4. Preparing for a Worksite Tour and Job Shadow

This activity aims to prepare students for what to expect of a worksite tour and job shadow and how to ask questions.

Note to Instructors: Consider what supports a student may need to prepare an outfit for experience. Reach out to caregiver(s) or guardian(s), school personnel, and others as needed.

Discuss

Getting ready for a worksite tour or job shadow means more than just showing up—it’s about being prepared to learn and make a good impression. It’s important to know how to dress right, have the right attitude, and make a checklist to stay on track.

Make sure yourself, your clothes, and your hair clean and neat. You will want to make sure your hair is out of your face. How do you think you should dress for your experience? It’s also important to dress right!

Watch

This video talks about how to dress for an interview. While you are not going to an interview, the tips in this video are still helpful for the interactions you’ll have with employers and employees. Dress for Success (3:28).

[Note to Instructors: Pause video during the outfit comparisons, yes (green checkmark) and no (red x), to prompt students to discuss why the Yes outfit was checked.]

What do you need to wear based on the business or employee you are scheduled with?
Do you have this outfit at home? (Students may need support problem solving how to pull the outfit together for the experience).

Interactive Opportunity

Have students pick a retail store they are familiar with and has a website. Have students search for clothes they would wear. Include things like shoes, belt, pants, shirt, etc. Students can create a slide deck or share the images.
If technology is not available, share magazines and students can cut images out of what they would like to wear or what not to wear.