What is Employment Support?
Employment Support involves assisting and coaching individuals to achieve their employment goals. This includes securing jobs, internships, or volunteer opportunities that help them build the skills and experience needed for sustainable careers. The support can range from short-term assistance to long-term guidance, depending on their needs.
Why is Employment Support Important?
Helping young people with employment is vital for fostering a sustainable and independent life. It creates consistency, enhances stability, and lays the foundation for long-term success. By equipping youth with the tools and confidence to secure and maintain employment, we empower them to take control of their future.
What Do We Offer for Employment Support?
- Resume Building
- Cover Letter Assistance
- Mock Interviews
- Job Search Guidance
- Employment Skills Training
Resume Support
A resume is a one-page overview of a person’s work, volunteer, and educational history provided to potential employers.
How We Help:
- Collaborate with youth to create resumes that showcase their skills and experiences.
- Offer free resume templates through Google Docs (accessible via Google Drive > New Document > Template Gallery).
- Guide them to creatively translate life experiences, such as chores or helping family, into relevant job skills.
Tips for Resumes:
- References: Include 2–3 references, avoiding family (especially with the same last name). California Impact Coalition can serve as a reference if we’ve provided significant support.
- Professionalism: Ensure the resume looks professional with zero spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors.
- Email Coaching: Encourage youth to create a professional email address if their current one is not appropriate.
Mock Interviews
A mock interview is a simulated interview to prepare youth for real-world interviews.
What We Do:
- Use guided questions to simulate an actual interview process.
- Provide tips and feedback throughout to help youth refine their approach.
Key Interview Tips:
- Arrive with a question or two for the employer.
- Be aware of your availability before the interview.
- Always mention a personal strength and an area for improvement.
- Dress professionally, regardless of the job.
- Avoid wearing hats, headphones, or other casual accessories.
- Silence and put away phones during the interview.
- Bring a copy of your resume, even if already submitted.
- Maintain an approachable demeanor—sit up straight, avoid crossing your arms, smile, and actively listen.
Dress for Success:
We provide access to professional attire through our clothing closet, where youth can select interview-appropriate outfits free of charge.
Employment Skills Training
We coach youth on critical skills needed to obtain and maintain employment. This includes offering volunteer and internship opportunities to help them gain hands-on experience.
Key Employment Skills:
- Communication Skills: How to interact effectively with employers and coworkers, including proper etiquette for calling out or reporting lateness.
- Job Etiquette: Professional behaviors such as punctuality (arriving ready to start at clock-in time) and workplace conduct.
Through our Employment Support program, we aim to provide young people with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in the workplace and achieve their long-term career aspirations.