This article demonstrates and reinforces the role that well-told stories play in the success of the job-search process. Building on narrative theory, impression management, and an increased use of behavioral-based questions in interviews, well-crafted stories about work and educational experiences demonstrate skills applicants possess and convey…

Educating high school students for both college and career is difficult. Teaching trade skills seems alien to the academic culture. But new research indicates that soft skills are quite important to judgments of employability and that youth learn many soft skills in traditional academic subjects (e.g., literature). A focus on soft skills allows…

This article describes the approach implemented by one university to mitigate typical barriers encountered by college students with disabilities when attempting to find post-graduation employment. The unique vocational program offered is reinforced by the successful employment outcomes and case studies discussed in this review. Over a span of five…

The current downturn in the economy combined with the need for students to aptly verbalize their knowledge, skills, and abilities influences their search for employment and application to graduate school programs, making this topic timely. Finding ongoing methods for communication students to detail and reflect on their skills and abilities as…

This paper describes a series of integrated career development activities offered in several required courses which are designed to help accounting majors gain a competitive edge in the job market. Supported by a partnership between the School of Business and the Academic and Career Planning Office, the Career Tool Kit program consists of…

This Info Brief introduces families, including families of youth with disabilities, to a new way of looking at career development for youth. This brief discusses the three phases of career development, highlights Individualized Learning Plans as a tool for facilitating the career development process, and offers strategies on how families can be…

Business educators understand the value of improving students' written and oral communication skills. However, too often assignments used to develop these important skills are taught in isolation. The purpose of this article is to enhance a student's written and oral skills by integrating all aspects of the job search written documents and…

This paper describes an assignment that gives students the ability to improve written and verbal communication abilities, which they will be using throughout their lives, by enhancing communication skills and competencies in a class setting. It is a two-part assignment that begins with a discussion on how to produce a successful cover letter and…

An internship and a Junior Communication Seminar help prepare students for gainful employment at Shorter College in Rome, Georgia. The second-semester seminar focuses on job-hunting strategies to help students in the search for the required internship and for future employment. A significant portion of the course is devoted to students' dialogue…

The career program at the University of South Alabama teaches students to help themselves and assists them in deciding careers and in fulfilling their capabilities. To deal with students' problems, a course assists students in selecting suitable careers. A course on fulfilling career objectives stresses written and oral communication. (Author/BEF)

Describes the employment interview as a communication situation in which skill in communication is the important determinant of success. Presents a workshop format that focuses attention on interview communication skills. Discusses what makes a competent communicator and describes possible workshop components and their integration into successful…

Describes an innovative home economics course that contains such vital subject matter as self-image, communication, decision making, legal rights and responsibilities, banking functions, and job-seeking skills. The course, which meets daily for 18 weeks, is offered on an elective basis to ninth-grade students. (CT)

Describes a retraining program developed in Great Britain from 1980-83 to meet the special needs of adult South Asian textile workers who became unemployed as a result of an economic recession. The program's aims are to integrate communications and trade training in order to increase the learners' chances for training and employment. (SED)

Project SEARCH (also titled "A Model for Providing Vocational Counseling Services to Adult Basic Education Students) investigated methods of providing counseling services with basic education programs while serving as a model counseling program. Designed to increase adult basic education (ABE) students' self-awareness, decision-making and…

To infuse career education with language arts and science, a task force of Oregon educators developed, evaluated, and finalized a set of seven career education competencies for secondary language arts and science teachers, 7-12. These competencies cover the following areas: attitudes toward life and careers; job search method and job adjustment;…