by Mr. Johnson
Lately I have been stressing to students that potential employers want you to possess certain skills. In addition, students will also be expected to be trained according to the demands of their employers. The job market continues to be very competitive. The first hurdle to leap is obtaining employment (get a job!).
I often hear students complain about the need to complete certain assignments, especially essays. I cannot count the numerous times I have explained the relevancy of essay writing, and how it might help long after leaving high school.
Essays are a great way to process how you answer questions, especially on job interviews? Think about it, the interviewer asks, “What two words would you use to describe yourself and why?” You answer, determined and competent (your thesis statement). You begin your response by describing examples that display your determination based on your experiences at home, school, community, etc. (body paragraph 1). Then you do the same again. This time you explain, by using evidence from your own accomplishments, why you’re competent (body paragraph 2). You finally bring it home and smack (Splackoww!!) the interviewer with a strong reminder of why you are both; determined and competent (conclusion paragraph). This skill of verbally supporting your actions with evidence is necessary in all career paths and eventually becomes a mindset. Effectively expressing yourself with support in both writing and speaking is essential to promoting yourself to a potential employer. Often it is the job applicants who most effectively promote themselves who get the job, regardless of whether they are the most qualified. So, the next time you question the relevance of writing essays, remember that it’s not just school work, it’s a life-long advantage.