Get Your Students Hired
What are some ways to get your students excited about beginning their job search?
As a programs director I try to have the students go on field trips to various organizations that would hire them. I also have guest speakers come and speak with the students to give them encouragement on the various avenues to apply for jobs. I've shown students how to utilize LinkedIn for recruiters in the various insurance companies throughout our area. Lastly, I encourage the students to look for jobs prior to their final quarter so that its not the added pressure at the end of their educational process.
Making sure students are prepared and holding workshops can inspire confidence and encourage continued motivation.
Shawn,
This is great advice; students do definitely pick up on your attitude and approaching the topic with enthusiasm as you suggest will go a long way toward inspiring them even after they've graduated.
Elizabeth Kemler
Being inspiring to students beginning the job search can have a great impact on their success or failure. If you approach the topic with them with excitement (instead of as if it were a chore) students pick up on this excitement. Empowering them to know that they can achieve success will help them stick with the search until they have been able to find the correct position for them.
Cornelia,
Great! I'm so glad to hear that. What kinds of things have you been doing thus far?
Elizabeth Kemler
Viola,
These are all excellent ways of getting students excited about their prospects in the field while educating them on what to expect once they get there.
Elizabeth Kemler
We bring in speakers to our Professional Development class and that definitely inspires the students. Also, whenever we can, former students who have a successful career in their field is a really great motivator. I have also found some amazing TED talks that I've shown to my class to get them motivated.
Karina,
This is certainly good advice; could you tell me how you stay in touch with your students/graduates to offer such reminders and other support?
Elizabeth Kemler
Let them know that this is a new beginning, that all their hard work and effort will pay off.
Melissa,
These are all great reminders, sometimes though its hard to take this in when you're feeling discouraged. What kind of ongoing support do you provide for your graduates throughout the job search?
Elizabeth Kemler
I think its important to let them know that it will help them grow as individuals, give them confidence out in the world and they can better provide for their family.
Riley,
Everyone who does this seems to be happy with the results--it's clearly a great way to expose students to their future profession in a non-threatening environment while giving them a chance to get information directly from the source.
Elizabeth Kemler
I always find that bringing in industry experts for guest speaking events gets students excited and motivated to begin or continue their job search. Hosting an event with a guest speaker to discuss with students their own personal journey and best practices in job searching allow for an open platform for students to ask questions as well as network with a possible new employer.
Jason,
I really like your idea of learning three major facts about the job/company; going in with this kind of knowledge base probably helps to give the students a greater level of confidence.
Elizabeth Kemler
Most of my graduates get nervous and excited all at the same time. Nervous because they are beginning a new career and excited because of all the opportunities that are out there for them.
I try to channel they energy into excitement for them. we discuss different ways to approach their job search and how to have a targeted approach to finding the job that they want.
I challenge them to learn 3 major important facts about the job they are interviewing for and how to bring them up in the interview. This exercise allows them to expand on their knowledge and gives them an insight into the company. thus, giving them a leg up on the competition.
Kimberly,
I like the idea of keeping a log; do you offer any other support services to help keep them motivated?
Elizabeth Kemler
Empowering students to take control of their job search is a good way to get them excited. I teach them that they are in control. I help them to keep a job search log and help them to understand the different places they can apply.
Manuel,
I agree that follow up is critical; in what ways do you stay connected to your students once they graduate?
Elizabeth Kemler