Job Ready Mentorship

Having a mentor to help you prepare for the job market as a young adult can be incredibly valuable for your career development. One of the biggest benefits is gaining insight from someone with experience. A mentor has already navigated the challenges of job searching, networking, and career growth, so they can offer you practical advice on how to approach these hurdles. Whether it’s reviewing your resume, helping you prepare for interviews, or guiding you through salary negotiations, their knowledge can help you avoid common mistakes and approach opportunities with confidence.

Another major benefit of having a mentor is the opportunity to expand your professional network. Mentors often have established connections within your industry, which can open doors to job opportunities, internships, and other professional experiences. They can introduce you to people in your field who may be hiring or willing to offer guidance themselves. Networking is a key part of building a successful career, and having a mentor’s support can significantly speed up that process by providing direct access to valuable contacts.

Lastly, a mentor provides motivation and accountability as you work toward your career goals. Entering the job market can feel overwhelming at times, especially when you’re not sure where to start or face rejection. A mentor can offer encouragement and keep you focused on the bigger picture, helping you stay committed to your goals. They can also help you set realistic, actionable steps to achieve your objectives, ensuring you stay on track. Having someone in your corner who believes in your potential and pushes you to succeed can make all the difference in building a successful and fulfilling career.

Curriculum

Week 1: Introduction to the Job Market

  • Objective: Understand what the job market is and how to navigate it.

  • Topics Covered:

    • What is the job market? (industries, types of jobs, full-time vs. part-time)

    • The importance of skills and experience

    • Why starting early is an advantage

    • Setting career goals and identifying areas of interest

  • Activity:

    • Students create a career goals worksheet, identifying their interests, strengths, and the types of jobs they might pursue.

Week 2: Resume Writing and Building

  • Objective: Learn how to create a professional resume, even with limited work experience.

  • Topics Covered:

    • What is a resume and why is it important?

    • How to structure a resume: contact info, education, skills, experience

    • Highlighting volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and any part-time jobs

    • Using action verbs and keeping a clean, professional format

  • Activity:

    • Students create a basic resume, filling in their education, skills, and any relevant experience they have.

Week 3: Job Searching and Applying for Jobs

  • Objective: Learn how to find and apply for job opportunities.

  • Topics Covered:

    • Where to look for job postings (online job boards, company websites, local businesses)

    • How to read job descriptions and match skills to job requirements

    • Tailoring your resume and cover letter for specific jobs

    • Understanding online applications vs. in-person applications

  • Activity:

    • Students research a job they are interested in and draft a cover letter tailored to that job.

Week 4: Interviewing Skills

  • Objective: Learn how to prepare for and perform well in a job interview.

  • Topics Covered:

    • What to expect during an interview: common questions and types of interviews

    • How to answer interview questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)

    • The importance of body language, eye contact, and a confident tone

    • How to ask thoughtful questions at the end of an interview

  • Activity:

    • Students participate in mock interviews with each other or instructors, practicing answering common questions and giving feedback.

Week 5: Professionalism and Workplace Behavior

  • Objective: Understand how to behave professionally in a workplace setting.

  • Topics Covered:

    • The importance of punctuality, communication, and teamwork

    • How to dress appropriately for different work environments

    • Handling workplace challenges: conflict resolution, feedback, and problem-solving

    • The importance of building a good reputation and work ethic

  • Activity:

    • Role-play different workplace scenarios, such as handling conflict with a coworker or receiving constructive feedback from a manager.

Week 6: Networking and Building Professional Relationships

  • Objective: Learn how to network and make connections in the professional world.

  • Topics Covered:

    • What is networking and why is it important?

    • How to make a good first impression

    • Using social media for networking (LinkedIn basics)

    • Maintaining professional relationships over time

  • Activity:

    • Students practice introducing themselves and making connections with others through a "networking event" role-play, exchanging contact information and sharing their career goals.

End-of-Course Project:

  • Final Presentation: Students present their updated resumes, cover letters, and discuss what career field they’re interested in and how they plan to continue building their skills for the job market.