Contacting businesses to request a job shadow experience can feel intimidating for students. Having some structure for how that works may make the task a bit easier. Students can choose the contact method that works best for them—phone, email, in-person, or supported communication. Practice opportunities, visual supports, role-playing, and assistive technology can all be used to increase confidence and independence.

Student Sample Script (in person or phone)

It is often difficult to make “cold calls” to a business, and a script can be helpful to get the conversation going. This script can be taught and practiced with the student to prepare them for the call. For students with limited verbal communication skills, consider using assistive technology, a prerecorded message, or support staff to help initiate the conversation while encouraging student participation to the greatest extent possible.

Hello. My name is [name]. I am a student at [school].

As an assignment for my [name of class], we are required to spend time job shadowing someone who is in a job that we are interested in.

Would you be willing to allow me to spend 1-2 hours with you at your workplace?

I can send you information about myself and about job shadowing, along with some questions that I would like to ask. Should I email you?

I would be available to do job shadowing on [date] at [time], or what day and time would work for you?

I will be sending you the information and contacting you the day before to confirm our arrangements.

If you have questions, please contact my teacher, [teacher name] at [phone number].

Thank you for your time.

Student Sample Email

This is an example of an email that can be sent by the student to the potential job shadow site. An email can also be used to introduce the student to the business and to establish a time to have a phone call. This is an accepted practice in business and can relieve some of the anxiety of making that cold call.

Dear [name],

Hello, my name is [name]. I attend [school].

As an assignment for my [name of class], I am hoping to job shadow a [name of job/role].

Would it be possible for me to spend 1-2 hours with you at your worksite? The days and times that work for me are [dates/times].

I have attached information about job shadowing, some information about myself, and some questions that I have.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[student name]

Staff Sample Email

This is a sample template for staff to connect with possible worksites for job shadowing.

Dear [name],

Hello, my name is [name] and I am assisting students with disabilities from our school district to find opportunities for job shadows so they can explore various types of work in their areas of interest.

Would you be willing to explore working with us to find some job shadow sites at your place of business?

What types of jobs do you have here?
How does one prepare to work in this field, or this business?
Could students possibly shadow an employee performing their work duties?
If you are interested, how would you like to go about getting started?

I appreciate your time and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

[your name]

(Strategies for Developing Worksites and Supporting Transition Students, 2013)

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