Module 3 – Talking About Yourself

• Create employer interest.
• Prepare for a job interview.
• Practise a job interview.
• Convince an employer that you are the right person for a job.
• Keep a job.

The model activities in Modules 1 to 3 have been taken from Unlocking the Job Market , published by the Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board. We are very grateful that they were willing to share these materials with us. Unlocking the Job Market is an interactive workshop for learners in Literacy and Basic Skills Program. It is designed as a package for instructors to use with their learners. However it would be equally useful to organizations out in the community who want to deliver jobsearch workshops. It contains instructions for trainers and a participant package. It will be available in 2004 for download as a full-text document on NALD(http://www.nald.ca/fulltext/search).

Introduction to Module 1

This module is a component of Ongoing Training for Literacy Tutors . Modules 1 to 3 are related to job search and are titled Hire Learning: Preparing for Job Search Success . They provide you, the trainer, with the information and materials needed to deliver workshops that will provide tutors with the tools they need to teach job search strategies.

Module 1 – Skills and Qualities:

• Know the skills and qualities employers look for.
• Identify personal skills and qualities.
• Match skills and qualities to suitable jobs.

Many literacy learners have goals related to getting a job. It can take a lot of time and hard work to collect resources for this topic. Resources are not always at the appropriate level and learners often need a lot of support from their tutors. Not only do learners need reading and writing skills, but also self-management and interpersonal skills. These are all key components of effective job search and are incorporated into the activities in this module.

The activities that are described in this module will provide tutors with strategies for teaching job search. It will support them in their quest for resources and will increase their own knowledge of the topic so that they feel confident that they have the skills they need to be an effective tutor in this context. Often, learners will already have experience of job search workshops offered in the community. However, they may need to work on various aspects of job search at a slower pace and with additional support. Tutors are not replacing skilled job search professionals but are providing tools for the learners to participate more actively in the process. Tutors will not necessarily work through all the job search topics with a learner, but will concentrate on individual needs.