Create a job
Green highlight

Invent and design your own job: choose duties, draw tools and workspace, write a short job ad, then role-play applying and interviewing.

Orange shooting star
Download Guide
Collect Badge
Background blob
Challenge Image
Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to invent and design your own job

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Jobs and Occupations I - Vocabulary for Kids

What you need
Adult supervision required, coloring materials (crayons markers colored pencils), paper, pencils, scissors, simple dress-up items (optional), sticky notes, tape or glue

Step 1

Choose a job idea and write a clear job title at the top of a fresh sheet of paper.

Step 2

Decide three to five duties this job would do and list each duty under the title.

Step 3

Draw the main tools the job uses on one part of the paper and label each tool.

Step 4

Sketch the workspace where the job happens and add small details like a desk shelf or machine.

Step 5

Design a logo or a simple uniform item for the job on a separate area of your paper.

Step 6

Color the logo or uniform item using your coloring materials.

Step 7

Write a short job ad that includes the job title a few duties and one or two skills needed.

Step 8

Create a one-page application or resume that lists your name your skills and one sentence about why you are right for the job.

Step 9

Write five interview questions the interviewer will ask the applicant.

Step 10

Practice answering each question out loud as the applicant so your answers are clear and confident.

Step 11

Role-play the application and interview with a friend or grown-up taking turns being interviewer and applicant.

Step 12

Share your finished job idea drawings job ad and a short note about your role-play on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
Challenge badge placeholder

Help!?

What can we use if we don't have coloring materials or a printer to color the logo/uniform item?

Use crayons, markers, colored pencils, or torn colored magazine paper to collage and color the logo or uniform item on the fresh sheet of paper as described in the 'Color the logo or uniform item' step.

What if my child gets stuck inventing duties or can’t think what tools to draw?

Prompt them to imagine a typical workday and ask 'what three tasks would you do first?' so they can list those duties under the title and draw simple versions of the main tools next to labels to finish the 'Decide three to five duties' and 'Draw the main tools' steps.

How can I adapt this job-creation activity for a preschooler versus a middle-schooler?

For preschoolers, limit it to one duty, a basic drawing of tools and one short practiced answer in the role-play, while middle-schoolers can list up to five duties, design a detailed logo, write a full one-page application/resume and write five interview questions with polished answers.

How can we extend or personalize the finished job idea before sharing on DIY.org?

Build a small diorama or a costume piece from household materials to represent the sketched workspace and tools, photograph the job ad, application/resume and record the role-play to include with the drawings and short note when uploading to DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to invent and design your own job

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

LEARNING about JOBS !🌟 VOCABULARY JOBS for KIDS!

4 Videos

Facts about career exploration for kids

🖍️ Designers and inventors often sketch tools and workspaces first—drawing helps turn ideas into real plans.

🎯 Job ads usually include a job title, duties, qualifications, location, and clear application instructions.

🌟 Many modern jobs (like social media manager or app developer) didn’t exist 30 years ago—new ideas can become real careers.

🎭 Role-playing interviews is a proven way to build confidence and practice answers like "Tell me about yourself."

📝 Short, specific job ads get more attention—clear duties and perks help people decide quickly.

How do you run the activity 'Invent and design your own job' with a child?

Start by asking your child to invent a job title and list main duties on paper. Have them draw the tools and their workspace, then write a short job ad with title, key tasks, and needed skills. Set up a role-play: one child applies and another interviews using simple questions. Rotate roles, use props or costumes, and end with feedback—what they liked and what they'd improve next time.

What materials do I need to invent and design a job with my child?

You’ll need paper or sketchbooks, pencils, crayons or markers, scissors and glue for simple props, cardboard or recycled boxes to build a workspace, stickers for labels, and costume pieces like hats or name tags. Optional: a timer, printed templates, and a phone to record interviews. Supervise scissors and small parts for safety, and adapt materials to your child’s age and skill level.

What ages is inventing and designing your own job suitable for?

This activity suits preschoolers through middle school with different complexity. Ages 4–6: simplify—draw a job and act it out with help. Ages 7–9: write brief job ads, design tools, and practice short interviews. Ages 10–13+: create detailed ads, realistic workplace sketches, and more structured role-play. Adjust language, time, and adult support based on attention span and writing ability.

What are the benefits of doing the job-invention and role-play activity?

Inventing and designing jobs builds creativity, vocabulary, planning, and writing skills. Role-playing interviews develops confidence, communication, active listening, and perspective-taking. The activity teaches problem-solving, teamwork, and basic job literacy like responsibilities and tools. It’s also a low-cost, screen-free way to practice speaking and social skills. To vary it, try community helpers, future careers, or fantasy jobs to expand imagination and conversation topics.
DIY Yeti Character
Join Frame
Flying Text Box

One subscription, many ways to play and learn.

Try for free

Only $6.99 after trial. No credit card required