4.1 Researching the Company
This is a 45-minute FFA lesson (“Lesson 1: What’s in a Company?”) that teaches students the importance of researching a company before a job interview and how to conduct that research. Students watch a video, complete two worksheets (“What Do I Need to Know?” and “Applying What I Now Know”), use tools like AgExplorer and AgCareers.com to research a career and company, and develop interview questions. An answer key is included.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
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- Identify the importance of completing company research prior to a job interview.
- Evaluate important information about a company prior to a job interview.
- Complete company research prior to an interview.
- Time required
- 45 minutes
- Materials
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- Internet access to play the video in real time or embed the video in a PowerPoint ahead of time
- Internet access for student exploration
- A copy of the worksheet “What Do I Need to Know?” for each student
- A copy of the worksheet “Applying What I Now Know” for each student
- Resources
- FFA.org; AgExplorer; “Tips for Job Seekers: How to Research a Company Before Your Job Interview,” https://youtu.be/7EP3maxx-x4; How to Research a Company Before You Interview, https://online.champlain.edu/blog/how-to-research-a-company-before-interview
- Partnership for 21st Century Skills
- Information, Communications, and Financial Literacy; Technology Literacy; Think Creatively
- Created
- 04/2018 by the National FFA Organization
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
AFNR Career Ready Practices
- CRP.02Apply appropriate academic and technical skills. Career-ready individuals readily access and use the knowledge and skills acquired through experience and education to be more productive.
- CRP.04Communicate clearly, effectively, and with reason. Career-ready individuals communicate thoughts, ideas and action plans with clarity, whether using written, verbal and/or visual methods.
Common Core – Speaking and Listening
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.2Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.4Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.
FFA Precept
- FFA.CS-MCommunication: Effectively interact with others in personal and professional settings.
- FFA.CS-NDecision Making: Analyze a situation and execute an appropriate course of action.
- FFA.PG-JMental Growth: Embrace cognitive and intellectual development relative to reasoning, thinking and coping.
- FFA.PL-AAction: Assume responsibility and take the necessary steps to achieve the desired results, no matter what the goal or task at hand.
- FFA.PL-EAwareness: Understand personal vision, mission and goals.