Activity 5.2.2 Taking Steps to Explore Employment

Purpose

To prepare for employment opportunities To increase self-confidence

Materials

Handout–Questions to Ask an Employee Flipchart paper, coloured markers/pencils, computer Internet access

Time

12–15 hrs

Method

Part 1: Searching Employment Opportunities

1. Give participants a sheet of flipchart paper and have them design an Exploring Employment Chart with the headings: 1) Potential work, 2) Target places of employment, 3) Resume preparation, 4) Feelings or keywords associated with visit, and 5) Expectations of the workplace.
2. Participants will list at least 10 types of employment under the heading Potential work. Encourage them to list jobs in which they would feel comfortable working.
3. Beside each of the jobs listed, participants should now decide where these employment opportunities could become a reality. Write these under the heading Target places of employment. For example if a dog walker is listed under Potential work, listed under Target places of employment could be local veterinary clinic, local pet store, etc. Facilitators may wish to work with the whole group or divide into smaller groups so participants can brainstorm with each other.
4. Next, beside each potential workplace and under the heading Resume preparation, have participants list the job skills required for the type of work and what the potential employer may be looking for in an employee.
5. Once the charts are completed, have participants use the Internet to research their potential places of employment. Some businesses will have a website that displays key company information as well as contact information. If a business does not have a website, try using the telephone book/yellow pages, ask friends or personal contacts, or look for publications or search job fairs. Participants should write down the contact names and addresses, and all other important information on a sheet of paper which will then be transferred onto a new Exploring Employment Chart.
6. All information gathered from the Internet will then be transferred onto a new sheet of flipchart paper making a chart outlining the major areas: Potential work, Target places of employment, Resume preparation, Feelings or keywords associated with visit, and Expectations of the workplace.
7. Under Potential work, participants will write down the job title; under the Target places of employment, they will list the company name; and under Resume preparation, participants are to list key words that would be required to note as a personal strength to bring to this employer. This should be done for every potential contact.