WORKSHOP: “Position Yourself for Success”
Goal:
Help participants practice describing their past experiences in positive, professional ways — focusing on growth, strengths, and future goals.
Time:
15–30 minutes
Group Size:
Pairs or small groups (2–3 people)
Step 1: Warm-Up (5 minutes)
Ask:
“When someone asks what you’ve done or where you’ve worked, what do you usually say?”
Write a few examples on the board.
Then ask, “How can we say that in a more positive or job-ready way?”
Example:
- Instead of: “I haven’t worked in years.”
Say: “I’m ready to get back into steady work and bring my life experience to a new team.”
Step 2: Partner Practice (10–15 minutes)
Each person takes a turn sharing:
- One past experience (job, class, or volunteer work)
- One strength or skill they have
- One challenge they’ve overcome
Their partner listens and helps them reword it in a positive, professional way using resume-style verbs.
Example pair work:
- Original: “I worked in the kitchen inside.”
- Reframed: “I prepared meals, kept the kitchen clean, and followed safety rules.”
Give them the Action Verb Table to use for ideas (e.g., helped, built, organized, repaired, supported).
Encourage short, strong sentences — 8 to 12 words each.
Step 3: Group Share (5–10 minutes)
Ask volunteers to share one example of how they rephrased their story.
Applaud each one. Reinforce the idea:
“You have experience. You just have to say it in a way employers understand.”
Write these key reminders on the board:
- Focus on what you did, not where you did it
- Use positive words
- Talk about growth, learning, and teamwork
Step 4: Reflection (5 minutes)
Ask everyone to finish this sentence on paper:
“One thing I can say more positively about myself is…”
If time allows, have them share one takeaway with the group.
