Work Opportunities & Resume Writing

This webpage offers some helpful information for students as they begin working part-time while in school or in the summer. Information is provided covering the following topics:

• State of California Work Permit Application - required for all students under 18
• Understanding Employment
• Resume Writing
• Sample Resume for a High School Student
• Career One Stop Job Resources
• Ziprecruiter Job Resources
• Summer Employment Opportunity
• Helpful Resources on Employment, Training, and Taking a "Gap Year"

Sooner or later, everyone will seek employment. Over one-fourth of all high school students are already working at part-time jobs. About three-fourths of college students work during vacations and/or part-time while on campus. Almost all financial aid packages for college students expect the recipients to work for part of their total expenses. And, of course, some students choose to go to work full-time after graduating from high school.

The following brief description of the labor market is offered as it may be of help for career planning and when seeking one’s first job.

• Unskilled: usually on the lowest end of the pay scale, requires no previous special training and affords little opportunity for advancement; includes such jobs as janitorial, food services, simple sales, simple clerical, etc.

• Skilled: requires special training, usually pays more, and offers advancement; includes such jobs as typing and secretarial, bookkeeping, drafting, mechanical, electronic assembly, cooking, selective sales and services. Most of this training is available in high school business, industrial arts, homemaking, and ROP classes.

• Semi-professional: requires advanced technical training provided in community colleges and private trade schools; starting pay is usually quite good, and there are many opportunities for advancement; includes business and mechanical specialists, health care services, electronic and scientific specialists, data processing, building trades, and repair persons. Refer to “Occupational Programs” in community college catalogs.

• Professional: requires a college degree and often an advanced degree from a graduate school; usually the highest-paying and provides significant opportunities for advancement; includes doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers, business administrators, scientists, architects, dentists, etc.

• Contact the Work Experience Coordinator in the College & Career Center. 
• Job Board in the College & Career Center.
• Student job boards at high schools, colleges, and universities.
• Talk with friends of your parents who are in the business community (networking).
• Go directly to the employment office of a company or business and ask to fill out an application. Leave a copy of your resume.
• Search online for jobs and complete the application online.
• Access a company’s Homepage on the Internet and look for, “Job Opportunities for high school students.

• Be on time. Look your best. “Clean and Neat” is the rule. Don’t over-dress or be too casual.
• Go alone. Take a pen.
• Present a firm, enthusiastic handshake and keep good eye contact with the interviewer.
• Sit with good posture and listen carefully.

• How did you become interested in this type of work?
• How good is your school attendance record?
• What is your best subject in school?
• What are your personal and work goals?
• What do you think qualifies you for this job?
• How well do you get along with people?

• Who will I work with on the job?
• What are the tasks required on the job?
• Are there opportunities for advancement
• What will the hours and wages be?

• When the interview is over, thank the interviewer.
• You may also end with a firm handshake.
• Ask when applicants will be notified. Ask if it is alright to call in a few days, and do so if possible. This shows responsibility and interest for the job.
• Lastly, follow up with a thank you note. This can be done by mail or email.

• Follow all directions thoroughly and with a positive attitude.
• Do not seem unproductive when a task is completed. Seek more to do.
• Be honest. Be reliable. Be prompt (on-time). Don’t leave early.
• When the time comes to seek other career opportunities, give two weeks notice to alert your employer. This gives them time to find a replacement for your position.

1. Identification: Include requested statistics.
2. Experience: List all of the jobs you have held. Items to mention include baby-sitting, yard work, newspaper routes, exploratory experience, work experience, volunteer work, community service, and any significant tasks or projects you may have done without pay for parents or friends.
3. Educational Background: In addition to your present and most recent schools, list any courses you have taken that relate to the kind of work for which you are applying.
4. Activities: List extracurricular activities at school and in the community. Include organizations you belong to, offices held, and honors you have received. Identify your hobbies and interests.
5.  Future Plans: Tell only about the ones that relate to the job for which you are applying.
6.  References: “Available on request” is acceptable on a resume, but do arrange for references. Remember to ask permission to use a person as a reference, and be sure your references are informed about your work skills.

Record your high school activities, awards, volunteer experience, etc. Rearrange your information into multiple printable versions of a resume that you can use to present to potential employers or colleges in the future. Once on Naviance Student, follow these steps:

1. Click the About Me tab.
2. Click the Résumé link under the Interesting My Stuff section.

 

RESUME WRITING WORKSHOP - HOW TO WRITE A RESUME

 

This presentation shares some tips when writing a resume.  Thank you to Mrs. Chasity Knight for this helpful information.  To review, please visit, bit.ly/juniorcareerworkshopmarch17.

 

 

On-the-Job Training:

Frequently companies will train on the job and may require only a high school diploma. Check with individual companies. Apprenticeship programs are offered by trade unions such as the pipefitters, sheet metal and stonemasons unions. For more information on On-the-Job Training, visit www.careeronestop.org/BusinessCenter/TrainAndRetain/FundingEmployeeTraining/on-the-job-training.aspx.

US Job Corps:

Offers programs that provide educational and vocational training. There are seven training centers in California, including one in San Jose and one at Treasure Island. There are also centers in Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. For general information, go to www.jobcorps.gov.

CET (Center for Employment Training):

The Center for Employment Training/Immigration and Citizenship Program offers job training and placement. For more information, visit www.cet-icp.org/#top, or call 1-408-534-5451.

ROCP (Regional Occupational Centers and Programs):

ROCP’s structure is set out to address high levels of unemployment and workforce needs in California. Through statewide programming high school students (16 and older) and adults with entry-level career and technical training. For more information on ROCP’s structure, please visit www.csba.org/en/GovernanceAndPolicyResources/ResearchAndPolicyBriefs/StudentAchievement.

Americorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps): 

This is a ten-month program that offers young people the opportunity to gain experience in a number of areas while helping the environment and/or other people. While in service, you may earn a living stipend, health insurance, and an education award of up to $5,775. For more information, visit www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps, or call 1-800-942-2677.

California Conservation Corps (CCC): 

CCC hires young men and women, 18 to 23, to work for one year on variety or environmental and community projects and to respond to such emergencies as forest fires and floods. California residents not on probation or parole are eligible to participate. For more information, go to www.ccc.ca.gov

GAP-Year (“year-off”) programs:

A gap program is an option that some students take when they are unsure of what to do after high school. During a GAP program, students may learn a new language, volunteer in another country, earn college credit while studying abroad, and more. There are hundreds of gap year programs out there. To learn more, visit www.teenlife.com/category/gap-year/.