What is job shadowing and how can it help your career?

If you’re an entry-level employee or on a work placement, it’s usually difficult to know how to get off one right foot.

That’s why job shadowing can be the best way to know how to be successful early in your career. 

Job shadowing is a way of learning more about a particular profession, receiving basic training in a new job or simply becoming more familiar with a job. It is done by following what a senior professional does, and going to activities, such as attending meetings, or observing how certain tasks are performed. 

It is highly effective in terms of training and helps individuals to gain comprehensive knowledge about the profession; one of the many job shadowing advantages.

If you want to learn how to do your job the best way possible as quickly as possible, this is a great way to do it.

Keep reading to find out how you can use job shadowing to gain more skills and experience that you can add to your application by using our handy CV builder.

What are the objectives of job shadowing

Job shadowing serves as a vital tool for professional development and career exploration. There are plenty of job shadowing benefits that you can take advantage of when starting a new career. 

Here are some ways a career shadow experience can help you:

• Gain insight: You can observe the day-to-day activities of a profession, offering a realistic view of job roles and workplace environments. This will help you understand the practical aspects of a career.

• Develop your skills: Following a professional with experience can help you learn and improve on specific skills and techniques relevant to the job.

• Explore a different field: If you’re still in uni or someone considering a career change, job shadowing is an excellent way to explore different fields. It helps in making informed decisions about career choices by providing a glimpse into a different role or industry.

• Network: It offers the chance to build professional connections. Interacting with professionals in the field can open doors to future job opportunities and mentorship.

Job shadowing advantages and disadvantages

Job shadowing benefits don’t just apply to the shadowee. As someone being shadowed, you can learn new things and earn some points at work.

However, the experience isn’t always easy. Check out the job shadowing advantages and disadvantages below for both an employee being shadowed and someone doing the showing.

Advantages and disadvantages for the host

Advantages and disadvantages for the shadowee

How to shadow someone 

If you weren’t already aware, you can’t just follow around someone at a company. You have to go through the correct steps to get approved and ensure that the experience is worth it. 

To effectively shadow at work, follow these steps:

1. Choose the right person: Pick someone who is successful in the role you’re interested in and willing to teach and give advice. 

2. Get approval: Obtain permission from your supervisor and the person you wish to shadow. Ensure it aligns with company policies and doesn’t disrupt workflow.

3. Prepare questions: Prepare relevant questions in advance. That will help you learn as much as possible. 

4. Observe and engage: Actively observe their work, take notes, and engage in discussions where appropriate. Respect their time and workspace.

5. Reflect and follow up: After shadowing, reflect on your learnings. Send a thank-you note to the person you shadowed, expressing gratitude and summarising your key takeaways.

If you are a student, remember to send the company your resume and a cover letter to have on record for when you’re ready to apply.

The best careers for job shadowing

Job shadowing is particularly beneficial in careers where practical experience and real-world insights are pivotal. 

After all, they call it shadowing for a reason, you should be able to accompany someone in person who is actively performing their duties.

Some of the best fields for job shadowing include:

• Healthcare: Aspiring doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals gain invaluable insights by observing patient care and various medical procedures.

• Education: You can better understand classroom dynamics by shadowing a teacher and learning new teaching methodologies.

• Information technology: With the IT field’s rapid evolution, shadowing can provide up-to-date knowledge on the latest technologies and project management strategies.

• Engineering: Budding engineers can witness how theoretical principles are applied in practical scenarios, from design to implementation.

In these fields, workplace shadowing not only helps you better understand what it takes to be successful in your role but also helps in building a network of professional contacts.

Job shadowing FAQs

Here are some FAQs on job shadowing that you may be asking yourself if you are considering applying for a job or work placement, or simply want to learn more about a job role.

Do you get paid for shadowing?

This will depend entirely on the type of job shadowing you are doing. If you are starting a new job and job shadowing is part of your training, you should be paid for your time as this will be part of your contract. However, if it is an internship or a work experience, the company will have their own payment policy.

What is the difference between an internship and job shadowing?

In an internship, you are usually shown what you are supposed to do, given the necessary training and left to complete your work. You are likely to be supervised closely or have a mentor for any help.

Job shadowing involves observation as opposed to carrying out tasks. While you may have the opportunity to carry out some tasks, job shadowing aims to follow somebody’s day-to-day routine and learn about the responsibilities and tasks that they must carry out to do the job.

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