February 2011

One of the practical exercises under the programme of psychological correction and social adaptation of orphanage graduates was devoted to a topic “How to behave competently during an interview”. A lecturer of an Almaty Higher Education Institution, who was a very famous person in his area of knowledge, narrated the training participant about specific rules than could help find a job.

At the beginning of exercises the specialist told about himself, his work and the necessity for getting good education and knowledge of foreign languages in order to start fruitful career.
Then, the subject was how to produce positive impression on a potential employer and demonstrate interest in obtaining employment during an interview as well as what documents should be taken along.

During the second part of the training children, who had already chosen their future professions, were acting as “applicants”. Applicants who had applied for positions of architect, teacher and sales manager faced considerable difficulties. It emerged that children had minor knowledge of those professions despite their popularity.

“Applicants” for positions of cooks were more successful. A conclusion of the exercise was definite: besides knowledge and practical skills gained in educational institutions and at work, it was necessary to improve continuously the skills, continue self-education and develop erudition.

Reinforcement of theoretical learning in practice is a necessary condition for success in any business. For the purpose of getting practical skills on employment we have organized an excursion for fosterlings of orphanages attending at our trainings for psychological correction and social adaptation to one of network hypermarkets of Almaty city specialized in sale of household appliances and electronics.

Young girls and boys got familiar to director and employees of the shop. Children found out about main principles o work of trade enterprises, assortment of goods, rules of conduct of selling assistants, tactics of communication with clients and other details in the sphere of sales. Director promised that if the children would wish to work as salesmen, he would certainly hire them as probationary employees, and gave them instructions how to draw up a curriculum vitae and conduct themselves during interviews. Children were impressed when they found out that there was a possibility to combine the work and study – management of the shop encouraged people striving for getting education.

One of employees of the hypermarket was a former graduate of an orphanage. He told children about himself, his work in the company where he had been working for many years, and shared his impressions and experience.
Young boys and girls were able to apply new knowledge right there, in the course of a role-playing game organized by a coach-psychologist where children acted as salesmen. At the end of the day they received small presents from the shop – branded notepads, pens and business cards.