résumé, he might have been hired on the spot!
Creating a résumé is one of the most important pieces of the job-seeking process.

Who has a resume they can have ready to share with me in 10 minutes?

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What do 92% of adults fear most when to comes to looking for a new job?

www.ngpf.org Last updated: 1/8/19

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The Job Interview

Click here for more info on this topic

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Follow Up Questions

Have you ever had a job interview?

If so, how did it go?
If not, are you worried about going on a job interview?

2. What would worry you about a job interview?

3. What questions do you think employers would ask during an interview for a specific job that you are interested in?

4. What steps do you think are important in preparing for a job interview?

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Purposes of Résumés

PD:031 Prepare a résumé

A written summary of your employment history, education, and other qualifications submitted when you apply for a job
Important first impression
Helps companies identify candidates
Helps candidates attract attention

Purposes of résumés

A résumé is a written summary of your employment history, education, and other qualifications submitted when you apply for a job.

Discussion #1: Ask students to provide other examples of information that should be included in a résumé.

It tells employers everything they need to know about you to determine whether you’d be a good fit for a position.

A résumé is important because it is the first impression that job candidates leave on hiring managers.

Hiring managers use résumés as a screening tool to decide which candidates they want to interview.

Without using résumés, it would be difficult for companies to identify qualified candidates.

It would also be difficult for candidates to attract attention.

Résumés are the best way to promote yourself and highlight your best qualities.

Discussion #2: Ask students what they would include in their résumés to highlight their best qualities.

�

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How To Prepare a Résumé

Keep a record of your work, education, and references.
Decide on an organizational structure and format.
Add:

Contact information
Summary of your qualifications
Employment history
Education
Technical or career-related skills

PD:031 Prepare a résumé

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Best Practices for Preparing a Résumé

PD:031 Prepare a résumé

Use correct, appropriate, and consistent �grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Keep it simple and concise.
Highlight your accomplishments.
Use strong action verbs, numbers, and data.
Optimize your résumé for keyword search.
Use white space, bullet points, bold and italic, �and appropriate fonts.
Be honest.

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Best Practices for Preparing a Résumé

PD:031 Prepare a résumé

Keep references available.

Customize your résumé for each position.
Do not include photos/images.
Provide a link to your digital portfolio/LinkedIn profile.
Keep your résumé up to date and relevant.
Use online templates.
Use an appropriate file format.

Who would be your three references for a job today?

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Got to your Student Activity Sheet and do the following:

Activity:

Select one of the resume templates found here and build your resume: 13 Google Doc Resume Templates. (Select the "Make a copy" under the template you like. When finished, share the resume with your instructor, a parent/guardian, and a classmate to obtain feedback on the content and appearance of the résumé. Make modifications to the résumé as needed.

LINK TO RESUME:

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8.3 Write a letter of application

A company is hiring for a new position, and the HR department has received many résumés.

However, it is having trouble narrowing down the pool of applicants.
Almost all of the résumés are identical.
The candidates all have similar experience, skills, and educational backgrounds.
Ultimately, the candidates who are selected for an interview are the ones who have the best cover letters—or letters of application.
A cover letter can set you apart and truly make your job application stand out.

Sketch out the 5 main parts of what you think are on a cover letter.

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What is the most common career advice that adults give to current high school students?

www.ngpf.org Last updated: 04/03/18

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Specific advice:

Enter a STEM-related field (34%)

General advice:

Follow your passion (33%)

Click here for more info on this topic

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Follow Up Questions

What career advice have you gotten from the adults in your life?

What advice has had the biggest impact on you as you think about your future?

Do you agree with the career advice about "following your passion?" Explain your answer.

Why do you think so many adults recommend that young people pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)?

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Purpose of the Letter of Application

PD:030 Write a letter of application

A brief introduction that is attached to a job application and/or résumé
Sets up the reader to look at your résumé with the most important things in mind
Attracts attention, demonstrates abilities, goes in-depth

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When To Use a Letter of Application

For most job applications
A good idea even when not required
Should be sent with job applications

PD:030 Write a letter of application

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How To Write an Application Letter for a Job

PD:030 Write a letter of application

Research.
Match requirements of job with qualifications.
Note important experiences to highlight.
Add a heading.
Write the introduction.
Write the body.
Write the closing.

How to write an application letter for a job

Research the job and company.

Discussion #3: Ask students why it is important to research the job and the company.

Match the requirements of the job posting with your own qualifications.

Take note of the most important experiences and skills you want to highlight.

Add a heading with both your contact information and the employer’s.

Write the introduction:

Add a polite salutation such as “Dear Mr./Ms. __________.” Include the person’s name if possible; if not, you can use “Hiring Manager” instead.
Mention the job for which you are applying and where you came across it.
Briefly state that you believe you are a great fit for the position and organization.

Write the body:

Briefly summarize your career as it relates to the position.
Explain how you can meet the employer’s needs with your skills and experiences.
Focus on two or three major qualifications that are most relevant.
Use specific examples that prove your success.

Write the closing:

Thank the employer for their time.
Include details for following up.
Close the letter with “Sincerely,” “Best,” or “Thanks,” and sign your name.

Discussion #4: Ask students how they would close their letters of application and why.�

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Best Practices for Letters of Application

PD:030 Write a letter of application

Customize for the job and company.
Use a template or standard format.
One page or less
Single spacing
Do not repeat résumé.
Tell the story of you.

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Best Practices for Letters of Application

PD:030 Write a letter of application

Generate interest.

Refer to a mutual connection.
Use bullets.
Use a traditional, easy-to-use font.
Use appropriate spelling, grammar, and mechanics.
Proofread before sending.

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Got to your Student Activity Sheet and do the following:

Activity:

Here are 5 templates, I am sure you can find others

Pick a business in your area and write a letter of application for a job in which you are interested. When finished, get feedback from one other classmate and then submit. - Link:

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8.4 Complete a job application

When you apply for a job, you will likely have to fill out a job application

Whether you go to a company’s website, attach an application via email, or apply in person, you’ll need to know how to complete the application.
More importantly, you’ll need to know how to fill out the application in a way that gives you the best chance at getting the job.
Read on to learn more about completing a job application.

Why are people nervous when filling out a job application? What can you do to relax?

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Sometimes during an economic slowdown people need to look for jobs. Does a worker's level of education become MORE or LESS important during an economic slowdown (recession)?

www.ngpf.org Last updated: 5/10/20

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Click here for more info on this topic (PDF)

UNEMPLOYMENT RATES IN THE UNITED STATES

Data from the last recession

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Follow Up Questions

What is the relationship between level of education and unemployment rates?
Which group saw the largest jump in unemployment rates between February and April? What jobs does someone without a high school degree have in our modern economy?
Why do you think this relationship exists? Why does more education tend to lead to higher rates of employment?
Your friend says "education isn't worth it" and goes on to use the current situation as an example. "Everyone's getting laid off, so that degree really isn't worth it." Using the data above, agree or disagree with this statement.

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Purpose of a Job Application

PD:027 Complete a job application

Forms that companies use to collect employment information about candidates
Helps employers:

Keep track of information
Evaluate and screen applicants
Obtain references
Confirm work eligibility
Perform background checks
Verify truth of information

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Information Required for a Job Application

PD:027 Complete a job application

Personal information
Educational background
Work experiences
Skills and qualifications
Work eligibility and demographic information
References and/or referrals
Supplemental questions

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What Employers Consider

PD:027 Complete a job application

Experience, education, and skills
Neatness, completeness, and accuracy
Ability to follow directions
Honesty

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How To Complete a Job Application Form

PD:027 Complete a job application

Organize your information �in advance.
Obtain references.
Create an online account.
Fill out your information.
Answer additional questions.
Proofread and submit.

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Job Application Best Practices

PD:027 Complete a job application

Take your time.
Save your work as you go.
Double-check for errors.
Make sure that your résumé matches the application.

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Got to your Student Activity Sheet and do the following:

Activity:

Complete the Sample Job Application form for a job that interests you and submit it to your instructor.

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8.5 Maintain appropriate�personal appearance

How you look and what you wear create the physical image you present to others

An outfit that you love to wear
A new hairstyle to appear your best for an important event
No matter how young or old you are, your appearance affects how you see yourself.
How you see yourself affects how you feel about yourself.
By working to look your best, you can boost your self-concept and self-esteem.
If you look good, you feel good!

What is an internship? Would you need a resume if you applied

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What percent of workers with a college degrees have jobs that could be done from home?

www.ngpf.org Last updated: 5/20/20

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Click here for more info on this topic

62%

College workers more likely to have the option to telework

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Follow Up Questions

What types of jobs can be done from home?
Do you think that the workplace changes that came about due to the coronavirus will persist enabling more people to work from home?
What do you think are the pros/cons of working from home?
Would you want to have a job where you could work from home a few days a week? all the time?

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Personal Brand

The image that you present to the world
Create a “brand” by dressing in a way that shows maturity and self-confidence.

PD:002 Maintain appropriate personal appearance

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Importance of Personal Appearance

Judged based on first impression
Looking good leads to favorable reactions.
Improves your self-confidence, self-concept, and self-esteem
Important factor that influences job interviewer’s perceptions
Leads to job success

PD:002 Maintain appropriate personal appearance

Importance of personal appearance

Your personal appearance—the physical image that you present to others—influences how other individuals view you, even when you initially meet.

You are frequently judged by others on the basis of first impressions.

If you do your best to look good, you are more likely to obtain favorable reactions from others.

You are more likely to improve your self-confidence, self-concept (how you see yourself), and self-esteem (how you feel about yourself).

How you look often makes a difference in how well you do in job interviews.

Interviewers have limited time to make decisions about individuals that they interview.

They rely heavily on their first impressions.

Your appearance, including your clothing and the manner in which you carry yourself, is one of the most important factors that influences their perceptions.

Often, interviewers feel that your appearance reflects not only your attitude but the skills you possess as well.

Discussion #2: Ask students to share a time they have been judged based on their appearance.

�Appearance and job success

As an employee, your appearance reflects the image of the company.

If you look and act like a professional, customers and vendors are likely to think more highly of your business.

Similarly, how you look and how you take care of yourself affect your actual job performance.

By acting and looking like a professional who is serious about his/her job, you can set yourself apart from your coworkers in a positive manner.

As a result, you’re more likely to be the recipient of pay raises and promotions.

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Health and Physical Body

Practice good hygiene.

PD:002 Maintain appropriate personal appearance

Use body language.

Take care of your health.

Health and physical body

You can do several easy things every day to take care of yourself and your body.

Taking a daily shower
Using deodorant
Washing and styling hair
Brushing and flossing your teeth

Discussion #3: Ask students to give an example of their hygiene routines.

These habits and practices are called hygiene.

By developing good, consistent hygiene habits, you can enhance your personal brand both on and off the job.

People also develop opinions of you from your body language, or nonverbal communication.

Your body language can affect your image or brand dramatically.

You should carry yourself so that you appear calm, cool, and collected.

Stand up straight, be aware of your nervous habits so you avoid them, and focus on the person with whom you are speaking.

Let that person know you are interested in what s/he is saying by looking her/him in the eye.

In addition, you need to take care of your body so it’s healthy and you feel well.

If you’re healthy, you can be a better, more productive employee.

Eat a balanced diet
Avoid habit-forming substances
Exercise regularly
Get adequate rest
Take time for relaxation

Discussion #4: Ask students to share what they do to stay healthy.�

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The Importance of Dressing Well

Clothing depends on your job
Ask and observe others.
Follow policies and codes.

PD:002 Maintain appropriate personal appearance

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Making the Most of Your Brand

Develop a hygiene routine.
Assess the situation.
Evaluate the status of your clothes and accessories.
Conduct a final check.
Establish a backup plan.

PD:002 Maintain appropriate personal appearance

Making the most of your brand

You affect your appearance through your actions and by your choices.

As your brand evolves, you’ll probably want to make adjustments to reflect the best you.

When preparing for your work day, consider the following steps to make the most of your personal brand.

Develop a hygiene routine. Failing to practice good hygiene can negatively impact your health and can cause others to form a poor opinion of you.
Assess the situation and select the appropriate outfit and accessories. The situation will dictate how you should dress and present yourself to others. Make sure the outfit is appropriate for your work environment. Your accessories (e.g., jewelry, shoes, bag, etc.) are also important considerations. Makeup should enhance your appearance, not detract from it.
Evaluate the status of your clothes and accessories. Make sure your clothes are free from stains, odors, pet hair, and rips or tears. Bags and shoes should be professional, clean, and polished.
Conduct a final check. Look in the mirror before you go out to make sure everything is in place. Start from the top of your head and move down.
Establish a backup plan. Accidents happen. Keep this in the back of your mind, and select a backup outfit in case of emergency.

Discussion #5: Ask students to share their morning routines.

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Got to your Student Activity Sheet and do the following:

Activity:

Think of a job that you would like to intern at. Assume they are going to pay you and you will earn a high school credit at the same time. Locate attire that you would wear to an interview. You may have it in your closet OR you may have to research it online. Paste photos of your outfit here: Explain why you chose this outfit for your job.

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8.6 Interview for a job

Few things in life are as important—and nerve-racking—as a job interview.

However, there is no reason to be afraid of a job interview if you prepare effectively and have confidence.
Read on, and you’ll be sure to wow the interviewers and snag the job of your dreams.

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You can’t text or type a job interview!!!�What is the preferred method of communication for 13-17 year olds? Social media, texting or in-person?

www.ngpf.org Last updated: 12/2/18

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Texting

Click here for more info on this topic

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Follow Up Questions

What is your preferred method of communication? Explain.

How do you think these percentages will change by 2023?

What are situations where in-person communication might be more effective than texting or social media?

Do you think these preferences will impact communication patterns in the workplace in the future? Explain.

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What To Wear

Formal attire
Well-fitted and free of wear or stains
Not revealing or tight
Simple accessories
Dark, neutral colors

PD:028 Interview for a job

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Appropriate Behavior

PD:028 Interview for a job

Firm handshake
Direct eye contact
Stand to introduce yourself.
Be polite, respectful, friendly, and outgoing.
Maintain an upright posture.
Refrain from fidgeting.

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Appropriate Behavior

PD:028 Interview for a job

Keep your phone away.

Speak slowly and clearly.
Do not smoke or chew gum.
Stay positive.
Avoid controversial topics.

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The Interview Process

PD:028 Interview for a job

Research.
Prepare.
Practice.
Arrive early.
Introduce yourself.
Establish rapport.
Answer questions.

Demonstrate skills.
Thank interviewers.

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Questions To Expect

PD:028 Interview for a job

Tell me about yourself/your background.
What are your goals?
What made you want to apply for this job?
What are your greatest strengths �and weaknesses?
What is one success that you are �proud of?
What is the biggest challenge you �have had to overcome?

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Questions To Expect

How do you manage your time?

PD:028 Interview for a job

How do you handle stress?
What is your work style?
Whom do you admire?
Describe your current job and why you left/want to leave.

Select one question and answer it

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Questions To Ask

PD:028 Interview for a job

What is the company culture like?
What is the job like on a daily basis?
What are the most important qualities you are looking for in a candidate?
Are there opportunities for growth?
What do you like the most and least about your job?
What are the organization’s goals and expectations?
What are the next steps in the interview process?

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Got to your Student Activity Sheet and do the following:

Activity:

You will participate in a mock job interview for a job that interests you and obtain feedback from the teacher - Provide your teacher with your job application that you created above.

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8.7 Write a follow-up letter �after job interviews

Your job interview is finally complete after weeks of preparing.

You smile, thank your interviewers, and shake their hands one last time.
You can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Now, you can sit back, relax, and wait…right?
Not quite.
After you interview for a job, there’s one more step you can take to demonstrate that you’re the best candidate.
Read on to learn more about writing a follow-up letter after a job interview.

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What are the top five jobs that 15 year olds expect to be doing by the age of 30?

www.ngpf.org Last updated: 2/16/2020

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Click here for more info on this topic

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Follow Up Questions

What job do you hope to be doing when you are 30 years old?
Which jobs listed above have the greatest difference between boys and girls?

Which do boys choose more girls?
Which do girls choose more than boys?
Can you explain these difference?

Why do you think the top choices worldwide haven't changed much over the past 18 years since the last survey?

Do you think the world of work has changed in that period?

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Why Write a Follow-Up Letter?

PD:029 Write a follow-up letter after job interviews

Competitive job market
Stand out from other applicants
Demonstrate dedication, professionalism, and commitment
Show appreciation
Say what you didn’t �get to say

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What To Include

PD:029 Write a follow-up letter after job interviews

Thank employers.
Express interest and enthusiasm.
Include specific details and key points.
Remind why you’re the �best candidate.
Repeat relevant �experiences and skills.
Relate to ideal candidate.
Include additional information.

What to include in a follow-up letter

In your follow-up letter, you should thank the employers for the opportunity to interview.

You should express your interest and enthusiasm for the position and company.

Include specific details or key conversation points that excite you the most.

Then, remind the employer why, based on your conversation, you are the best candidate for the job.

Repeat your most relevant experiences and skills.

Relate them to the qualities of an ideal candidate expressed in the interview.

Also, you should include any additional information about yourself or the position that you did not have the chance to bring up during the interview.

Finally, close out the letter by stating that you are looking forward to hearing from them soon regarding the position.

Discussion #2: Ask students if they have ever written a follow-up letter after an interview. If so, what did they include?

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Best Practices for Writing a Follow-Up Letter

PD:029 Write a follow-up letter after job interviews

Short and to the point
Professional and polite
Contact information
Consistent format �and layout
Send within 24–48 hours
Email is quickest

Send to HR and hiring manager
Personalize

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Got to your Student Activity Sheet and do the following:

Activity:

Develop a follow-up letter after participating in the previous day’s mock interview. Share with a classmate to obtain their recommendations about how to improve the letter’s content to better appeal to an employer.

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8.8 Describe techniques for obtaining work experience (e.g., volunteer activities, internships)

Jordan has applied and interviewed for a summer job with a landscaping company.

He knows that his friend Halle is up for the same position.
A few days after the interview, Halle tells Jordan that she got the job, and Jordan receives an email saying that another candidate was selected instead of him.
Jordan is upset that Halle was given the job over him, so he decides to call the company.
When he asks the hiring manager why he was not selected, she tells him that the other candidate has more experience.
Jordan remembers that Halle has spent the last few summers volunteering with a charity that does landscaping for the elderly.
No wonder she got the job!
Jordan knows that he needs to start getting some work experience if he wants to find a good job.

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How many fewer teens took summer jobs in 2020 during the Covid-19 Pandemic?

ngpf.org 4/9/21

Q:

Career

QUESTION OF THE DAY

View blog post

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A:

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Career

1.8 million fewer teens worked in summer 2020

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS

Do/did you have a summer job?
How did you get the job? or Why didn’t you get a job?
What did you learn from the experience?
What factors might have impacted a teen taking a summer job in 2020? Why is this important?

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Why is this happening

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Why Employers Seek Experienced Workers

PD:032 Describe techniques for obtaining work experience (e.g., volunteer activities, internships)

More practice = better workers and less training
Proves capabilities and skills
Lack of experience is risky.

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Activities as Work Experience

Sports
Clubs
Music and arts
Competitive events
Volunteering
Helping your family around the house
Student government or other leadership experience
Personal projects

PD:032 Describe techniques for obtaining work experience (e.g., volunteer activities, internships)

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How To Obtain Work Experience

Internships
Volunteering
Leadership in teams, clubs, and school
Family and friends
Start your own business
Entry-level job

PD:032 Describe techniques for obtaining work experience (e.g., volunteer activities, internships)

How to obtain work experience

You can take several steps now to gain work experience, even before you interview for your first job.

You can seek an internship, which is training in which schools and businesses cooperate to provide on-the-job practice for learners.

Your school might be able to set you up with an internship in a career field that interests you.

You can also call local businesses and ask them if they would be willing to hire you as an intern.

Internships are sometimes unpaid, but you can receive credits as well as valuable work experience.

Discussion #3: Ask students to share the companies at which they would like to complete internships.

Another way to get work experience is to volunteer.

Charities and nonprofits are always looking for people to help.

Think about ways that your skills could be useful to an organization, and offer those skills to support a cause you support.

Discussion #4: Ask students if they volunteer, and if so, where and what they do.

Take on leadership roles on your teams, in your clubs, and at school.

Being a leader shows initiative and responsibility.

You’ll gain organizational, communication, and time-management skills that are important to employers.

Discussion #5: Ask students what leadership roles they have taken on and how those opportunities have prepared them for jobs.

You can also ask your family and friends to help you obtain work experience.

A small, family-owned business is a great place to gain skills and learn on the job.

If anyone you know owns a business, they might be willing to let you observe or even give you a few tasks at the office.

Simply being around a business can give you valuable insights and experience.

Another way to gain experience is to start your own business!

If you enjoy making bracelets, baking cookies, knitting scarves, or creating videos, you might be able to turn your interest into a job.

Future employers will be impressed with your initiative, and you’ll learn a lot of basic workplace skills.

Discussion #6: Ask students what type of businesses they would start.

Some companies will hire people with little or no experience for entry-level jobs.

Some of these could be fast-food restaurants, grocery stores, and retail shops.

While these might not seem like the most glamorous jobs to you, you’ll gain valuable experience from them.

The skills you obtain will set you up for success in future job-searching.

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Got to your Student Activity Sheet and do the following:

Activity:

Identify three opportunities for volunteer activities in the local community; analyze the activities to determine what skills and knowledge used in the activities would be useful in the workplace; Write out your analysis here:

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8.9 Explain the need for ongoing education as a worker

Are you looking forward to the day when you finally finish school and graduate with the degree you want?

Even when your time as a student comes to an end, that doesn’t mean that you should stop learning.
No matter what your future job is, you’ll need to continue your education.
Why?
Read on to find out

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What percent of Americans do not receive a steady paycheck?

ngpf.org 4/21/21

Q:

Career

QUESTION OF THE DAY

View blog post

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Career

30%

“1 in 10 adults overall say they struggled to pay their bills at least once in the prior year due to varying income.”

A:

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Source: Federal Reserve

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FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS

What are ways that workers can “smooth over” those periods where they are earning a smaller paycheck?
If this is the “new normal” for employment, how should you think about your largest fixed monthly expenses (rent, car payment, etc.)?
What are some “side hustles” people do to supplement their incomes?

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Benefits of Ongoing Education

PD:033 Explain the need for ongoing education as a worker

Adapt to changes.
Be efficient, engaged, and flexible.
Be happier and better at your job.
Progress up the career ladder.
Transition into a �new career.

Benefits of ongoing education

Many employers expect their employees to continue learning new skills and knowledge.

Even when employers do not require it, continuing education is important to job success.

As technology changes, the skills you learned in school will become outdated, and the nature of your job could change.

Continuing education helps you adapt to those changes.

Discussion #1: Ask students if they can think of any examples of changes in technology that would require ongoing education.

Employees who have the opportunity to learn are more likely to be efficient, engaged, and flexible.

They’re also more likely to be happy with their employer if they have access to learning opportunities.

If you continuously learn, you’ll be better at your job, which is better for the company, too.

Ongoing education also helps you learn as you progress up the career ladder so you will be prepared for the next step.

And, if you decide to enter a new career field, you can learn the skills you need for a successful job transition.

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Types of Training Provided by Companies

New-hire development programs
Instructor-led seminars
Online courses or modules
Webinars
Simulations, role-playing, and hands-on training
Coaching/Mentorship

PD:033 Explain the need for ongoing education as a worker

Conferences
Tuition reimbursement
Subscriptions to professional publications

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External Sources of Employee Training

Online courses
Universities and colleges
Online lessons and tutorials
Networking events
Workshops and lectures
Volunteering
Job shadowing and mentoring

PD:033 Explain the need for ongoing education as a worker

Industry publications
Simulations and demonstrations
Webinars

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When Employees Need Training

PD:033 Explain the need for ongoing education as a worker

Regularly
When employees are new
When changes occur
When moving up or to different departments
When struggling

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Got to your Student Activity Sheet and do the following:

Activity:

Your instructor may invite a training manager from a local business, the director of continuing education from a community college, technical institute, or four-year institution to talk with the class about the need for ongoing education as employees OR have you view this video on the Importance of CE. Document 5 key points you learned from the presenter or video.

5.

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8.10 Explain possible advancement patterns for jobs

Two years ago, Madison started her first full-time job as a customer service representative.

She likes her job, but she has been doing the same tasks for a while, and she’s ready for a change.
However, Madison does not know what to do next.
She isn’t sure what other options are available for someone in her career field.
Madison needs to know the advancement patterns associated with her job.
When you get a job, you’ll need to know about the advancement opportunities so you can plan for the future you want.

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Does a new job or advancement, mean you have to move? �In the 1950s and 60s,

about __ in 10 Americans

moved to new places while in 2019,

__ in 10 Americans moved.

www.ngpf.org Last updated: 5/2/20

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Click here for more info on this topic

In the 1950s and 60s, about 2 in 10 Americans moved to new places

while in 2019, 1 in 10 Americans moved.

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Follow Up Questions

Has your family moved at all since you were born? If yes, how many times?
Why do you think that people move so much less than they did 60-70 years ago?
Given the current economic challenges, do you think that people will be more willing to move to find work?
Do you think that young people (18-24) move at higher or lower rates than this national average?

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Jobs, Careers, Occupations

PD:034 Explain possible advancement patterns for jobs

Occupation: broad term that includes an employment sector or a category of jobs
Job: the current position in which you work or hope to work
Career: a series of jobs that builds toward a sense of achievement

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The First Job

Entry-level position
Build foundation of skills and knowledge
Chance to set up future success

PD:034 Explain possible advancement patterns for jobs

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Job Promotion Opportunities

When employee advances from one job to another

Higher salary
Better title
More responsibilities

Opportunities arise for variety of reasons
Seniority is key

PD:034 Explain possible advancement patterns for jobs

Job promotion opportunities

If you work hard at your job and achieve goals, you will likely have the opportunity for a promotion.

A job promotion occurs when an employee advances from one job to another that has a higher salary, a better title, and more responsibilities.

Promotion opportunities may arise for many reasons.

An employee may leave the company or take a new position, and a lower level employee may be promoted to take his/her place.

A company can reorganize, shifting responsibilities and opening the door for promotion opportunities.

Sometimes, employees exceed expectations and become so valuable to an organization that they are granted promotions based on their actions.

Many times, promotion opportunities are based on seniority—the amount of time an employee has worked for a company.

The more seniority, the more likely the employee is to be considered for a promotion.

Discussion #3: Ask students if they have been considered for a promotion at work, or if they know anyone who has received a promotion.

Sometimes, it may be necessary for employees to leave their current workplaces to be promoted.

There may be no opportunities available, or the company may not offer the employee the training and experiences they need to grow into a higher level role.

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Promotion Opportunities Among Occupations

PD:034 Explain possible advancement patterns for jobs

Financial analysis: Junior financial analyst, senior financial analyst, treasury manager, chief financial officer
Sales: Sales representative, sales specialist, �account manager, sales director
Advertising: Junior copywriter, senior copywriter, �creative director
Human resources: HR assistant, HR generalist, �HR manager, vice president of HR

Promotion opportunities among occupations

Promotion opportunities available vary greatly depending on the occupation and the industry. However, some situations require training more than others.

It’s a good idea to consider the path your career might take.

Here are a few examples of the occupational fields with the best promotion opportunities and a possible advancement pattern in that field:

Financial analysis: Junior financial analyst, senior financial analyst, treasury manager, chief financial officer
Sales: Sales representative, sales specialist, account manager, sales director
Advertising: Junior copywriter, senior copywriter, creative director
Human resources: HR assistant, HR generalist, HR manager, vice president of HR

Discussion #4: Ask students to share other examples of job advancement patterns.�

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Got to your Student Activity Sheet and do the following:

Activity:

Explore a local trade group, professional association, and/or college career services office to obtain information about advancement opportunities for the career you desire. Create a simple timeline that depicts the typical advancement pattern for that career that you want to pursue.