Amy,
And they're lucky to have you :)
Elizabeth Kemler
Thank you, Elizabeth! I feel so lucky to be able to support our students at such an important time in their lives and to watch their dreams come true.
Amy,
You clearly have all the bases covered when it comes both to preparing your students for the job search and equipping them with the tools needed to succeed once they find a job. You sound like a dedicated and inspirational teacher Amy-best of luck to you with your work.
Elizabeth Kemler
I work very closely with students, especially when they're still in school, to prepare them for their job searches. We review their resumes and cover letters and edit them where needed so they feel proud of them, we do mock interviews so they feel comfortable with the process and how they will answer questions that could be asked, we invite employers and grads into their class to talk to them about what they seek in candidates, I send them weekly "inspirations" to support them during their final term, I meet with them to help strategize their job searches and I send their resumes out to employers they're interested in, and I follow up with employers and students for their feedback. I most definitely take the role of coach. My goal is to have as many of our students as possible accept job offers by graduation. When students begin their job search and interviewing before their training is complete, the excitement of being offered jobs spills over to the other students since no one wants to be left behind. The energy of the class as a whole becomes one of moving forward into their new careers, they see how fellow classmates are doing it, and it helps propel some of our students out of their fears. Very exciting! It's a win-win for our students, employers, and school. Secondarily, our early placement rates become a draw to candidates thinking about attending our school, which helps the admissions process.
Cinthia,
Yes, its always a good idea to encourage students to focus on success stories and what is possible.
Elizabeth Kemler
Encouraging students to be positive and look at examples of people who have gotten a job even thought we have a bad ecomomy.
Arlissa,
I really like your idea..its very easy to get discouraged in this job market and focusing on accomplishments, however seemingly small, helps to keep us motivated.
Elizabeth Kemler
Advise them to create a chart to review the results they have seen so far. Often times, students will only focus on the negatives and forget about positives, such as the number of interviews they were able to schedule. It is better to have a resume that consistently creates interest so you can focus on improving your interview and negotiating skills to get the right offer.
I encourage my students to be recognizing that there is not one set way to job search. Sometimes applying for the job directly, isn't always efficient. Using their own sense of networking and thinking outside the box is effective. Personal friends,social media and networking will bring the employers to you.
Karen,
I think the regular contact is really helpful for keeping students on track and inspired to keep going. And certainly focusing on any positive feedback will give them an extra boost.
Elizabeth Kemler
Staying in constant communication with them and sharing positive feedback given by employers during their interviews, even if they weren't chosen for the job.
Sharon,
It's certainly a good thing to keep on top of them-making sure they send out lots of resumes. I'm wondering though, beyond that, what kinds of things you do to keep them motivated, and from losing hope. Perhaps something like sending out inspiring emails every week.
Elizabeth Kemler
By keeping in touch with them on an one on one basic I have my student call me once or twice a week to let me know how many resume they have sent out or drop off, I let them know that the goal is 10 per week, yes sometime it get overwhelming, but we have to keep it going until we get result, my theme for my student is See Ya At The TOP...can't afford to stop, and when they see one student that received a job offering that will make them want to keep pushing...
Mary,
This is really fantastic-so thorough and supportive. I'm sure this makes a huge difference in your students level of confidence and motivation.
Elizabeth Kemler
I speak to my unemployed graduates every week. I have them tell me what they have done this week, who they have spoken too and enquire about how things went. If they are not getting any calls for interviews I have them come see me and we work on their resumes to see why they are not getting any bites. If they are getting interviews but not landing the positions I offer to have employers in the community give them mock interviews, then the interviewer will directly supply them with feedback on how they may be a better interviewer.
I give alot of pep talks and support them anyway I can. Though I don't make a practice of it, I have even given gas money for someone to travel to an interview.
LUIS,
This sounds like a great approach. I'm sure that your ongoing support helps your students a great deal.
Elizabeth Kemler
i contacted them every three weeks, i try to encourage them to continue their search, and not to give up, i go through everything they did and try to revitalize and help them to get through, explain them that these are no easy times, it is awful economy, but eventually if they try hard they will get what they are looking for..it is a matter of persist and doing it better the next time.
Luis SIlvi
Paulette,
Engaging with students in this way and staying on top of their progress will surely go a long way toward facilitating their success in finding and keeping a job they can feel good about.
Elizabeth Kemler
Paulette,
I've also been suggesting that people try to do the mock interviews on a regular basis over a period of time with the interviewer played by different people.
Elizabeth Kemler
I agree with Gary. Mock interviews with students who seem to be struggling with some aspect of the interview process is invaluable. You have the opportunity to coach them with specific interview questions, mannerisms, and polish their presentation to help them build that self confidence that might be missing.
