Get a Job

female student in an interviewThere are many benefits to getting a job even while you are still in high school. The most obvious benefit is having extra money. However, getting a job while in high school offers you many other valuable lifelong lessons. For example, you will have a head start on knowing what it takes to get a job, such as composing a cover letter, résumé, and follow-up letter. You will gain experience and practice in being interviewed by employers. In addition, you can improve your "people" skills by cooperating with co-workers and perhaps serving the general public. Most importantly, you will learn from an early age how to balance multiple responsibilities. Whenever you apply to a program or place of employment, showing that you can balance being a full-time student as well as holding a job speaks volumes about your character, maturity, and dependability. Once the money from your paycheck is spent, it is gone forever. But the work experience and life skills that you gain from holding a job will benefit you for a lifetime.

While there are some exceptions, the law requires that for most jobs you obtain a work permit if you are fourteen or fifteen years old. Once you are sixteen, a work permit is generally not required. You can obtain a work permit from your guidance department or a guidance department from the nearest high school. Because laws often change, it is always a good idea to research the current employment eligibility requirements.

url iconTo read more information about who should obtain work permits and the necessary steps, access the Virginia Department of Labor website.


Getting a Job

Getting a Job InteractivityIn this interactivity, you will learn the proper way to create a cover letter, résumé, and a follow-up letter. In addtional, you will be presented with advice on how to prepare for an interview. You need to start building the tools that you will need to find your desired position. Click the player button to get started.

View a printable version of this interactivity.

 

View the additional resources found in the interactivity below:

 

Getting a Job Review

self-check iconGetting a Job ReviewWhat do you remember about the tools and steps needed to get a job? In this non-graded interactivity, follow the instructions for each set of questions. Click SUBMIT to check your respones. Click the player button to get started.

 

 

Topic Vocabulary

grammar iconAs you explored the content in this topic, you came upon some vocabulary with which you may not have been familiar. Part of becoming a better writer is to learn new words and practice using those words in your own writing. Review the root words and vocabulary from the module found in the chart below. In the following activity, you will create a chart like the one shown. Using the four words, word roots, and definitions provided, you will need to find another word that uses the same root. Then, you will need to find a definition and compose a sentence using each new word. Refer to the words listed and the example provided below to aid in creating these sentences.

Root Definition Word and Definition Word with the Same Root Definition and Sentence
em-, en- into, cover, with cause empower (verb) - to put into power; to enable    
lab- work laborious (adjective) - requiring a great deal of hard work    
pro- before, forward, forth proactive (adjective) - prepared for something expected; anticipatory    
vince, vic- to conquer invincible (adjective) - not able to be conquered    

Example:

Root Definition Word and Definition Word with the Same Root Definition and Sentence
vince, vic- to conquer invincible (adjective) - not able to be conquered victorious

Definition: achieving victory; conquering

Sentence: We were victorious at the state chorus semi-finals.

assignment icon
Once you have completed your vocabulary chart, please submit your work to the dropbox.