In the post World War II period, taking up a job was the obvious choice because of opportunities in several flourishing industries and their requirement for young graduates. However, due to technological advances and high paced work styles, the current job market has altered considerably. Excessive competition, high salary expectations and geographical constraints are some of the factors that have contributed to the difficulty in finding jobs, especially those that would suit a high school graduate. New age employers and industries look for candidates for specialized jobs, which makes it almost compulsory for all graduates to have a professional degree or a specialized diploma.
Consequences
This situation can be particularly difficult for those who require financial assistance in continuing college education, which requires 3 to 4 years for completion. As a result, high school graduates are increasingly taking up low-end, monotonous jobs of lesser importance, challenge and value. These have little potential in offering a lucrative and rewarding career. The recent tendency of employers seeking professionals who already posses pre-developed skills and talents instead of hiring fresh high school graduates who need training, has further worsened this scenario. Moreover, be it from the point of view of salary increases or promotions, or simply a foundation for taking up post graduation courses, college graduates always enjoy an extra edge over high school graduates.
New Age Syllabus
Nevertheless, there are some schools that work towards helping their students in choosing a suitable career path and succeed in post high school career opportunities. These schools work in alliance with organizations that identify the common skills of students and place them on the right path. Such programs allow the students and teachers to work together while combining studies with technical instructions and vocational training. Some of the major streams that students may choose from include industrial and engineering services, arts and communications, information technology, business and management, environmental and agricultural systems, health services and human resources. These programs are usually a certificate course and allow the students to directly enter the work field after completing their graduation from a high school. An example of an academic institution that has implemented such programs successfully for high school graduates is Cleveland Schools. It helps students obtain a potential career path based on their individual skills and interest areas as soon as they enter the ninth grade.
Employment Prospects
Apart from this, a number of employment opportunities for students of all levels including high school, graduates and undergraduates can be found on the Internet with a list of the work location and job profile. Both full and part time sessions are available, depending on the school hours and vacation periods. The salary ranges are also displayed, which may vary according to the job type. The eligibility criterion for applying to these jobs may require the students to be enrolled as a degree-seeking student in an accredited high school or vocational/technical school. Federal, state or local laws and standards that govern the employment of minors are applied for participation in these employment programs.
So employment opportunities require you to master a few basic communication skills.
First, you have to look employable. If this is your first job, you have to make absolutely everything work to your advantage. Since you don't have a work history or at best a thin resume, much more credibility will be placed on how you come across when you meet with a decision-maker. There, it's up to you to represent yourself assertively and with enthusiasm.
Here are 6 tips that can move you toward success with your employment opportunities:
1. Get your ducks in a row. Write down the specific talents and capabilities your bring to the table. For example any work experience including volunteer work, school and church projects, family projects, athletic prowess . . . anything that demonstrates that you have contributed to helping another organization or individual. Be sure to include any work for neighbors including raking leaves, baby-sitting, shoveling snow, etc.
2. Write a script that details how you'll present yourself to a prospective employer. Remember, first impressions count BIG! If you stumble around and can't look an interviewer in the eye, you just lost. You must be prepared to speak with authority.
3. Practice what to say with friends. Let them ask you tough questions so you can learn to respond intelligently without getting rattled.
4. When you've done all your prep work, then you can write a resume recapping what you've done in the first three steps. It has to be brief and to the point (maximum one page.) Remember--your resume won't get you a job. Only a face-to-face meeting results in serious consideration.
5. Dress appropriate to the position and according to company standards. Be polite. Have an opening comment to make so you can be the first to speak. Prepare in advance some intelligent questions to ask.
6. Be open to employment options. For example, an internship, starting out part-time, offering to work free for a week, a probation period, etc. Incidentally, the holiday season is a great time to get your foot in the door with retail businesses. Very often part-time holiday employment turns into full-time after the holidays.
Employment opportunities at the high school and college level can be exciting and enriching experiences. They can seriously prepare you for a lifetime of satisfying and lucrative work.
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Both Tony Jacowski & Paul Bowley are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Tony Jacowski has sinced written about articles on various topics from University, Six Sigma and Information Technology. Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.. Tony Jacowski's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.
Paul Bowley has sinced written about articles on various topics from Marketing and Communications, Interview Questions and Debts Loans. Paul Bowley manages EEI, the world-class pioneer in alternative job search techniques and innovative e-business strategies . . . since 1985. Check out THE WORLD'S FASTEST JOB SEARCH PLAN! And grab our stunning FREE REPORT!. Paul Bowley's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.