Job Readiness
 

Most high school students dream of landing their first job, whether it’s at a local coffee shop, a fast-food chain, or a retail store. But what many of us don’t realize is how nerve-wracking job interviews can be, especially when we have no idea what to expect. That’s exactly why Jessica Bae, along with Gaby, Rylee, Swasya, Audrey, and Chelsea, created the Job Readiness workshops as part of Jessica’s Girl Scout Gold Award project.

Their goal? To help high school students feel confident and prepared for job interviews by teaching essential communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making strategies. With schools not offering much guidance in this area, the team saw a huge gap that needed to be filled.

​

The Need for Interview Prep

​

Many students go into interviews unprepared, not because they don’t care but because they’ve never been taught how to navigate the process. According to research, about 98% of people fail interviews, and 75% of candidates struggle because they aren’t ready for the questions they’ll be asked. Schools focus on academics, but they don’t always provide the real-world skills we need to succeed in the workforce. That’s where Be Interview Ready came in.

​

Empowering Students Through Hands-On Learning

​

The Job Readiness workshop series was spread over the spring of 2024, each focusing on critical job-readiness skills. Students learned the ABC method (Active Listening, Body Language, and Confidence) to improve their communication skills, practiced teamwork and problem-solving techniques using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), and participated in mock interviews to apply everything they had learned. Through interactive discussions, partner activities, and real-time feedback, students gained confidence in their ability to express themselves professionally, collaborate with others, and handle interview questions effectively.

​

A Lasting Impact

​

One of the most amazing things about this project is that it won’t end with these workshops. LeadHERS has committed to continuing the Job Readiness Workshops, ensuring that even more students can access these valuable skills.

Jessica’s Gold Award project proved that job readiness is just as important as academics, and by giving students the tools to succeed, she’s making a lasting difference. Thanks to these workshops, high schoolers now have the confidence to walk into interviews prepared, professional, and ready to land the job.

If you ever feel unprepared for an interview, remember ABC, SLANT, and STAR, but most importantly, believe in yourself. 

​

Feel free to use our Interview Tips and Interview Scorecard as a guide to help you prepare and improve your interview skills. click here