Unit Spotlight: Applying for a job

By Marta Dibell

This excerpt was taken from a 5 week Unit where the students formed a company within the classroom. During this time, students learn to search for jobs, write a resume, and actually go through the process of applying and interviewing for a position within a fictitious company they have created.

For detailed lesson plans, contact martadibell@yahoo.com or phone (909) 594-1333 ext. 381 with your snail mail address.

Sources:

Using the INTERNET to Enhance Your Foreign Language Instruction (Grades 6-12): resource handbook by Margaret Azevedo
You’re Hired! Book Two: Getting the Right Job, by Clark, Mahaffy, St. John, and Weihmann
Make Your Mark in Retail Jobs by Grebel and Pogrund
Vocabulary in Use: Upper Intermediate by McCarthy, O’Dell

Strategies for Dynamic Vocabulary Building in Content-Based Second-Language Classrooms, by Kate Kinsella, Ed.D.

Part 1: Resume Writing — allow 5 days

The Internet may be used to simply find a variety of sample resumes, tutorials, or to actually publishing a resume on the web. (Be cautious of publishing anything when minors are involved!)

(This lesson may be adapted for use by a teacher with an Internet connection at home, or by a teacher with access to any number of computers in the classroom.)

Begin by

Passing out copies of sample resumes (or viewing on-line) and discuss the format and elements with the class
Discuss resume vocabulary (which may be viewed on-line, but is a little overwhelming.)
Pass out copies of adapted resume worksheets and begin resume writing

Internet Resources:

http://www.monster.com

http://www.jobweb.org/catapult/guenov/res.html

http://www.cofc.edu/~chem/seminar/resume.html

http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/memorial/exploring/5resume.html

Part 2: Job Exploration

What jobs are there in the world? What would I be interested in doing? What job makes the most money? The Internet has the answer to almost any question our students can ask.

This lesson works best when there is a computer in the classroom, although it is adaptable for the teacher who only has access at home.

Internet Research

Explore Internet resources for information on interesting occupations

Ask students to search for:

the top ten jobs or careers in the US
the fastest-growing occupations
what academic preparation is necessary
what specific skills are necessary

Resources to get you started:

http://www.monster.com

http://www.hoovers.com

http://www.jobweb.org

http://jobsmart.org/tools/career/spec-car.htm

http://www.jobweb.org/catapult/emplyer.htm

Ask students to contact an expert in their "chosen" field. Have them ask:

Can you briefly describe your job?
What do you like about it?
Are there any disadvantages?
What academic preparation did you need?
How could I use my native language knowledge in this job?
What is the average salary?
What would you advise me about this career?

Resource:

http://www.askanexpert.com/askanexpert/