• Take coursework seriously.

Continue doing well in school to maximize your choices after high school. This shows work ethic and follow-through - things that matter on the job.

• Discuss your post-high school plans.

Talk with your parents, teachers, and school counselor about your plans for the future.

• Look at employment requirements.

Look at your potential career choices in Xello and determine what certification is needed to begin a career or to make you more marketable. Work towards earning that certification.

• Stay Involved.

Continue with school and extracurricular activities as well as voluntary service hours for potential scholarships. Keep complete records of these activities. Ask for a reference letter.

• Consider attending a job fair in the area.

See who is hiring and what you need to do to take next steps 

• Complete Job Ready Indy Badging.

This is a great addition to your resume and shows potential employers you are ready to enter the workforce.

• Finalize/Update resume in Xello.

Your resume should include jobs, volunteer service, certifications, awards/accolades, activities, and other details that can make your resume stand out from the crowd. Be sure it has been reviewed and edited by a teacher, school counselor, or parent.

• Explore Career Opportunities.

Explore and attend networking and career opportunities (e.g. Career Expo, Youth Job Fair, mock interviews). Dress professionally and practice talking with potential employers.  Bring your resume and business cards to share.

• Search job postings.

Search job postings for employment in your selected area. Ensure you have the qualifications and credentials - or will by graduation - that the employer is looking for. Practice writing a cover letter to submit with your resume that is specific to a job posting. This will help you stand out from the crowd. Ask a teacher, school counselor, or parent to review and edit the letter.

• Find out about job shadowing or internships.

Talk to your school counselor and/or CTE teacher about workplaces that may offer job shadowing or internships. Find out the steps necessary to shadow/intern.

• Get letters of recommendation.

Ask your teachers, school counselor, coaches, club sponsors or other adults who know your work ethic and positive characteristics to write letters of recommendation to share with potential employers. The recommendation should contain information about any certification(s) and your soft skills. Make sure you request these well before your deadline (a minimum of 2 weeks). School counselors and/or teachers may not have time to do them by your deadline if you wait until the last minute.

• Begin applying for jobs.

During spring semester, start applying for jobs which begin after graduation. Be sure to research the company thoroughly. This will help you write a better cover letter to make you stand out. It will also help you prepare for an interview with information about the company and questions you would like to ask.

• Prepare for each interview.

Review your planned answers for general interview questions, and make a bulleted list of points you want to remember. Review information about the company and write down specific questions you would like to ask. Dress for success and the job you want!

• Send a thank you note.

After an interview, send a thank you note or email to the contact. After you accept a job, remember to let those who supported you along the way know; like your CTE teacher, school counselor, parents, and others.