Career Development

Welcome Video

Welcome to the Fresh Start Job Readiness Course

Important information about the Fresh Start Readiness course. Start here first.

READ THIS FIRST - Important Information About this Course

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Before you look for a job, get clear on what you bring and where you're headed. You'll take stock of your skills, including the ones you've built through family, volunteering, and life. You'll also name what matters to you in a workplace. Then you'll connect your education and training program to a real career, research what it pays locally, and write a goal statement with a wage target.

Module 1: Who Am I as a Worker?

Navigating Your First Activity/Assignment

Your Personal Skills Inventory 

Module 2: My Goals and My Why

Career Goal Statement Activity

Unit 1 - Know Yourself

Workplaces have rules, both written and unwritten, and they're easier to handle when someone explains them. You'll learn how workplaces are organized, what you and your employer owe each other, and which rights you have as a California worker. You'll also learn what employers look for in new hires, what gets people fired, and how to make good decisions under pressure.

Module 3: How Workplaces Actually Work

Workplace Expectations Self-Assessment Activity

Module 4: What Employers Actually Want

Employer Expectations Self-Assessment Activity

Unit 2 - The World of Work

Employers often form their first impression before they ever meet you. You'll build a first-draft resume from scratch, even if you've never had a formal job or have gaps in your history. Then you'll look at your online presence: professional email and voicemail, LinkedIn basics, and the digital tools you're likely to use on the job.

Module 5 Introduction

Module 5: Building Your Resume from Scratch

Resume First Draft Activity

Knowledge Check - Building Your Resume from Scratch

Module 6: Your Digital Presence and Workplace Tools

Digital Readiness Checklist Activity

Unit 3 - Get Ready on Paper

Most jobs are never publicly posted, so applying online isn't enough. You'll learn how the visible and hidden job markets work, how to network without feeling awkward, and how to use your college career center. You'll build a list of 10 target employers. Then you'll practice reading job postings, writing a cover letter, completing applications, answering background check questions professionally, and following up.

Module 7: Where Jobs Actually Are

My Target Employer List Activity

Module 8 Introduction Video

Module 8: How to Apply and Actually Get Noticed

Application and Cover Letter Activity

Knowledge Check - How to Apply and Actually Get Noticed

Unit 4 - Find the Job

Prepare for the moment the job is won. You'll learn the common interview formats and practice answering common questions with the STAR method. You'll also cover what to bring, what to ask, and how to follow up. Then you'll learn how to weigh a job offer against the CalFresh self-sufficiency threshold, understand benefits beyond the paycheck, and know when and how to negotiate.

Module 9 Introduction Video

Module 9: Interviewing with Confidence

Interview Preparation Activity

Knowledge Check - Interviewing with Confidence

Module 10: The Job Offer – What Now?

Offer Evaluation Worksheet Activity

Unit 5 - Get the Interview, Get the Job

Getting hired is the start, and staying employed is what leads to self-sufficiency. You'll learn what supervisors notice in the first 90 days, how to build good relationships at work, and how to solve problems and manage your time and well-being. You'll finish with a one-year career plan covering advancement, asking for a raise, and basic financial planning as your income grows.

Module 11: Your First 90 Days

My 90-Day Success Plan Activity

Module 12: Growing from Here

My One-Year Career Development Plan Activity

Unit 6 - Start Strong, Stay Employed

Ready to turn your training into a job that pays the bills? Fresh Start walks you through the whole process, from figuring out what you're good at to starting your first day and growing from there.You'll work through 12 short modules, one every week or two. Each takes about 15–35 minutes, and you'll finish each one with something you'll actually use, like a resume, a cover letter, or an interview prep sheet. There are no tests. Your counselor or advisor will read what you submit and give you feedback along the way.You don't need any work experience to start. You bring your own skills and goals, and the course helps you take it from there.

Fresh Start Job Readiness

Course content

Course Description

This Course Includes