Jason,
It sounds like you are offering comprehensive support throughout the process--I'm sure your students really benefit from that!
Elizabeth Kemler
To continually keep them engaged. I offer constructive feedback so that they can continue to try new ways to approach an interview.
I always have them check in with me before and after an interview (If i know they are struggling). That way we can identify potential hurdles to overcome.
I try to continue the learning process.
I also have them set small goals for themselves so that they can have small victories along the way. it helps to distract them from the job search.
Jaclyn,
I agree absolutely; this way of approaching interviews also helps the student to walk in with confidence--just so long as they keep in mind that the onus is on them to impress versus the other way around.
Elizabeth Kemler
I like how this course talks about how the person being interviewed is also in a sense, there to interview the employer. They must see if it is a right fit for both party's. After they have had a few interviews, you could offer to do a mock interview with them to give them feedback on what to do or not do.
Motivation, support and assistance is the key
Marion,
I like this; those kinds of testimonials can be really powerful.
Elizabeth Kemler
I do this by presenting them with testimonials from other people whose job acquisition was not immediate. Sometimes, it is just a loss of perspective why a student would give up hope and become discouraged. I also provide them with various workshops that continue to build on the effectiveness of the previous resume and interviewing skills, so that they can see improvements in their own increased preparation and improved skills.
Robert,
I really like this idea; it's so easy to get discouraged during the job search, it helps to continually refocus on what got us so excited about our chosen profession in the first place.
Elizabeth Kemler
One of the things I stress is to start by focusing on their dream job and using that to build the list of potential employers that they need to pursue. By always bringing their search back to their dream it helps to motivate them.
I also don't want them casting too large a net during their search. They need to make targeted, smart decisions on who they apply to. This will cut down on the rejections.
Katie,
It sounds like you have a very thorough and proactive approach--if you haven't already, I encourage you to share some of your ideas on the discussion board with the other students in this class.
Elizabeth Kemler
We have our gradautes keep track of the different avenues they are using for job searching (ie: Internet, newspaper, walk-ins). We help them with providing job fairs, a list of potential employers, email blasts with job openings when an employer calls the school. We help the grads to look at what has been giving them the best results in their job search. We try to support them, and do what ever we can. We are their cheerleaders and support team, always believe in them, always trying to find a new way to problem solve and always here to listen and to try to help.
I tell them that is not a sprint, it's a marathon. To keep positive and forget about yesterday, only tomorrow counts.
Yolanda,
I love this idea. As you know, the job search can get so discouraging; encouraging the students to work together and support one another while doing something enjoyable must go a long way toward keeping them motivated.
Elizabeth Kemler
In order to prevent students from becoming exhausted, getting exhausted, or giving up on their job search although, I would construct activities that's fun and allow the students to work together in groups in which allow them to encourage each other and share wonderful resources.
Tequilla,
It sounds like you are offering your students some real advantages with all this support-they are indeed fortunate to have you. Social media is definitely a great boon for culinary students who have something tangible to share..and the fact that they can receive positive feedback even when a job does not follow is certainly a help.
Elizabeth Kemler
Specifically with our graduate students, I send out weekly emails with job leads that have come directly to our office that may not be advertised anywhere else. In this economy, the job search struggle is real. I encourage students when I tell them my story of how I searched for months, which turned into years, searching for a job. I let them know that I did not have the added support that they are receiving so with constant communication we build a relationship that encourages them to keep going. Considering that I work with culinary students, I always encourage them to be proactive and business-minded with their job search. Creating a portfolio and utilizing social media are just some of the ways to let people know about their skills and talent. It may not land them a job right away, but it keeps them confident in what they do. They may not receive a phone call for an interview, but 50 "likes" on a Facebook post of a beautiful cake they created or nicely plated entree gives them the added self-esteem boost.
Amanda,
That sounds like a good plan of action.
Elizabeth Kemler
I try and contract the students every few weeks to see how things are going. When I have one that is getting discouraged I ask them to come in and visit with me in person. I try to do mock interviews to see what areas they may be weak in.
suzet,
I agree absolutely on the importance of the skills you highlight here. Role playing too, is so important-there is really nothing better for interview preparation.
Elizabeth Kemler
I would keep my students from becoming exhausted, getting discourage, or giving up on their job search by asking them what are the skills they have to offer? Going over their resume and making sure that they do not leave out special skills from their prevous jobs that can help them get the job they want. Skills such as communication skills, team-work skills, strong interpersonal skills, initiative, and a strong work ethic are those that are most valuable to an employer and should not be left out if applicable. Now, I would also ask for the student to meet with me if he/she is not in the office to do role playing and motivate the students by triggering the negatives and making it a positive.
