Employability Skills: Student Guide to Starting a New Job
Starting a new job can be nerve-wracking for anyone, but especially for teens stepping into the workforce for the first time. In fact, 87% of job seekers report feeling new job anxiety (Forbes, 2023). This workplace readiness lesson is designed to ease those concerns and give your students the confidence and skills they need to thrive on the job.
Packed with interactive activities, this lesson on starting a new job covers essential employability skills like workplace etiquette, hiring paperwork, and how to make a positive first impression. Students will practice with real-world scenarios and walk away knowing what to expect (and what pitfalls to avoid) as they start their workforce journey.
What’s Inside
⭐ Google Slides Presentation – With teacher notes and supplemental resources, you’ll have everything you need to guide students through the lesson.
⭐ Lesson Plan – A clear outline with relevant standards, implementation guidance, and handy links to materials to save you prep time.
⭐ Employment Agreement Activity – Students read, annotate, and discuss a sample agreement. Builds comprehension and critical thinking while preparing them for real-world job documents.
⭐ New Job Checklist – A practical tool (print + digital) that helps students gather documents and information employers require.
⭐ Health Insurance Basics – Introduces key terms so students can confidently ask HR the right questions instead of signing blindly.
⭐ Retirement 101 – Encourages early financial thinking and shows why perks like employer matching are too good to ignore.
⭐ Dress for Success Advice – Practical tips that take the mystery out of unspoken dress codes.
⭐ Workplace Scenarios – Students spot common workplace faux pas and brainstorm solutions together.
Why You’ll Love This Lesson
❤️ Ready-to-Use, Time-Saving Lesson – Minimal prep, maximum impact.
❤️ Relevant, Real-World Content – Engaging activities make classroom management easier.
❤️ Lasting Impact – Skills extend beyond class, preparing students for their first job and a confident career path.
❤️ Flexible Structure – Teach it in one session or break into mini-lessons that fit your schedule.
Teacher note: Over the years, I can’t count how many mistakes I made as a new employee. Things like skipping company perks, missing uniform stipends, and letting my retirement savings default into plans with high fees. I created this resource to help students avoid the mistakes I made and start their working lives with confidence.
Implementation Ideas
This starting a new job lesson works well for:
Advisory or homeroom sessions focused on life skills
Career prep or employability units
Transition planning for students with IEPs
Adult education job readiness programs
The weeks before students begin summer jobs or work-study
FAQs
Q: My students aren’t ready for retirement or insurance yet - will this still work?
A: Yes. These sections are simple introductions, designed to build awareness so they won’t be blindsided later. The goal is to spark discussions and develop familiarity.
Q: How long does this lesson take?
A: You can teach it in one 90-minute session, or break it into mini-lessons to fit your schedule.
Q: Will this work with my diverse learners?
A: Absolutely. It’s designed for high school and adult education students, including those with mild-to-moderate disabilities and English learners. Activities are scaffolded with discussion, visuals, and real-world examples.
Ready to Help Students Succeed?
This lesson is a perfect follow-up to the Job Searching Lesson. Together, they form a strong workplace readiness sequence that helps students land a job and succeed once they’ve started.
👉 Still deciding? Check out the detailed preview for a closer look.
