Job Application Lesson:

Please us the Skills USA Job application and walk students through each segment providing information along the way. Please elaborate on any section where you have personal insight or experience to make this more meaningful for your students.

Basic Job Application Information:

  • If seeking a job always dress appropriately. This will change from business to business and will be different for males and females. (no street clothes)
  • Research the prospective business; know the basics of their products or services.
  • Walk into a business with confidence and a smile on your face.
  • Always introduce yourself by first and last name and with a firm hand shake.
  • Silence your phone and do not use it when in the business.
  • Do not chew gum.
  • Do not go in with a friend.
  • Always have multiple copies of your resume and references with you.
  • Always have a pen (black ink) and paper with you.
  • Be honest with all of your information you include.
  • Print neatly on job application.
  • Fill out all portions of job app; if something does not apply to you put “N/A”
  • Make sure you sign (not print) the bottom of the job app.
  • When finished ask to see a manager or supervisor if possible. Turn in the job application with your resume and references to the manager or other employee.
  • Thank them; and ask if you should check back at a specific time or if you may expect to hear back from them.

Job Application Sections:

Position Applied for-Ask students to be a specific as possible for the position. Common positions for high school students and entry level jobs might be: customer service, cashier, delivery driver, dishwasher, hostess, busboy etc.

If they want to they can also write in their dream career occupation related to media and film production. (camera man, editor, sound engineer etc.)
Basic Info:Write out full legal name (Michael not Mike), home address, and phone number.

Social Security #:Tell students not to put their real number here. I just ask my students to put in x's and explain the importance of confidentiality and a quick blurb on identity theft. If a employer requires that number they can always provide it at a later time if it looks like they might get the job.
Starting Salary: Write in minimum wage or current industry entry level pay. Explain that as an inexperienced worker they will have to work their way up the ladder in hopes of a higher income later.

Full or Part time: Mark what would apply for them; probably part time while attending school.

Date available for work:I have them put "present" which is now, and list after school and weekend hours based on their personal schedule for now.

Skills or Experiences related to the job: Add any relevant info only if it relates to that particular job. Examples would be computer skills in specific areas, proficient in certain software, customer service in previous jobs etc.

Record of Education:

High School: Add full high school name and address. Course of study can be: general ed for basic course work, AP or IB for advanced coursework, CTE coursework and programs etc. Diplomas and degrees: put “in progress” until after graduation, then list hs diploma.
College: N/A unless they have taken any college coursework.
ROP: Add any ROP coursework and programs to this section as appropriate.

Employment History/Volunteer experience:Include any relevant employment history info. If students have not had a paid position yet, have them add any volunteer work or even work in your CTE or ROP program. Tell students that this is this most difficult part of their job app and resume at this point because of limited work experience. Make sure they come up with at least 2 items here even if they have to be creative. Things like yard work for neighbors, house or pet sitting, child care, boy/girl scouts, 4H, tutoring, and coaching can all be valuable items here.

*Remind them that potential employers will expect limited experience at their age, so just be honest. If they cannot come up with 3; just add “N/A” to the 3rd section.

References:Do not include immediate family members or teenaged friends. Ask teachers, past employers, close family friends, coaches, church affiliates etc. if they will be your reference.Typically you want people who you have known for longer periods of time.Only add someone as a reference if you have asked their permission.

Sign and date job application.