HCC Youth Prepare to Find Summer Jobs

On April 4 and 5, the College and Career Access Program hosted a Job Search Workshop. The featured speaker was Gretchen DeAngelo, a job counselor and educator with 30 years of experience.

Over the course of two days, she worked with 20 Hope CommUnity Center youths who will be searching for job this summer. DeAngelo gave the participants an in-depth look at what it takes to get and keep a job. They learned the ins and outs of job seeking (understanding job skills, writing resumes, how to prepare for and present themselves in a job interview) and how to maintain a professional image once they get a job.

Gretchen DeAngelo with HCC Youth

During one segment, the group got advice from Junior Ambrocio, a former Sin Fronteras member who is now a general manger for Wendy’s. He revealed that the two top qualities he looks for in potential employees are good communication and flexibility. As an employer, his perspective was invaluable to the workshop participants.

By the end, all participants came away with useful several tools for the job search. Each youth put together and polished a resume detailing their experience and expertise. Participants learned how to confidently talk about their skill sets by advertising themselves in live action commercials. They also practiced proper interview behavior in mock job interviews.

Thanks to this workshop these young people are now well equipped to find a job this summer.

Here’s some feedback from the participants:
What I learned about…
Job skills

• “After learning about all the skills employers look for, I realized I have skills and I can get hired.”

Resumes

• “If I follow the rules, resumes are not hard and I look good on paper.”

Job interviews

• “ I learned what to wear and what not to wear to an interview. I now know that I should cover up my tattoo because it’s not right for some workplaces.”