Job shadowing is a great way to get an idea of what your dream job would be like.A job shadow can teach you about day-to-day rewards and challenges, whether you're a middle- or high-school student, a college senior about to graduate, or looking for a career change.Learning how to choose a job, asking for a shadowing opportunity, and behaving like a professional will help you get the most out of your job shadow.
Step 1: Determine what you like to do.
The best place to start is with what interests you and what skills you have.If you want to participate in a job shadow, you need to know what jobs involve a combination of the two.You could be interested in art, science, law enforcement, factory work, finance, or culinary arts.Job shadowing is available in almost every industry.It's okay if you don't have everything you need.If you want to pursue those credentials, Job Shadowing can help you figure it out.
Step 2: Pick the job.
Pick a job or position that interests you, once you've thought about what kind of career you want.It will be easier to find a job shadow if you know what you are looking for.If you enjoy working in finance, you could focus on shadowing a stockbroker, investment manager, or accountant.If you like working with your hands, try working as a mechanic, carpenter, or machinist.
Step 3: Pick three or four places of business.
You can make a list of local places to work.It's necessary to have a few backups because you may not be able to shadow at your first choice.They can be found by searching for your location and dream job online, asking your school's job placement office, or asking friends and family for recommendations.It's important that you have transportation to all the companies on your list.
Step 4: You can ask your school for help arranging a job shadow.
You can arrange a job shadow if you're still in school.Many schools have relationships with local employers.Ask your teacher, guidance counselor, or career services office for recommendations.If you've graduated, get in touch with the alumni office.They have a lot of networking and job search resources.
Step 5: Check your network for connections.
Someone you know can arrange a job shadow for you.It's a good idea to look over your address book and social media lists for anyone you'd like to shadow.Ask your friends and family if they know anyone who can put you in touch with a potential shadowing opportunity.
Step 6: The company's human resources division is listed.
You can look up their human resources or public relations division on the company's website if you can't find a contact.Job shadowing programs can be found in many places, including government offices and major corporations.
Step 7: Write a request in an email.
Once you know who to get in touch with for a job shadow, write them a formal email asking for the opportunity to shadow.The letter doesn't have to be long, but it should be written in formal style.You could write a letter like that.Smith is a student at Springfield High School and he wants to become a police officer.I would like to know if the Springfield Police Department has any openings for a job shadow in the near future.I am willing to submit to a background check.I hope to hear from you soon.Sincerely, Kelly Jones.
Step 8: If you have to, take a background check.
Background checks are required for some job shadows.If you're asked to take one, send them all the information they need as soon as possible.
Step 9: Try a job shadow.
If you can't find a job shadow in your area, look for opportunities online.Video tours, interviews with real employees, and opportunities to ask employees questions are available on these websites.
Step 10: Don't show up if you're not researching the job.
A job shadow is a great way to get a feel for what it's like to work in a field.Information about the job can be found by asking your school or contacts in the industry.Background information about your field can be found online.
Step 11: Arrive on time and wear your best clothes.
It's important to show up on time or early.Showing up late can be inconvenient for the staff.It's a good idea to wear work-appropriate clothes, which can vary from industry to industry.Asking what to wear is okay.Law and finance are very formal, so you would want to wear a suit in a conservative color.Other offices wear business casual, which usually means a dress shirt or blouse with a pair of slacks or a knee-length skirt.It is a good idea to ask what to wear before you shadow a job that is outdoors, active, or involves machine or lab work.It's a bad idea to wear open-toed shoes, jewelry, heels, dresses, or jackets in an active workplace.
Step 12: Ask everyone politely.
Make sure to say hello to everyone you meet.You don't have to talk to everyone, but they should know who you are.Go for it, I'm Kelly!I'm working with Officer Torres today.
Step 13: The employees need to take the lead.
Don't try to dictate the workday or schedule visits of your own.To get an idea of what the actual work is like, you should be following an employee all day.The employee should decide what tasks you'll be doing.To request a tour of the facilities, be sure to ask in advance.They may not be able to accommodate you.
Step 14: The rules of the workplace are important.
A job shadow may not be able to show you everything you want to know.Some areas, files, and departments may be employees-only.Don't do something if you're told not to.
Step 15: Ask if you can lend a helping hand.
If there is something you can do to help the person, ask them.Don't insist if they tell you no because some areas and industries have strict labor laws.Offer to give them some water or a snack during your break.
Step 16: Ask any questions.
You can ask lots of questions when you're there to learn about the job.Questions like "what do you dislike about this job?", "What is your biggest challenge here?" and "How did you get into this field?" are good ways to learn about your chosen career.
Step 17: Take detailed notes for future reference.
Take detailed notes with a notepad and a few pens.Write down what you like and dislike about the job.Don't take notes on your phone, it might be tempting.It can look like you are playing with your phone.Unless they tell you in advance that it's okay, don't record or take pictures of anything.
Step 18: A thank-you note is a good idea.
Send a thank you note when the job shadow is over.One should be sent to your original contact at the workplace and the other to the person you shadowed.You can send it via email or regular mail.Good thank-you notes are short and specific.Thank you for having me as a job shadow.I'm excited to pursue a career in law enforcement after learning a lot about police work.Sincerely, Kelly.