Job Readiness and Personal Branding Training for Vocational School Students at Voctech 1 Tangerang Heading into the Industrial World

Abstract

A persistent gap between technical skills and non-technical work readiness remains a key challenge for vocational high school (SMK) students entering the workforce, including those at SMK Voctech 1 Tangerang. Many students struggle to prepare effective job applications, lack confidence in interviews, and are unaware of the importance of personal branding and portfolio development. This community service activity aimed to strengthen the job readiness and personal branding skills of 11th-grade students through training in resume (CV) writing, mock job interviews, and strategies for building a professional image on social media and creating a portfolio. The activity employed interactive lectures and group discussions, and was evaluated using a participant satisfaction questionnaire. Results indicated improved participant understanding of work readiness and personal branding, along with positive overall feedback. The activity offers a tangible contribution to enhancing SMK students' workforce readiness and helping them build a professional self-image aligned with industry needs in the digital era.