Employability Skills for the 21st Century Section JG

VHS Catalog 12-13

Course Title:	Employability Skills for the 21st Century Section JG
Course Code:	ployabjg
MA NCES Code:	22152
Discipline:	Life Skills/Health
Grade Level:	07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12
Level:	Standard
Offering:	Repeated Semester (Fall: 25 Seats; Spring: 25 Seats; )
Duration:	15 weeks
Prerequisites:	Basic word processing/keyboarding
Additional Requirements:
Accredited by:	Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools; Northwest Accreditation Commission
Course Requires a Media Kit to be Shipped to Students: Yes
Course Requires a Media Kit to be Purchased by Course Sponsor (see additional details below): Yes
Description: Possessing top-notch job-searching skills is highly essential in today’s global work environment. This course teaches you fundamental job-seeking skills including how to develop an effective resume, complete a job application, and prepare for an interview. You will also learn how to thrive and survive in today’s highly competitive global marketplace. This course may be appropriate for Gifted and Talented middle school students that meet all course prerequisites.

MediaKit Contents:
The Job Hunting Handbook*
Note: an * indicates an item that should not be returned at the end of the semester.

Syllabus:
Weekly Course Content - Employability Skills
Review policies, procedures, and expectations.
Understand the role of the teacher.
Learn how to communicate with the teacher and other students.
Understand the grading procedures.

Week 1-Objectives
Create your Homepage and read the Homepage of other students.
Get to know the other students in your course.
Browse web sites related to careers.
Create your own career profile.
Participate in class discussions.
Complete the introductory survey.

Week 2-Learning About You
Determine the abilities, interests, goals, and skills you have.
Learn to write a thoughtful reading summary.
Discover the types of career and/or job that fits your skills and interests.

Week 3-Creating a Resume
Learn why a resume is an important tool when seeking a job.
Learn what makes a resume look appealing.
Learn the major categories listed on a resume.
Create a resume.
Research web sites related to career skills.

Week 4-Reflecting on Resumes
Reflect objectively on the resume created from Week 3.
Enter into a meaningful discussion on Evaluating Resumes.
Review several resumes in a focused activity.

Week 5-Using Reference Sheets
Understand the importance of obtaining good references.
Understand the major sections of a reference sheet.
Create a reference sheet.

Week 6-Marketing Yourself
Understand the four major methods for finding job openings.
Understand the concept of the “hidden job market.”
Learn how to get an interview.
Complete all activities as outlined in Week 6.

Week 7-Understanding the Job Interview
Understand the importance of the job interview.
Learn how to be prepared for a job interview.
Learn the importance of creating a good impression during the job interview.
Understand the job interviewing process.

Week 8-Considering First Impressions
Learn the importance of demonstrating a positive first impression.
Learn how to create a positive first impression when going for a job interview.
Complete all activities as outlined in Week 8.

Week 9-Working With Cover Letters and Job Applications
Learn the importance of creating positive cover letters to accompany a job application.
Create a cover letter.
Create a thank you letter following an interview.

Week 10-Developing Phone Contacts
Learn the importance of using phone contact in the job-hunting process.
Create a phone script to use when making potential job phone contacts.
Complete all activities as outlined in Week 10.

Week 11-Completing Job Applications
Learn the importance of job applications in the job-hunting process.
Demonstrate understanding by completing job application forms.
Complete all activities as outlined in Week 11.

Weeks 12 and 13-Learning About Interviewing
Understand the interview process.
Practice interviewing.
Understand the importance of conducting follow-up after an interview.
Learn to compare job offers.
Learn how to avoid job search stumbling blocks.
Complete all activities as outlined in Weeks 12 and 13.

Week 14The Job Will You Get It?

Week 15 Course Wrap Up
Organize your Employability Skills Portfolio for use in job hunting.
Reflect on the importance of all pieces of creating successful employability skills.
Complete all activities as outlined in Weeks 14 and 15.

Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, students will:
a. Become familiar with the global marketplace including how jobs are created;
b. Learn how to select an occupation of interest;
c. Learn the secrets to getting the job you want;
d. Learn what a resume is as well as how to develop a positive resume;
e. Learn how to obtain an interview including using the phone as a follow-up tool;
f. Understand the importance of references;
g. Learn the importance of completing a job application and accompanying cover letter by completing one;
h. Learn how to dress properly for a job interview;
i. Learn how to conduct a successful job interview by practicing;
j. Learn proper procedure following a job interview.

This catalog description was last modified on 05/23/2012