Chapter 12: The American Labor Force "Help Wanted"

Introduction
In this lesson, students will go to the JOBTRAK Web site to understand how to use the Internet to search for career information and find advice on job-hunting. They will also understand that their choices of training, education, and career make a difference in their future income.

Lesson Description
Students will use information from the JOBTRAK Web site to learn how the Internet can help them access information to make career choices. They can browse the site to collect information from the "Job Search Guide" and "Career Index" categories. Students will answer four questions. They will then use their research to choose a career and create a poster illustrating their ideal job.

Previous Knowledge Expected
unskilled workers: people whose jobs require no specialized training
semiskilled workers: people whose jobs require some training, often using modern technology
skilled workers: people who have learned a trade or craft either through a vocational school or as an apprentice to an experienced worker
professionals: highly educated individuals with college degrees and usually additional education or training

Applied Content Standards (from the National Council on Economic Education)
Standard 13: Income for most people is determined by the market value of the productive resources they sell. What workers earn depends, primarily, on the market value of what they produce and how productive they are.

Instructional Objectives
1. Students will be able to understand that the Internet is a valuable resource for career and job hunting advice.
2. Students will understand that the choices they make in training, education, careers, and locations directly influences their incomes.
3. Students will be able to use this information to create a poster illustrating their dream job.

Student Web Activity Answers
1. Students' answers should include informational interviewing, researching careers, career fairs, and internships.
2. self-assessment; research and explore career options; choose career field and then target employers; prepare job search materials and develop job search skills; plan and conduct job search campaign; obtain offer and continue to develop career action plan
3. Students' answers may include: arrive early, carry a notepad, write down names and titles for follow-up communications, write a thank-you letter, be prepared to market yourself, listen carefully, be positive, look the interviewer in the eye, be enthusiastic about your experience
4. Students' answers should include that the student can gain work experience before graduating, develop skills, evaluate personal likes and dislikes, develop professional contacts, gain confidence, and build a stronger resume.
5. Students' posters will vary.

Go To Student Web Activity