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What is job shadowing?
Job shadowing is a sort of on-the-job- training that allows a motivated worker to closely watch & follow another worker in their task. Typically, new hires into a company or into a new role involves this kind of learning. Interns and students can also use work shadowing as a learning opportunity to better grasp the duties and expectations of their roles.
But shadowing shouldn’t be limited to just new jobs, this training can be applied to any type of job or role.
For example, an inspiring chef could benefit from spending a week in a professional kitchen to observe the fast-paced environment, culinary techniques and the teamwork required in a restaurant.
This firsthand experience can aid them in determining whether a culinary career aligns with their passion and goals, ultimately guiding their choice of culinary school or specialization. Similarly, a recent graduate with a degree in environmental science might consider interning with different environmental organizations to gain insights into specific fields within the environmental sector before committing to a long-term career path.
Why is job shadowing important ?
Job shadowing is valuable because it helps students and future workers figure out if they like a particular job. It gives them a real sense of what they’ll be doing and where they’ll work. Additionally, it teaches them how to be professional, demonstrates practical skills, and highlights the roles of professionals.
Will you get paid?
Job shadowing only lasts for one or two days, and you don’t actually carry out any real work. Because of this, it is unpaid. Only interns, who carry out the role of a worker, are paid for work experience.
When to use job shadowing
Job shadowing is most frequently used as a way for new hires to sit with and learn from their more experienced co-workers during the induction process. It serves as a fantastic link between their training’s theoretical and practical components.
Another convenient option to start your professional development within a firm is to work as a job shadow. People can use it to determine what departments and roles they would like to transfer into.
The perfect opportunity to pick up new skills and viewpoints from someone with more expertise than you, with mentoring programs or protracted training sessions.
Cross-training benefits greatly from job shadowing. You might need to consider cross-training your staff to make sure your company is stable and to fill in for absences. Through job shadowing, workers in various jobs can be adaptable and broaden their skill set.
Lastly, job shadowing can be a huge asset when it comes to interviews. You might include a quick 15–30 minute segment in your interviews to let prospective employees know what to anticipate from them. It’s a fantastic method to determine if a person is a good fit for the role or the other way around.
Benefits of job shadowing
Job shadowing offers a quick glimpse into the business and the job position you’re interested in. If you’re thinking about incorporation job shadowing into your training program, here are some advantages you can look forward to:
- Better understanding of the job.
- Opportunities to acquire new skills and work methods.
- Professional growth.
- Networking across different departments.
- Building strong connections among your staff.
- Trainees become aware of common challenges.
- Trainees can learn how to solve potential issues.
- Understanding the necessary hard and soft skills.
- Gaining a fresh perspective on how the business operates.
When you have new employees shadowing someone during their training, you’ll have plenty of chances to check in with them. With their fresh outlook, they can also suggest new ideas to boost productivity.
How to job shadow-Tips best practices for shadowing
Select a field that piques your interest
When seeking a job shadowing experience, begin by determining your preferred career path. While college students often have a specific career in mind, this step is especially valuable for high school students or anyone uncertain about their desired profession. This decision is highly personal, so take your time and weigh your options. Reflect on your passions and abilities, and seek a job opportunity that aligns with them. Consider using career aptitude tests as a helpful tool to narrow down your choices within a particular professional domain.
When deciding on a field, it can be beneficial to create a list of your career priorities. Take into account the following factors:
- Location: If you have a specific area in mind where you’d like to live, it’s a good idea to research available jobs in that region and select a company with a manageable commute.
- Setting: Determine the type of work environment you prefer, whether it’s an office, remote work, or an outdoor setting, as this can help you narrow down your career options.
- Interests: Consider finding a job closely aligned with your interests or hobbies, as this can lead to greater job satisfaction.
- People: Identify the kind of individuals you wish to work with, whether they are colleagues, superiors, or clients, as this knowledge can guide you in choosing the right job or field.
Compile a roster of appealing jobs and companies.
As your top choice for job shadowing might not be accessible, it’s essential to create a list of companies and roles you’d like to shadow. If possible, aim for at least three potential options.
While most individuals opt for job shadowing with local companies, if you’re interested in a career that isn’t available nearby, online job shadowing is a viable alternative. Although online job shadowing doesn’t provide the opportunity to physically observe a professional at work, you can connect with someone through video or a phone call to inquire about their current job, past work experiences, and their journey into their specific field.
Prepare a question list
While job shadowing provides ample opportunities to observe, there are moments when you can engage in meaningful conversations about job responsibilities, skills, and related topics. To make the most of these moments, it’s essential to create a list of thoughtful questions in advance. Keeping this list in a notebook allows for easy reference during your job shadowing experience.
Find a professional contact
Finding a professional to connect you with the company is the next step. There are two methods by which you can establish communication. If you are still enrolled in school, find out about any
Career services and shadowing opportunities your institution may have by speaking with a professor, guidance counselor, or instructor. Should these services not be available, your educators might be able to provide a direct contact.
Another option is to see if somebody you know is personally associated with the business you wish to monitor. Maybe you have a friend in that particular field of employment, or you know someone who works for that company already.
If none of these choices suit your needs, try looking up the company’s human resources or public relations department’s contact information on their website. Next, you can email the department you’d want to shadow to see if there are any openings. Alternatively, you might give the company’s office a call & request to speak with a professional to shadow.
Ask to Shadow
Once you’ve made a professional connection, it’s time to send a friendly email to request shadowing. Keep it short, polite, and professional – it’s your chance to make a good first impression. Make sure to proofread for clarity.
Here’s what to include in your email:
- Start with a polite greeting.
- Introduce yourself briefly.
- Explain your intention to shadow or ask for a referral to the right person.
- Conclude by thanking them for their time.
Remember, not everyone may say yes, so if you get a “no” at first, keep trying with other companies on your list until you find the right opportunity.
Be clear about your availability
When arranging your job shadowing experience with a professional, it’s vital to clearly communicate the days and times that suit your schedule. Transparently sharing your availability not only minimizes the risk of misunderstandings but also demonstrates your respect for their time.
Before reaching out to arrange the job shadowing opportunity, it’s advisable to review your existing commitments. This enables you to provide a precise response regarding your availability, streamlining the process of securing job shadowing opportunities.
Stay Open to Learning
Stay humble during your job shadowing experience, recognizing that the person you’re shadowing has more knowledge and experience. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek clarity on unfamiliar techniques. Your willingness to learn and engagement can leave a strong impression and increase your chances of securing a job at the company.
Express Gratitude with a Thank You Note
Sending a thank you note is a great way to showcase your professionalism and appreciation. You can send one to the employer for granting you the opportunity and another at the end of your job shadowing, highlighting how it has contributed to your professional growth.
Explore Future Opportunities
Job shadowing is an excellent chance to expand your network. Before you leave, consider discussing potential job openings with your contact. Share your contact information and ask them to reach out if a suitable position becomes available. It’s a proactive way to explore future opportunities.
Job Shadowing do’s and don’ts
Questions for Job Shadowing
To make the most of your job shadowing experience, it’s essential to ask your mentor plenty of questions. Here are some insightful questions to consider:
- What do you enjoy most about your job?
- If you could change something about your job, what would it be?
- What advice would you offer to someone interested in pursuing this career?
- What qualifications and experience are typically required for your role?
- Are there any recommended training courses that I should consider for this position?
- Are there any specific reading materials you suggest I explore?
- Are there professional organizations worth joining in this field?
- Given my background, do you think I’m well-suited for this role, or are there other industries I should explore?
- What personal qualities do you believe are most crucial for success in this role?
- What changes do you foresee in your industry over the next 5-10 years?
Job shadowing is an invaluable experience that provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on exposure to a specific career field. By shadowing experienced professionals, you can gain valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of the chosen profession. This firsthand experience can help you make informed career decisions and develop a deeper understanding of your interests and skills.
