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Job Application Navigator

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Lesson Plan

Application Mastery Session

Students will be able to create a foundational resume and draft a compelling cover letter, understanding the purpose and key components of each, to effectively apply for jobs.

Mastering job application essentials like resumes and cover letters is crucial for securing employment after high school. This lesson provides practical skills to help students confidently navigate the job market.

Audience

12th Grade Student

Time

55 minutes

Approach

Individualized, step-by-step guidance on resume and cover letter creation.

Materials

Your Application Toolkit (slide-deck), Resume Builder Template (worksheet), and Effective Cover Letter Tips (reading)

Prep

Review Materials

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: Navigating the Job Hunt

5 minutes

  • Begin by discussing the importance of job applications and how they are the first step to employment.
  • Use the first slide of Your Application Toolkit to introduce the session's objectives.

Step 2

Resume Building Workshop

25 minutes

  • Transition to the 'Resume Basics' section of the Your Application Toolkit slide deck.
  • Guide the student through the sections of a resume: contact information, objective/summary, education, work experience, skills, and references.
  • Work collaboratively with the student to fill out the Resume Builder Template worksheet.
  • Provide direct support and feedback as the student identifies their relevant experiences and skills.

Step 3

Crafting a Compelling Cover Letter

20 minutes

  • Introduce the concept of a cover letter using the 'Cover Letter Essentials' section of the Your Application Toolkit slide deck.
  • Provide the student with the Effective Cover Letter Tips reading.
  • Discuss the purpose and structure of a cover letter: introduction, body paragraphs (highlighting relevant skills/experiences), and conclusion.
  • Guide the student in drafting a basic cover letter for a hypothetical job, using the tips from the reading.

Step 4

Wrap-up & Next Steps

5 minutes

  • Review the key takeaways from the session: the importance of a tailored resume and a persuasive cover letter.
  • Encourage the student to continue refining their resume and cover letter for actual job applications.
  • Offer to review future drafts and discuss potential job opportunities.
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Slide Deck

Job Application Navigator: Your Path to Employment

Ready to take the next step towards your dream job?

Today, we'll learn how to:

  • Build an awesome resume
  • Write a winning cover letter
  • Feel confident applying for jobs!

Welcome the student and explain that today's session is all about getting ready to apply for jobs. Emphasize that these skills are important for their future.

Resume Basics: Your Personal Highlight Reel

What is a resume?

  • A document that shows off your skills and experience
  • Your chance to make a great first impression!

Why is it important?

  • Helps employers learn about you quickly
  • Gets you an interview!

Key Sections:

  • Contact Information
  • Objective/Summary
  • Education
  • Work Experience
  • Skills
  • References (optional)

Explain that a resume is a summary of their skills, experience, and education. It's their personal advertisement to an employer.

Building Your Resume: Step-by-Step

Let's start filling out your Resume Builder Template!

  • Contact Information: Name, Phone, Email, City/State
  • Objective/Summary: What kind of job are you looking for? What are your best qualities?
  • Education: High school, expected graduation, any special programs
  • Work Experience: Any paid jobs, volunteer work, internships, or school projects
  • Skills: What are you good at? (e.g., computer skills, communication, teamwork)

Remember: We are building YOUR story!

Guide the student through filling out the Resume Builder Template. Provide examples for each section and help them brainstorm their own experiences. Reinforce that even school projects or volunteer work can count as experience.

Cover Letter Essentials: Your Introduction

What is a cover letter?

  • A letter you send with your resume
  • It explains why you want the job and why you are a good fit

Why is it important?

  • Shows you're serious about the job
  • Lets you tell more of your story

Key Sections:

  • Introduction (who you are, what job you want)
  • Body Paragraphs (why you are a great fit, what skills you have)
  • Conclusion (thank them, next steps)

Introduce the cover letter. Explain it's a letter that introduces them and explains why they're a great fit for the job, often tailored to each specific application. Refer to the Effective Cover Letter Tips reading.

Drafting Your Cover Letter: Making Your Case

Using your Effective Cover Letter Tips reading, let's draft a basic cover letter.

  • Paragraph 1: Introduction
    • Who are you? What job are you applying for? Where did you see it?
  • Paragraph 2: Why You?
    • What skills or experiences do you have that match the job?
    • How can you help the company?
  • Paragraph 3: Conclusion
    • Reiterate your interest
    • Thank them for their time and consideration
    • Mention you look forward to hearing from them

Walk through the structure of a cover letter. Emphasize using the Effective Cover Letter Tips reading to help them. Encourage them to think about a specific job they might want and tailor a letter for it.

You're Ready to Apply!

Today, you started building your:

  • Resume: Your skills and experience at a glance
  • Cover Letter: Your personal introduction and pitch

Keep practicing and tailoring these for each job you apply for. You've got this!

Next Steps:

  • Continue to refine your resume and cover letter
  • Look for job openings that match your interests
  • Ask for feedback!

Summarize the key learning points. Reinforce that practice makes perfect and that these are valuable life skills. Offer continued support.

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Worksheet

Resume Builder Template

This template will help you organize your information to create a strong resume. Fill in each section with your details.


1. Contact Information

  • Full Name:


  • Phone Number:


  • Email Address:


  • City, State:



2. Objective or Summary Statement

(Choose one: An Objective states what you want, a Summary highlights what you offer. You can pick which one works best for you!)

Objective Example: "Seeking an entry-level position at [Company Name] where I can apply my customer service skills and learn new responsibilities."

Summary Example: "Motivated and reliable high school student with strong teamwork and communication skills, eager to contribute to a dynamic work environment."

Your Objective/Summary:






3. Education

  • High School Name:


  • City, State:


  • Expected Graduation Date:


  • Any Special Programs, Awards, or Relevant Coursework? (e.g., Vocational training, honor roll, specific classes like 'Shop Class' or 'Computer Skills')







4. Work Experience

(List any paid jobs, volunteer work, internships, or even significant school projects. Start with the most recent.)

Job/Role 1:


  • Company/Organization Name:


  • City, State:


  • Dates (Start Date - End Date):


  • Your Responsibilities and Achievements: (Use action verbs! What did you do and what was the result?)
    • Example: "Assisted customers with locating products and answered questions."
    • Example: "Organized inventory and restocked shelves."
    • Example: "Worked as part of a team to complete group projects in class."









Job/Role 2 (if applicable):


  • Company/Organization Name:


  • City, State:


  • Dates (Start Date - End Date):


  • Your Responsibilities and Achievements:










5. Skills

(What are you good at? Think about computer skills, languages, tools you can use, or personal qualities like teamwork or problem-solving.)

  • Computer Skills: (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Email)



  • Languages: (e.g., Spanish, French, ASL)



  • Tools/Equipment: (e.g., specific machinery, software)



  • Soft Skills: (e.g., Communication, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, Punctuality, Reliability, Customer Service)




6. References (Optional - "Available Upon Request")

(You usually don't list references directly on your resume, but you should have them ready! We will just note that they are available.)

  • References: Available upon request.

Great job filling out your resume builder! This is a fantastic start to your job application journey.

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Reading

Effective Cover Letter Tips: Making Your Application Shine!

A cover letter is like a personal introduction to your resume. It tells the employer who you are, what job you want, and why you are the best person for the job. Here are some tips to help you write a great one!

1. Always Write a Custom Letter

  • Don't use a generic letter! Each cover letter should be written specifically for the job you are applying for. Mention the company by name and the specific job title.
  • Show you did your homework. Briefly mention something you admire about the company or a specific part of the job description that excites you. This shows you're genuinely interested.

2. Professional Format and Tone

  • Keep it professional. Use a formal tone (no slang or emojis). Double-check for any spelling or grammar mistakes.
  • Clear and concise. Get straight to the point. Most cover letters are one page long, usually three to four paragraphs.
  • Address it correctly. Try to find the hiring manager's name. If you can't,
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Job Application Navigator • Lenny Learning