Lesson
Networking & Social Capital
Summary
Most jobs are never posted online—they're filled through people you barely know. This lesson explores how social capital, weak ties, and a sharp elevator pitch can unlock the hidden job market.
Bellringer: The Hidden Job Market
- Pose the fill-in-the-blank stat about how jobs actually get filled.
- Collect quick guesses, then reveal the "hidden job market" answer.
Instruction
- Define social capital and the power of weak ties.
- Walk through informational interviewing and networking etiquette.
Discussion: Crafting the Elevator Pitch
- Break down the four pitch elements: introduction, goal, need, ask.
- Students draft and rehearse 1–2 minute pitches in pairs.
Activity: Soft Skills Game & Posttest
- Students play the Soft Skills game to practice professionalism and communication.
- Close with the posttest and vocab review.
Wrap-Up & Assessment
- Explain the "hidden job market."
- Brainstorm 3 ways to begin networking right now.
| Est. Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 6 min | Bellringer: The Hidden Job Market |
|
| 10 min | Instruction |
|
| 12 min | Discussion: Crafting the Elevator Pitch |
|
| 14 min | Activity: Soft Skills Game & Posttest |
|
| 3 min | Wrap-Up & Assessment |
|
Lesson Prep
Soft Skills
Students build professionalism, communication, and teamwork at a summer job.
Soft Skills Posttest
Assess student learning after completing the Soft Skills unit.
Class Presentation
Includes an 18-slide deck with teacher notes. Present from Banzai, download a PDF, or copy it to Google Slides.
Presentations, Ready to Go
- Built-in PresentationPresent full screen, straight from Banzai
- Copy to Google SlidesMake an editable copy for your class
- Download or PrintSave as a PDF or print
- Teacher NotesSlide-by-slide guidance, printable as one handout
Unit 4: Job Search & Interview Prep
Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills
Mastering Excel won't save you if you can't show up on time or take feedback. This lesson explores how hard and soft skills combine to shape your human capital — and your future paycheck.
Networking & Social Capital
Most jobs are never posted online—they're filled through people you barely know. This lesson explores how social capital, weak ties, and a sharp elevator pitch can unlock the hidden job market.
Resume Basics
Most resumes never reach a human being at all. Explore how Applicant Tracking Systems filter candidates before instruction on ATS-friendly formatting and the core sections every resume needs.
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