Medfield Public Library hosts Teens in the Workforce Program and Job Fair

Over 30 teens crowded into the ’s Dailey Room last Tuesday to listen to a presentation on teens in the workforce presented by the library’s Business and Job Resource Center. The speakers included a high school student, a youth employer, and an expert on teen public speaking skills.

Medfield High School senior and Medfield Public Library employee, Stephen Krawec described a variety of positions he has held, including Library Page, Spanish Tutor, Teacher's Aide in a preschool, Independent Contractor, Musician, and Music Teacher.

 When asked a question in a job or college admissions interview, frame your responses, he told the audience.

 “If you are asked to talk about an extracurricular interest, make sure your response is relevant to the position and highlights your skills or traits that would be a good fit for the organization,” Krawec said.

Vera Kelsey-Watts, The Youth Programs Administrator for The Food Project also told the audience to use their strengths as an advantage and focus on the positives.

“As teens, you have enthusiasm and energy. Those are traits that employers look for in a candidate,” Kelsey-Watts said.

Knowing something about the company you want to work for helps too.  “One candidate made it through the application process [at The Food Project], but then said she wasn’t willing to work outside," Kelsey-Watts said. "Our whole program is based on farming.  You’re going to be outside, in the sun.  It’s very important to show the organization that you care enough about the job to be knowledgeable about what they do.” 

Theresa Campbell of Speak Well, Stand Out, engaged the audience with the final 30 minutes of the presentation.

“When introducing yourself, say your name slowly and clearly,” Campbell told the crowd. “It is common for young people to mumble and forget to make eye contact, but practicing these simple things can really make you appear much more confident and capable to an employer.”

 She quizzed the audience on the top 10 things not to do in an interview. Showing up late and not dressing appropriately topped the list.

The presentation was followed by a job fair, which offered teens the opportunity to talk with local employers about positions in their organizations and ask about the interview process. The Food Project, , Papa Gino’s and sent representatives to the fair. Several other Medfield businesses sent information and applications for current job openings, including: Marshalls’, Beginning Years Child Care, MAP – the Medfield After School Program, and Subway.

The Business and Job Resource Center provides support to job seekers of all ages in Medfield and the surrounding area. It is federally funded with LSTA funds through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

 Jen Forgit is the Teen Services Librarian at the Medfield Public Library. She can be contacted at jforgit@minlib.net