Lesson Plan: Crafting a Resume
Duration
30 Minutes
Grade Level
11th Grade
Objectives
- Understand the purpose and importance of a resume.
- Identify the key components of an effective resume.
- Create a draft resume based on personal experiences and accomplishments.
Materials Needed
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector (optional for visual aids)
- Handouts with resume templates and examples
- Pens and paper for drafting resumes
Lesson Outline
Introduction (5 Minutes)
- Begin by discussing the importance of a resume in the job application process.
- Ask students if they have any prior knowledge or experiences with resumes.
- Highlight that a resume is a tool to summarize personal skills, experiences, and achievements.
Key Components of a Resume (10 Minutes)
- Heading: Name, contact information, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).
- Objective Statement: A brief summary of career goals and what the student hopes to achieve in the position.
- Education: List of educational institutions attended, degrees obtained, and relevant coursework.
- Experience: Work experience or volunteer activities that showcase relevant skills and responsibilities.
- Skills: Specific skills that relate to the job being applied for (technical skills, soft skills, etc.).
- References: Include references or a statement that they are available upon request.
Resume Drafting Activity (10 Minutes)
- Distribute handouts that include template examples of resumes.
- Instruct students to start drafting their resumes using their personal experiences, accomplishments, and skills.
- Encourage them to think about their volunteer work, part-time jobs, school projects, and extracurricular activities.
- Walk around and provide assistance as needed.
Discussion and Q&A (5 Minutes)
- Invite students to share any unique points they’ve included in their resumes.
- Discuss common mistakes to avoid (e.g., typos, overly complex language, or irrelevant information).
- Review the importance of tailoring a resume for different job applications.
Homework Assignment
Task: Complete your resume draft and expand on each section with as much detail as possible. Additionally, find a job listing that interests you and tailor your resume to match the skills and experiences required.
Homework Deliverables
- A complete draft of your resume (1 page).
- A brief write-up (half a page) explaining how you tailored your resume to the job listing you chose.
Correct Answers for Homework
- The resume should include all key components discussed (Heading, Objective Statement, Education, Experience, Skills, References).
- The tailored resume should highlight experiences and skills that directly correlate with the job listing requirements. A sample job listing will include specific tasks and qualifications the student should reflect in their resume.
Conclusion
- Reinforce the importance of a well-structured resume.
- Encourage students to continuously update their resumes as they gain new experiences and skills.
- Mention that this is a living document that will evolve throughout their career journey.
This lesson plan aligns with U.S. educational standards for preparing high school students for college readiness and workforce skills.