College & career readiness

Hired: First Job Ready

Landing and keeping a first job takes skills most schools don't teach. Learners build a first resume, practice interviewing, and learn the workplace habits employers say new hires are missing.

4 sessions · adapts to all four learner tiers (K–college)

Start session 1 Print a Rep Card

Core tool

The Hired Habits

Show up on time · Communicate clearly by text, email and in person · Own your mistakes · Ask for feedback.

Before you start: quick self-check

Rate each line from 1 (not yet) to 5 (definitely) before session 1, then again after your Real-World Rep.

I have a resume I'm proud of
I know how to talk to a manager professionally

The sessions

4 sessions, three beats each.

Every session runs Hook → Rep → Reflect, so learners know what to expect each time.

  1. Session 1

    Your First Resume

    Hook5–10 min

    Two resumes from the same teen: which one gets the call?

    Rep10–30 min

    Build a one-page resume from school, sports, volunteering and side jobs

    Reflect5–10 min

    Write one line on your Rep Card: what I tried, what happened, what I'll try next.

  2. Session 2

    Applying and Interviewing

    Hook5–10 min

    The first 30 seconds of an interview

    Rep10–30 min

    Practice answers to five common questions, then do a mock interview with feedback

    Reflect5–10 min

    Write one line on your Rep Card: what I tried, what happened, what I'll try next.

  3. Session 3

    Workplace Communication

    Hook5–10 min

    A text to a manager that went wrong

    Rep10–30 min

    Rewrite messages to a manager: calling out sick, asking for time off, asking a question

    Reflect5–10 min

    Write one line on your Rep Card: what I tried, what happened, what I'll try next.

  4. Session 4

    Keeping the Job

    Hook5–10 min

    Why some new hires don't make it past the first months

    Rep10–30 min

    Practice owning a mistake, asking for feedback, and asking for more hours

    Reflect5–10 min

    Write one line on your Rep Card: what I tried, what happened, what I'll try next.

Real-World Rep

Apply for one real job, internship or volunteer role, or do a full mock interview with an adult.

By age

How it adapts for each learner tier.

K–5

Sprouts

20 min sessions

Classroom jobs, being on time, and being someone others can count on.

6–8

Builders

30 min sessions

First ways to earn (babysitting, pet sitting, yard work), a simple flyer, and being reliable.

9–12

Launchers

40 min sessions

A first part-time job, work permits and hour rules, a resume and your first interview.

College & first-year adults

Leaders

50 min or self-paced sessions

Internships, a professional online profile, professional email, and your first full-time role.

For teachers & facilitators

Rules for teen workers (hours, work permits and which jobs are allowed) vary by age and state, so check your state's labor department. Invite local employers to run mock interviews.