Undertaking a job shadowing placement can be a very rewarding experience and can provide the shadowee with a unique development opportunity (see Why Job Shadowing?). However, there are several things that need to be considered throughout the job shadowing placement to ensure it is a success.
When preparing for a placement it is important to:
• Provide the host with an outline of what you are expecting from the shadowing.
• Check if there are any special requirements for the placement, such as dress code.
• Make sure you discuss any disability requirements with your host in advance of the placement, so that the host has enough time to put adjustments in place.
• Consider what questions you may want to ask during the job shadowing placement. (See the useful questions to ask on a placement document for some suggestions).
During a placement you should:
• Take notes, you may come away with some useful thoughts and observations.
• Show tact, discretion and maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Ensure that you show good time keeping and inform your host if you are not available for any reason.
Once the job shadowing placement is complete it is important to :
• Evaluate and reflect on the placement (see Reflection).
• Provide your host with feedback on what you have observed.
• Consider what you will do as a result of the shadowing experience, including how you will feed your learning back to your team.