Work Force Center - Middle School

Find Volunteer Opportunities in Mesa County

Why volunteering helps you get a job.

Why volunteering helps you get a job in the future

Volunteering shows an employer that you have a strong work ethic and that you’re willing to give back to your community, which shows strong personal character.
You will learn new skills that you will be able to use on the job. You can highlight these skills on your resume.
Volunteering can lead to future paid opportunities with that company.
If you perform well in your volunteer position, you will have a good reference when a potential paying employer is interested in hiring you.

What to do first

Setting the Stage

Positive Attitude and Professionalism

A positive attitude is a mental outlook of optimism and expecting good things to happen. People who possess this attitude are easier to get along with, are happy, and others enjoy working with them.

Professionalism

The noun professionalism is usually used to describe the type of behavior you would expect from a professional person. For example, showing up to work on time, focusing on the task at hand, dressing appropriately, and not fighting with your coworkers (unless you're a professional wrestler).
Things to avoid to make sure you are acting in a professional way:
- Cussing and using slang
- Being on your phone while working
- Clothing that contains offensive, degrading, illegal or vulgar language and pictures
- Clothing that does not appropriately cover your body or shows undergarments
- Inappropriate, non-work related conversations with co-workers (others can hear you)
- Employers typically will give you a handbook or some document to refer to let you know their specific rules and expectations

Making good life choices

Keep in mind that choices you make now can have an impact on your future.
Bad decisions can cause you to have a criminal record making it so employers will think it is a risk to hire you.
Things you post on social media can be searched and found by employers. Does what your posting make you look like someone they want to hire?
Be an active and engaged student! Get the best grades you can and be involved in groups and activities. This can be added as an “Accomplishments” section of your resume to impress employers

Resources that help you

Opportunities for Middle Schoolers

Realistic Expectations

What employers are looking for

Most employers in Mesa County do not hire anyone younger than 15.
If you are 15 or younger and having a difficult time getting hired, don’t get discouraged! This is very normal at this age; instead focus on what you can do to build your skills and experience through non-paid work. Wage information for entry level
- As of January 1, 2018 minimum wage is $10.20 per hour (or $8.31 per hour for tipped positions, such as waiters). This is scheduled to increase every year through 2020 until minimum wage is $12.00 per hour.
- For your first job, expect to make minimum wage.

Assessments

Virtual Job Shadows

Work Force Center – Middle School