How to Prepare for a Successful Job Shadow

Job Shadows are a 2-4 hour experience offered Monday through Friday.
Students are excused from classes to attend their job shadow. It is the students responsibility to make sure they are excused.
Transportation is student's responsibility.
Job Shadows are usually scheduled only once. If you cannot participate as scheduled, please contact Student Career Connection by CLICKING HERE or by phone at 712.366.7770. If referred to voice mail, leave a message including your name, school, the date of your job shadow and the reason you unable to attend.
We may not be able to reschedule your job shadow as many business hosts are only available at the time you were scheduled.
Tell your school contact that you canceled your job shadow.
If school is canceled because of bad weather, your job shadow is canceled. If school is delayed, base your decision on safety. Please call the business contact person named in your job shadow confirmation and the Student Career Connection if you decide not to go to your job shadow.

See your high school counselor or teacher to receive your job shadow confirmation.
Immediately call the contact person named in the special instructions section of your job shadow confirmation to confirm your job shadow. Verify date, time and location of job shadow and ask for directions if necessary. If referred to voice mail, leave your name, school and date of job shadow.
Prepare/review questions to ask your host during your job shadow (see below).
Make sure you have made arrangements for transportation to and from your job shadow.
Visit the company’s website.

Review your job shadow confirmation for appropriate dress, directions and any other important details.
Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Take money for parking.
Introduce yourself with a handshake and make eye contact.
Ask host your prepared questions.
Thank your host for allowing you to job shadow.
Complete the online job shadow evaluation form.
Write a thank you postcard (host’s name and address are on the job shadow confirmation) and return it to your school contact.

How did your high school education help prepare you for this job?
What personality traits are important for this career?
What is the primary product or service provided by this business?
What do you actually do?
What people do you work most closely with on the job?
What technology is used in the workplace?
What type of education or training would I need to enter this career field?
Where do I go to for that education or training?
What skills are required to do your job?
Why did you choose this type of work?
What does the future hold for this career?
What do you like most about your job?
What do you like least about your job?
When your company is hiring a new employee, what qualifications, skills or experience are you looking for?
What would be a starting salary for someone in this career?
Do you have any advice for me as I consider my career choices?