Career Exploration
What is a hard skill?
A technical or job-specific skill, such as data analysis or web development.
What is a job posting?
An announcement describing an available job and details such as responsibilities or qualifications.
What is the main purpose of a resume?
A resume summarizes relevant skills, experience, and qualifications for an employer.
When should you begin acting professionally during an interview day?
Begin acting professionally as soon as you encounter anyone in or around the organization.
Jordan enjoys helping classmates and explaining ideas clearly. Which soft skill is Jordan showing?
Communication.
What is one example of a soft skill?
Answers may include communication, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, or active listening.
What is one benefit of a niche job website?
It focuses on a specific field or group, which can make related jobs easier to find.
What does a cover letter explain that a resume may not?
A cover letter explains the applicant’s interest in the position and why they may be a good fit.
What does STAR stand for?
Situation, Task, Action, Result.
Sam wants to learn graphic design for a future job. Name one step Sam could take to build this technical skill.
Answers may include taking a class, following a tutorial, practicing with design software, or creating sample projects.
What are transferable skills?
Skills that can be used across different jobs or situations.
Name one useful detail commonly found in a job posting.
Answers may include responsibilities, qualifications, benefits, job description, or schedule.
Why should you tailor a cover letter to each job?
Tailoring connects the applicant’s skills and interest to that specific job and employer.
What should you do before a virtual interview to prevent technology problems?
Test the technology and complete a practice run before the interview.
Alex meets a professional at a career event. What is one respectful question Alex could ask to start a conversation?
Answers will vary. For example: “What do you enjoy most about your field?”
Give one example of how someone could build a technical skill.
Answers may include taking a class, completing training, practicing with a tool, or earning a certification.
How can networking help someone find a job?
People in a network may share job information, make introductions, or offer useful advice.
How can a portfolio help an applicant?
A portfolio provides work samples or other evidence that shows an applicant’s skills.
In a STAR answer, what should the “Action” part describe?
The Action part describes the specific steps the candidate took to address the task.
Riley finds a job posting with responsibilities that match their school project experience. How could Riley use that information in an application?
Riley could describe relevant project experience in a resume or cover letter and connect it to the listed responsibilities.
Name one hard skill and one soft skill a student might develop for a future career.
Acceptable Response Example: data analysis is a hard skill, and communication is a soft skill.
Does missing a preferred qualification always mean an applicant should not apply? Explain.
No. “Preferred” qualifications are not always required, so the applicant may still be considered.
Name two changes that could make a resume with long paragraphs and unrelated details stronger.
Use concise bullet points and focus on relevant skills or experience. Other suitable answers include highlighting key qualifications and removing unrelated details.
When should a candidate send a thank-you message, and what makes it effective?
Send a thank-you message within 12 hours. Personalize each message for the person who interviewed the candidate.
Casey is interested in two career paths but is unsure which to choose. Describe one way Casey could explore both paths before deciding.
Answers will vary. Casey could research both careers, talk with people who work in those fields, or try a related class or project.