Writing A Resume

Designed by: Mary H. Harris, Hopkins Middle School

Grade Level: Eighth    Subject(s): Language Arts/Reading

1) Core Curriculum Objective(s): Write technical compositions showing evidence of working outlines, paraphrased notes, and working bibliographies.(8-WA-7)(PACT IV.12)

2) Overview: In this lesson, the students will work in collaborative groups to identify future career job skills, and job duties.  Once this information has been identified, students will independently write a resume.  This lesson may be used in career education or an advisory program.

3) Purpose/Focus Question(s): Can you write a resume and a cover letter?

4) Time Frame: Five fifty minute classes

  5) Resources/Material(s):

Computers with Internet access and Microsoft Office

Sample resumes

List of Internet site - http://www.mapping-your-future.org

Resume’ rubric - http://www.content.monster.com

Local newspaper

 6) ASSESSMENT:

The students will search on-line and identify their top two career choices.  Students will complete an on-line assignment that may be counted as a participation grade or as points toward a quiz grade.  Students will be assessed daily via a response slip which may be counted as a participation grade or as points toward a quiz grade.  Students will write a resume’.  A sample rubric has been provided for the evaluation.

7) INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

ACTIVITY ONE

1.       Teacher will introduce the topic of exploring careers.

2.       Using a graphic web, the students will identify 10 different careers that are of interest to them.

3.       The teacher will write a list of careers on the board generated from student lists.

4.  Students will select a team to work with based on career interest. Teams may consist of 2 to 3 students.

5.  Students will log in and go to the Internet.

6.        Ask students to assess Internet site http://www.mapping-your-future.org. Students should read two articles about an occupation that interests them.

7.        Students should write a two page summary essay explaining the nature of the work, working conditions, training, job outlook for the occupation that interests them, and why they think they would be well suited for this occupation.

8. Teacher will monitor the students and review essays.

Daily Assessment: Students will be given a response slip on which they will write at least two facts they have learned from the day’s activity.  This may count as points toward a quiz grade or a participation grade.

ACTIVITY TWO

1.       Teacher will introduce the topic of resume’.

2.       Students should use the Internet site http://www.accent-resume-writing.com/tips/ to get tips for writing their resume’.  Students should read the article about six typical resume writing mistakes and list the common mistakes in their notebook.

3.       Teacher should pass out sample resumes or the students may use Internet site http://www.content.monster.com/resume/  to review actual resumes.

4.       Students should identify any mistakes in the samples and select a resume format.

Activity Three

1. Student should image they are seeking a job in one of their career choices.

2. Using a local newspaper, the students should find employment classified ads that closely match the training and skills needed for the career they have selected.  This is to help students see how resumes are actually used to find positions.

3. Students should be given the resume’ writing rubric.

4.       Using the career summary essays, students should write a draft of their resume.

5.       With a partner, the students should edit and revise the resume’.

6.       Teacher will monitor the progress and discuss common problems in the writing.

7.       Resumes’ should be returned to the original writer to write the final draft.

8.       Resumes’ may be published on line or displayed in the hall on career day.

Daily Assessment: Students will be given a response slip on which they will write at least two facts they have learned from the day’s activity.  This may count as points toward a quiz grade or a participation grade.