Career Related Learning Experiences Job Shadows JOB SHADOWS Informational Interviews and Career Days

What is a Job Shadow, Informational Interview or Career Event? Job Shadows provide a one-time opportunity for a student to spend 3-5 hours observing the work of one or more volunteers in a business setting. Information interview is used when a job shadow is not available. A student will spend 1 to 1 ½ hours speaking with an volunteer about their career. Career Day event consists of multiple volunteers sharing about their career in a speed mentoring style.

Do I have to do a job shadow,informational interview or career event? YES ! Every student is required to complete a career related learning experience during his/her high school career. Without one, you will not be able to graduate.

How do I apply for a Job Shadow? Submit a one page resume and a Job Shadow request form to the Career Center. Carefully read and fill out the entire request form. The request form must be completely filled out or it will not be accepted. You will be called down to the Career Center to pick up your Job Shadow assignment as soon as a placement is made.

When you are called down to the Career Center, you will receive a job shadow packet that includes: A print out of your Job Shadow assignment Parent Permission Form Appointment Confirmation Form Career Research Worksheet Business Dress Code Form (if required by the business)

What do I need to do after I pick up my job shadow assignment? Contact your host to set up the date and time for your Job Shadow, immediately!!

You’ll also need to… Fill out your Appointment Confirmation form and Career Research Sheet. Return them both to the Career Center by the due date on the Appointment Confirmation form.

IMPORTANT!!! If you do not arrange the date and time for your Job Shadow and turn in your Appointment Confirmation form by the due date, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR JOB SHADOW OPPORTUNITY!!

On the day of your job shadow, you are expected to: SHOW UP!! If you do not show up you will lose your job shadow opportunity!! You will have to find your own opportunity.

FYI… If you get sick or cannot make your scheduled appointment, it is your responsibility to call your volunteer ahead of time to let him/her know that you can’t make it. If you need to cancel your job shadow, you must call the volunteer within one week to reschedule. Every effort should be made to keep your original appointment. Job Shadows should only be rescheduled if absolutely necessary.

On the day of the Job Shadow, you are expected to: Dress according to the company’s dress code. If you don’t know what it is…find out! Some businesses have a very specific dress code. It is your responsibility to know what it is. Please keep in mind that what you wear at school and home may not be appropriate for the workplace. If you are not dressed appropriately you may be asked to leave, and you will lose your job shadow opportunity!

Ladies: What NOT to wear! Tank tops (including tube tops, halter tops, etc.) Short skirts Shorts Jeans Flip-flops

Examples of what to wear: Tops that cover the midriff Longer skirts Khaki’s or dress pants Jacket/blazer Nice shoes/clean tennis shoes when acceptable to volunteer.

Gentleman: What NOT to wear! T-shirts that have logos or writing Jeans Pants that are baggy or too big Shorts Tank tops Flip-flops

Examples of what to wear: Khakis or other nice pants Polo shirt Dress shirt Nice shoes/clean tennis shoes

REMEMBER!!! If you are not dressed appropriately and are asked to leave, you will lose your job shadow opportunity!

On the day of the Job Shadow you are expected to: Plan ahead and & arrive at least 10 minutes early!! BE SURE YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING!

Bring the following items with you: Career Research Sheet Dress Code Form (if required) Volunteer Evaluation of Student-form Pen and paper for notes List of questions to ask your host that YOU have prepared.

Job Shadow Etiquette Ask for and greet your host with a smile and a firm handshake. Represent yourself well- be respectful, attentive, & polite. Be engaged in the experience. Interact with your host- ask lots of questions!. Thank your host for having you!

Final Steps… Ask your host to sign your evaluation form- you’ll need their signature to receive credit. Turn your job shadow evaluation form in to the Career Center.

FYI… ALL NO SHOWS WILL BE REPORTED TO THE CAREER CENTER.

REMEMBER!!! Failure to follow through will result in the loss of your job shadow and future School to Work opportunities.

LAST but not least…. Write a “Thank You” letter to your volunteer. Let him/her know how much you appreciate the opportunity to shadow with them.

That’s it!