Today’s job market is more competitive than ever, and crafting a compelling job application is a critical skill for students to master. If you are an educator, have you instilled this vital skill in your classes?
You can play a pivotal role in preparing students to transition from the classroom to the workforce. How? Equip them with the knowledge and tools they’ll need to present themselves for long-term success. Below, we’ll discuss strategies you can begin implementing today to help students make outstanding resumes, cover letters, and interview responses.
Teach Resume Fundamentals
No matter what subject you teach, you can include resume fundamentals as part of your curriculum. Start with a basic resume format. In fact, you don’t have to spend precious class time drilling resume essentials into your students, as if they need to memorize the resume parts. Instead, introduce them to online tools that can format and prepare a resume based on prompts for specific information.
It is also a good practice to have students submit homework documents—including the sample resume they make in class—in PDF format. This will get them in the habit of using PDFs to submit important documents electronically. When the time comes for them to apply for a job, a resume PDF will be a no-brainer.
Emphasize Application Customization
Follow up your initial resume creation assignment with a lesson on resume customization. Have your students research real job openings that they might be qualified for upon graduation. Show them how to identify potential resume keywords—including skills, years of experience, and university degrees—in the job description.
Then have them investigate the company itself—its mission, values, and culture. Ask your students to create a resume and cover letter tailored to each position they’ve found. This will get them in the habit of doing so.
Help them Practice Professionalism
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, professionalism involves displaying competency, reliability, and respect in your conduct and attitude. A Job Outlook survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers revealed that about 87 percent of employers held professionalism to be a “career ready” competency, but less than half believed that new college graduates displayed this trait.
You can help your students practice professionalism through what you require in the classroom. For example, if they email you with a question, require that the email be constructed as if to a business contact. Set a dress code for the classroom and set an example by following it yourself. Set a zero-tolerance policy for unprofessional behavior such as sleeping in class or disrespectful speech.
Of course, these measures will be most effective if outlined in the syllabus at the beginning of the term. Further, you can make assignments that allow them to practice speaking professionally in front of others. Have them present reports to the class. Conduct mock job interviews, even inviting industry professionals to participate.
Facilitate their Professional Networks
Networking is increasingly important. A well-known reference or referral can go a long way in bolstering a candidate’s chances of success.
You can help your students’ nascent networks to grow by setting an example. Offer extra credit if they connect with you on LinkedIn. This will establish their online presence if they have not already done so and open them up to second-degree connections. Encourage them to connect with one another and with other peers and professors on campus.
You can also introduce them to networking events. Seek out local events, including job fairs, conferences, galas, and other industry events. Offer opportunities for your students to travel to still other events.
Help students to get acquainted with professional organizations. Many may be unfamiliar with the organizations that are available to them. Make organizational publications available for their perusal and help them access applications to join.
Finally, invite guest speakers to your classes or set up a brunch, lunch, or similar event for students to meet professionals in a relaxed environment.
Cultivate Their Growth Mindset
Rejection is an inevitable part of every job search. However, you can instill hope and confidence by sharing success stories, especially when these involve overcoming adversity. When you must provide correction, sandwich it between commendation. This will help your students view even negative feedback in a positive light, as a tool that can be used for improvement.
Create open lines of communication with your students so that they feel comfortable asking for feedback or assistance. Emphasize that you will be available if they need references. If you learn of job openings that may benefit your students, inform them, even making introductions if possible.
Key Takeaways
As an educator, you have the power to help shape your students’ futures. By preparing them to write proficient job application documents, communicate professionally, and handle disappointments resiliently, you set them up, not just for finding their first job, but for a lifetime of success.
