Introduction

Preparing high school students for the real world involves teaching them essential skills, such as applying for a job. This blog post will outline a no-prep activity that educators can use to help students learn the job application process and develop valuable social-emotional skills. We will also provide discussion questions, related skills, and next steps to further support students in their journey.

No-Prep Activity

The “Job Application Role-Play” activity requires no materials or preparation from the educator. In this activity, students will pair up and take turns playing the roles of a job applicant and a hiring manager. The applicant will practice filling out a mock application form, while the hiring manager will ask questions and provide feedback. This activity will help students gain confidence in their job application skills and improve their communication abilities.

1. Divide students into pairs.
2. Assign one student in each pair the role of a job applicant and the other student the role of a hiring manager.
3. Ask the job applicants to pretend they are applying for a position they are interested in (e.g., summer camp counselor, part-time dishwasher).
4. Have the hiring managers ask the applicants questions about their experience, qualifications, and availability.
5. Encourage the job applicants to practice answering questions confidently and professionally.
6. After 10-15 minutes, have students switch roles and repeat the process.

Discussion Questions

These discussion questions are designed to stimulate further conversation and reflection among students:

1. What challenges did you face during the role-play activity, and how did you overcome them?
2. How do you think your communication skills can impact your chances of getting a job?
3. What strategies can you use to make a strong first impression during a job interview?
4. How can you tailor your job application to better align with the specific position you’re applying for?
5. Why is it important to follow up with potential employers after submitting an application?

Related Skills

Developing job application skills is just one aspect of preparing students for future success. Other relevant skills for students include:

• Resume writing: Crafting a well-organized and professional resume can help students stand out to potential employers.
• Interview preparation: Practicing common interview questions and learning effective communication techniques can increase students’ confidence during job interviews.
• Networking: Encouraging students to build connections with peers, teachers, and professionals can open up job opportunities and provide valuable support.
• Time management: Learning to balance work, school, and personal responsibilities can help students succeed in both their professional and personal lives.

Next Steps

To further support your students in developing job application skills and other social-emotional competencies, consider signing up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech. These resources will provide you with additional activities, lessons, and strategies to help your students grow and succeed in their future endeavors.