Lesson 10: Job Seeking

Name(s) of student(s):

Age and grade level:

Goal from IEP connected to lesson:

Objective from IEP connected to lesson:

Purpose of lesson: Search and apply for available jobs.

Materials needed: Phone, preferred note-taking device, video camera and playback equipment, Internet access

Introduction

“Last time we discussed proper etiquette and attire for various jobs. Today we will look for available jobs, prepare for a possible interview, and you can finally apply!”

Discussion: The Hiring Process

Facilitate the lesson with a motivating discussion such as, “How do you feel about applying for a summer job? What type of people do you hope to work alongside?” Discuss the typical hiring process: Identify open jobs, apply, and interview. Talk about how the interview might be informal, occurring when the student returns a completed application, or it can be scheduled later. If a student is chosen for hire, an hourly wage and start date will be agreed upon.

Discussion: Preparing to Disclose Blindness/ Low Vision

To prepare for an interview, have students consider all the accommodations they need to complete everyday job tasks. Talk about how each student should be prepared to explain his or her eye condition and necessary accommodations to a potential employer to ease any voiced or unvoiced concerns. Talk about the pros and cons of disclosing blindness/ low vision on the application, at the interview, or once hired.

Exercise: Mock Interviews

Conduct mock interviews with each student. Video or audio tape the interviews and allow each student to critique and improve upon his or her responses. Suggested interview questions: What are your strengths? Weaknesses? Why do you want to work for this company? Describe your previous work experience. What is your availability? What are your compensation expectations?

Discussion: Proper Phone Etiquette

Discuss proper phone etiquette, including a friendly tone of voice, saying hello, properly addressing the recipient by name (if known), introducing oneself, asking if the store is hiring, scheduling a day/time for application pick-up if hiring, and saying thank you and goodbye.

Exercise: Finding and Applying to Open Positions

Seek available positions:

  • Begin with phone calls to each student’s desired work locations and facilities that require more employees during the summer months.
  • Drive to retail stores, facilities, clinics, etc., where the student is interested in working. Ask stores if they are hiring and pick up applications.
  • Search online (including social media ads) for hiring notices.
  • Encourage students to announce that they are seeking a summer job to their social networks: family, friends, guidance counselors, doctors, etc.
  • Use the personal data sheet to complete job applications.
  • Promptly return applications in person.

Discussion: Now What?

Talk about the subsequent phases of the process. Hopefully, students will receive one or more calls to set up interviews. If a manager wants to hire a student, discuss appropriate responses to a job offer: expressing thankfulness, asking when the job begins, confirming wage and hours, etc. Discuss potential training periods. There may be job-specific training that is usually paid for by the employer. Orientation and Mobility training can be scheduled if needed. Talk about how to ask for the training a student needs.

Ask students for any questions or concerns about the process.

Review

“Today we prepared for the application and interview process and applied for open positions. Now we wait for responses.”

Progress notes, data collection, comments, modifications: