Lesson Plan
Resume and Intro Workshop
Students will draft a one-page resume outline (contact, education, experiences, skills) and practice a 20-second introduction with feedback.
This lesson empowers students with essential skills for job searching and networking, critical for their post-high school success.
Audience
11th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Through a mini-lesson, workshop, and peer feedback, students will develop resume and introduction skills.
Materials
Job Ready Slides, Resume Outline Template, Two-Line Networking Practice, Intro Feedback Sheet, and Exit Ticket One Resume Next Step
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Job Ready Slides and customize as needed.
- Print copies of the Resume Outline Template (one per student).
- Print copies of the Two-Line Networking Practice (one per student).
- Print copies of the Intro Feedback Sheet (one per student).
- Prepare a blank space or digital document for students to list skills and where they gained them for the 'Do Now' activity.
- Ensure access to a projector or interactive whiteboard for the slide deck.
Step 1
Do Now: Skill Snapshot
5 minutes
- Display the 'Do Now' prompt: "List three skills you have and where you gained them." (Job Ready Slides - Slide 2)
- Give students 5 minutes to brainstorm and write down their responses individually.
- Briefly discuss a few examples as a whole class, highlighting transferable skills. (e.g., "I gained leadership skills by being captain of the basketball team.")
Step 2
Mini-Lesson: Resume & Intro Essentials
10 minutes
- Use the Job Ready Slides (Slides 3-7) to introduce the basic sections of a one-page resume (contact, education, experiences, skills) and the importance of action verbs.
- Explain the purpose of a 20-second introduction (elevator pitch).
- Model a strong 20-second introduction, demonstrating confidence and clarity. (e.g., "Hi, I'm [Teacher's Name], and I'm passionate about education. I help students develop life skills and prepare for their futures, inspiring them to achieve their full potential.")
- Distribute the Two-Line Networking Practice and briefly explain its purpose.
Step 3
Workshop: Draft & Practice
10 minutes
- Distribute the Resume Outline Template to each student.
- Instruct students to begin drafting their one-page resume outline based on the mini-lesson.
- While students work on their resumes, have them pair up to practice their 20-second introductions using the Two-Line Networking Practice.
- Distribute the Intro Feedback Sheet and guide students on how to provide constructive feedback to their peers. Encourage them to focus on clarity, confidence, and key information.
- Circulate around the room, offering support and answering questions.
Step 4
Wrap Up: Revision & Next Steps
5 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
- Ask students to reflect on the feedback they received and note one specific revision they will make to their resume outline or introduction.
- Distribute the Exit Ticket One Resume Next Step.
- Instruct students to complete the exit ticket, identifying one concrete next step they will take to refine their resume or introduction.
- Collect exit tickets as students leave.
Slide Deck
Job Ready: From Resume to Handshake
Building Your Future, One Skill at a Time!
Welcome students and introduce the lesson topic. Briefly explain that today's lesson is about preparing for job opportunities.
Do Now: Skill Snapshot
Think about your experiences in school, sports, clubs, volunteering, or even at home. List three skills you have and where you gained them.
Example: Leadership - Captain of the basketball team
Explain the 'Do Now' activity. Give students 5 minutes to write down their responses. Circulate and observe. Afterwards, facilitate a brief discussion, asking a few students to share their skills and where they gained them, emphasizing how skills are acquired in various settings.
Resume Basics: Contact & Education
Contact Information
- Name, Phone, Email, LinkedIn (optional)
- Make it professional!
Education
- School Name, Location
- Expected Graduation Date
- GPA (if strong, 3.0+)
Introduce the first two key sections of a resume: Contact Information and Education. Emphasize clarity and professionalism for contact info, and highlight important details for education, such as graduation year and GPA (if applicable).
Resume Basics: Experiences & Skills
Experiences
- Jobs, Volunteering, School Projects, Clubs
- Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements.
- Focus on what you did and the results.
Skills
- Technical skills (software, languages)
- Soft skills (teamwork, problem-solving, communication)
Continue with the next two sections: Experiences and Skills. For experiences, stress that these aren't just paid jobs; they can be volunteer work, school projects, or extracurriculars. Explain that skills should be relevant to the jobs they might seek.
Power Up Your Resume: Action Verbs!
Instead of saying "I was responsible for..." try:
- Managed, Coordinated, Organized
- Developed, Created, Designed
- Assisted, Supported, Collaborated
- Analyzed, Researched, Evaluated
- Led, Guided, Mentored
Highlight the importance of action verbs. Provide examples and encourage students to think about how they can transform passive descriptions into impactful statements.
What's Your 20-Second Intro?
Your Elevator Pitch!
- A brief, engaging summary of who you are.
- Highlights your skills and what you're looking for.
- Delivered in about 20 seconds (the length of an elevator ride!).
- Perfect for networking events, job fairs, or meeting new people.
Introduce the concept of a 20-second introduction, also known as an 'elevator pitch'. Explain its purpose: to quickly and effectively introduce yourself and what you're looking for or passionate about. Stress that it's a quick, memorable summary.
Crafting Your Intro: Key Elements
Practice Time!
Your 20-second introduction should include:
- Your Name
- Your Current Situation (e.g., "I'm an 11th-grade student at [School Name]...")
- Your Skills/Interests (relate to your "Do Now"!)
- What you're seeking or passionate about (e.g., "...looking for an internship in marketing" or "...passionate about helping my community through volunteering.")
Model a 20-second introduction. Then, explain that students will practice creating their own during the workshop. Provide a basic structure to help them get started. Remind them to keep it concise and impactful.
Workshop: Resume & Intro Practice
Your Turn!
- Draft Your Resume Outline: Use the Resume Outline Template to start building your resume.
- Practice Your 20-Second Intro: Pair up with a classmate and use the Two-Line Networking Practice to practice. Remember to use the structure we discussed!
- Give Feedback: Use the Intro Feedback Sheet to help your partner improve.
Explain the workshop activity. Distribute the Resume Outline Template and Two-Line Networking Practice. Guide students to work on their resumes first, then pair up for intro practice. Distribute the Intro Feedback Sheet and model how to give effective feedback. Circulate and provide individual support.
Reflect & Next Steps
One Revision, One Next Step
- Think about the feedback you received or what you learned today. What is ONE specific revision you will make to your resume outline or 20-second introduction?
- Complete the Exit Ticket One Resume Next Step before you leave!
Wrap up the lesson. Ask students to reflect on one revision and then complete the Exit Ticket One Resume Next Step. Collect the exit tickets.
Worksheet
Resume Outline Template
Use this template to start building your one-page resume. Fill in as much information as you can! Remember to use strong action verbs for your experiences.
1. Contact Information
- Full Name:
- Phone Number:
- Professional Email:
- LinkedIn Profile URL (Optional):
2. Education
- School Name:
- School Location (City, State):
- Expected Graduation Date:
- GPA (if 3.0 or higher, optional):
- Relevant Coursework or Awards (Optional):
3. Experiences
List 2-3 significant experiences (jobs, volunteering, school projects, clubs, sports teams). For each, describe what you did and the results using action verbs.
Experience 1:
- Title/Role:
- Organization/Company:
- Dates (e.g., "Fall 2023 - Present" or "June 2023"):
- Description (use action verbs!):
Experience 2:
- Title/Role:
- Organization/Company:
- Dates:
- Description (use action verbs!):
4. Skills
List relevant skills. Think about both technical skills (computer programs, languages) and soft skills (teamwork, communication).
- Technical Skills:
- Soft Skills:
- Languages:
Activity
Two-Line Networking Practice
It's time to practice your 20-second introduction! Pair up with a classmate and follow these steps. Remember, your goal is to introduce yourself clearly and confidently.
Instructions:
- Find a Partner: Stand facing your partner.
- Student A Introduces Themselves: Student A will deliver their 20-second introduction.
- Example: "Hi, I'm [Your Name], an 11th-grade student at [School Name]. I'm really good at [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], and I'm looking for opportunities to learn more about [Interest/Field]."
- Student B Asks a Follow-Up Question: Student B will ask one question about Student A's introduction or interests.
- Example: "That's interesting! What kind of opportunities are you looking for in [Interest/Field]?"
- Student A Answers Briefly: Student A provides a short answer.
- Switch Roles: Now, Student B introduces themselves, and Student A asks a follow-up question.
My 20-Second Introduction Draft:
(Use this space to quickly jot down keywords or phrases for your intro before you practice!)
Rubric
Intro Feedback Sheet
Your Name:
Partner's Name:
Use this sheet to give constructive feedback to your partner on their 20-second introduction. Be honest, helpful, and kind!
Feedback Criteria:
| Criteria | 1 - Needs Work | 2 - Developing | 3 - Good | 4 - Excellent | Comments/Suggestions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarity & Conciseness | Introduction was unclear or too long/short. | Some parts were clear, but others were confusing or rambled. | Introduction was mostly clear and within time. | Introduction was exceptionally clear and concise, perfectly 20 seconds. | |
| Key Elements Included | Missing several key elements (name, situation, skills, interest). | Included some key elements but missed one or two important parts. | Included most key elements, but could be more impactful. | All key elements (name, situation, skills, interest) were present and impactful. | |
| Confidence & Delivery | Spoke too softly, mumbled, or seemed very unsure. | Showed some confidence, but delivery could be stronger (eye contact, volume). | Spoke clearly with good volume and eye contact, generally confident. | Spoke with excellent confidence, strong eye contact, and clear, engaging delivery. | |
| Engagement | Did not capture attention or make a connection. | Made a slight attempt at engagement but could be more compelling. | Fairly engaging, made a decent connection. | Very engaging and memorable, sparked interest effectively. |
Overall Feedback:
What was the strongest part of your partner's introduction?
What is one specific suggestion you have for your partner to improve their introduction?
Cool Down
Exit Ticket: One Resume Next Step
Name:
-
What is one important thing you learned about creating a resume or a 20-second introduction today?
-
Based on today's lesson and any feedback you received, what is ONE specific next step you will take to improve your resume outline or your 20-second introduction?
Example: "I will research 3 more action verbs to use in my experiences section."
Example: "I will practice my 20-second introduction with a family member tonight."
Thank you for your hard work today!