Writing a Resume

Most employers will want a resume. The employers who do not want a resume will still want to know the information that you typically put on a resume, so creating one will be helpful. Many guidance departments will have handouts with examples of good resumes. Once you have written the first draft of your resume, make sure you show it to one or two people to get their opinions. Your youth development coordinator, high school guidance counselor, VSAC counselor, and other adults can help you write or proofread your resume. Be sure to proofread it carefully. There is nothing worse than discovering typos in the resume or cover letter you just sent to a potential employer.

For more information on writing a resume:
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/high-school/36957.html
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/pp/index.html#business

Choosing a Career to Pursue

The Vermont Career Gateway Website, developed by VSAC and the Vermont Department of Labor, can help you learn to navigate the worlds of school and work—while still having fun! The road to career and education decisions starts here.

Finding a Job

There are many ways to find out who is hiring. You can look in the local newspaper’s classified section, you can keep an eye out for help wanted signs, and you can look in online databases. There are many large job banks out there (monster.com, hotjobs.yahoo.com , Best of the Web, etc).

Your best bet is the Vermont Department of Labor's Vermont Job Link.

Once you know who you want to apply to, you will need to pick up an application. How you present yourself when you pick up and drop off the application WILL be noticed. Make sure that you dress nicely and that you are well prepared. If you plan on filling out the application there, make sure you have all the information you will need (resume, a number of personal references, past employment, the address of your high school, etc). It may be a better idea to bring the application home so that you have time to work on it. Make sure you ask them when you can expect to hear something.

Keep track of where you have applied; if they have not called after about two weeks, give them a call, give them your name, the date you applied, and let them know that you are looking forward to an interview.

If you do get an interview, make sure that you show up—on time. Dress nicely. It might help you to pick out an outfit ahead of time and get feedback from your friends/family/foster family. Prepare yourself for the interview ahead of time. They are likely to ask you what you would bring to the job, what your best qualities are, and about your weaknesses. Don’t be afraid to brag about yourself, but don’t make anything up. If they ask you about your weaknesses, remember that you do not have to share the worst things about you.

After the interview, if you do not hear back after two weeks, call them again. Follow up is important. It shows that you want the job and are willing to work for it.

Programs to Help you Find a Job

Workforce Investment Act
This program serves low-income 14-21 year old at-risk youth (including foster youth). It will help you to develop work skills, help you develop work experience, and help you find a job. You can sign up for the program by going to your local Department of Labor office. 

Jump On Board for Success
The JOBS program serves 16-22 year olds who are at-risk (including foster youth) and have emotional or behavioral disabilities. They will help you find supported employment and help you develop work skills. You can sign up for the program by calling Voc Rehab at 1-866-879-6757.

Job Corps
Job Corps is located in Vergennes, but they take students from across the state. They can help you get your GED, your high school diploma, and they even have job training programs in fields like welding and the culinary arts. The programs are free, you’ll live on campus, and you’ll even receive some money when you finish! See http://northlands.jobcorps.gov/html/home/ for more information.

Vermont Student Employment Program
This program will reimburse your employer for 50% of your wages. This makes an employer much more willing to hire you over another person, because even though you get paid the same, it won’t cost them as much to hire you. To be eligible for this program you must be in a post-secondary job training program. You can contact VSAC at 1-800-642-3177 for more information.