Lesson Plan
Landing the Job Lesson Plan
Students will learn essential job application skills, including resume creation, application form filling, and interview preparation.
This lesson equips students with foundational workforce skills, boosting confidence and readiness for real-world opportunities.
Audience
Middle School Students (Grades 6-8)
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive instruction with discussions, activities, and multimedia.
Prep
Teacher Preparation
5 minutes
- Review the Landing the Job Lesson Plan for an overview.
- Familiarize yourself with all digital materials such as the worksheet, reading material, and video.
- Prepare to guide students through each interactive section and discussion prompt.
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Welcome students and introduce the topic of job applications.
- Discuss why learning these skills is important for their future.
- Provide a brief overview of the lesson’s activities.
Step 2
Resume and Job Application Overview
10 minutes
- Present the Resume Reading Material and explain the key components of a resume.
- Show the Introduction Video on Job Applications to outline the process.
- Distribute the Job Application Worksheet for students to follow along.
Step 3
Interactive Activity and Discussion
10 minutes
- Engage students with the Interactive Resume Activity to create a mock resume.
- Facilitate a discussion using the Discussion Guide for Job Application.
- Incorporate the Job Application Game for reinforcement.
Step 4
Assessment and Conclusion
5 minutes
- Have students complete the Job Application Quiz to assess understanding.
- Review answers using the Answer Key for Job Application Quiz.
- Summarize key points and answer any remaining questions.
Worksheet
Job Application Worksheet
This worksheet is designed to guide you through a typical job application. Please fill out each section with your own information as if you are applying for a real job. Remember, this is practice, so be as honest and creative as you can!
1. Personal Information
- Full Name:
- Address:
- Phone Number:
- Email Address:
2. Education
- School Name:
- Grade/Year:
- Favorite Subject:
3. Work Experience
(If you have any previous experience, list it below. If not, think of any volunteer work or school projects where you took a lead role.)
- Job/Project Title:
- Description of Duties:
- Duration:
4. References
(Provide the name and contact information of someone who can say a good word about you. This could be a teacher, coach, or family friend.)
- Reference Name:
- Relationship:
- Phone/Email:
5. Additional Information
(Optional: Write a short paragraph about why you are interested in the job and what makes you a good candidate.)
Your Statement:
Please review your answers carefully before submitting your worksheet.
Reading
What is a Resume?
A resume is a document that tells employers about your skills, experiences, and education. Imagine it as a snapshot of your achievements and the qualities that make you a great candidate for a job. A resume helps people quickly learn about you and decide if they want to invite you for an interview.
The Purpose of a Resume
A resume serves several important purposes:
- First Impressions: It introduces you to potential employers and highlights why you might be a good fit for the job.
- Summary of Skills: It shows your abilities, including both your academic achievements and any extra experiences, such as volunteer work or leadership roles in school projects.
- Organization: It organizes your information in a clear, concise way so that hiring managers can quickly see what you have to offer.
Key Components of a Strong Resume
A good resume usually includes the following sections:
1. Contact Information
Include details like your name, address, phone number, and email. This helps employers know how to reach you.
2. Education
List the schools you have attended, the grades or years you are in, and any special achievements or favorite subjects that relate to the job you are applying for.
3. Work Experience
If you have any experience with jobs, volunteer work, or school projects, mention them here. Describe what you did, your responsibilities, and how long you did it.
4. Skills
Highlight skills that are important for the job. These might include teamwork, communication, technical abilities, or creativity.
5. Additional Information
Sometimes, you might want to add a brief statement about why you are a good candidate. This can include your interests, goals, or any special talents you have that make you stand out.
Remember, a resume is not just a list of facts—it tells your story. Keep it neat and organized, and make sure you update it as you gain more experience and skills.
Happy job hunting!
Discussion
Discussion Guide for Job Application
This discussion is designed to help you think about and share your ideas on how to create a strong job application. In this discussion, we will explore what makes a good resume and job application, and share personal thoughts and experiences related to applying for a job.
Guidelines for the Discussion
- Respect: Listen carefully to your classmates and respect their opinions.
- Participation: Everyone is encouraged to participate and share their ideas.
- Honesty: Share your true thoughts and be creative during our conversation.
- Time: Try to stay on topic and be clear with your points so everyone can share.
Discussion Prompts and Questions
1. What is a Resume?
- What do you think is the most important part of a resume? Why?
- How can a resume help in making a first impression?
2. Work Experience and Extracurricular Activities
- Can you think of activities in your life that could be listed as work experience, even if they aren’t traditional jobs? (e.g., volunteer work or leading a school club)
- Why do you think employers value this kind of experience?
3. Presentation and Organization
- What tips would you give someone for keeping their resume neat and organized?
- How can proofreading or asking for help improve a resume?
4. Personal Stories and Reflections
- Think about a time when you applied for something (a club, role, or responsibility). What did you learn from that experience?
- How might these lessons help you with job applications in the future?
5. The Future and Skill Building
- What new skills do you think you should learn to improve your job applications in the future?
- How can creating a strong resume now help you in the long term?
Follow-Up Points
- Share Examples: Encourage students to share examples from the Resume Reading Material or their own worksheets.
- Real-World Connections: Discuss how these skills are used in real job applications and why they are important in the workforce.
- Feedback: Ask students if anyone has ever received feedback on an application or resume and what they learned from it.
- Summarize: At the end of the discussion, summarize the main points drawn from the conversation.
Feel free to refer back to the Job Application Worksheet and Resume Reading Material during our discussion to help guide your responses. Enjoy the conversation and remember, your ideas are valuable!
Activity
Interactive Resume Activity
In this activity, you will create your own mock resume using a template. This is a fun and interactive way to learn what goes into a great resume. Follow the instructions below and fill in the template with your own information. Remember, your resume is a reflection of your personal strengths and experiences!
Instructions:
-
Download the Template: Use the interactive resume tool provided by your teacher to access the resume template.
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Fill in Your Information: Complete the sections in the resume template. Make sure to include:
- Personal Information: Your name, contact details, and a brief statement or bio about yourself.
- Education: Your school, grade, and any academic achievements or favorite subjects.
- Work Experience: Any jobs, volunteer experiences, or leadership roles you've had. If you have no formal work experience, consider clubs, sports, or projects you have been a part of.
- Skills: List out your key skills, such as teamwork, communication, technical abilities, or special hobbies.
- Additional Information: Think of a short paragraph about why you would be a great candidate for a job. Mention your interests, personal achievements, or goals for the future.
- Personal Information: Your name, contact details, and a brief statement or bio about yourself.
-
Review and Edit: After filling out your information, review your resume for clarity, accuracy, and neatness. Ask a classmate or your teacher for feedback if needed.
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Class Sharing: Bring your completed mock resume to the class discussion. Be ready to share one thing that you learned from making your resume and one tip you have for keeping your resume neat and organized.
Tips for Success:
- Use clear and legible handwriting if you're writing on paper, or choose a readable font if you're working digitally.
- Keep your sections organized so that the information can be easily understood by a potential employer.
- Remember, this resume is a practice tool. It's okay if everything isn't perfect! The goal is to understand the resume-building process.
Happy resume building!
Game
Job Application Game
Welcome to the Job Application Game! This interactive game is designed to test your knowledge about job applications in a fun and engaging way. You will face different scenarios where you must make decisions and answer questions related to job applications, resumes, and interview preparation.
How to Play:
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Scenario Challenges: You will be presented with real-life job application scenarios. Read each scenario carefully and choose the best option to proceed.
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Multiple Choice Questions: After each scenario, answer a multiple choice question that tests your understanding of the job application process. Some questions will ask you to identify common resume mistakes, while others will test your knowledge on how to effectively describe your work experience.
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Feedback: Immediate feedback will be provided after each choice. If you make a mistake, the game will explain why and offer a tip to help you improve.
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Scoring and Review: Your score will reflect how well you navigated the job application process. At the end of the game, review your answers along with explanations to understand areas for improvement.
Game Instructions:
- Click on the answer choice that you believe is correct.
- Think about the content from the Resume Reading Material and the activities during the lesson.
- Enjoy the interactive experience and learn from each scenario!
Good luck, and have fun as you step into the world of job applications!
Quiz
Job Application Quiz
Answer Key
Answer Key for Job Application Quiz
Below, you will find the correct answers and explanations for each quiz question. Use this key to assess student understanding and provide detailed feedback.
Question 1
Prompt: What is the primary purpose of a resume?
Correct Answer: To provide a snapshot of your skills, experiences, and education
Explanation: A resume is designed to give potential employers a quick overview of your qualifications, summarizing your skills, experiences, and education in a concise format.
Question 2
Prompt: Which section is NOT typically found on a resume?
Correct Answer: Personal Diary
Explanation: A resume includes sections like Contact Information, Work Experience, and Education that provide relevant professional details. A Personal Diary is not appropriate or relevant for a resume.
Question 3
Prompt: When filling out a job application worksheet, why is it important to include volunteer work or extracurricular activities if you don’t have formal work experience?
Correct Answer: It shows you have experience managing responsibilities
Explanation: Including volunteer work and extracurricular activities demonstrates to potential employers that you have taken initiative and possess important skills such as leadership, teamwork, and responsibility, even if you haven't held a formal job.
Question 4
Prompt: What is one benefit of using a resume to apply for a job?
Correct Answer: It creates a clear first impression for employers
Explanation: A well-crafted resume makes a strong first impression by organizing and highlighting your key strengths and experiences, helping employers quickly understand why you might be a good fit for the position.
Question 5
Prompt: Describe one strategy you would use to organize your resume and explain why it is effective.
Expected Response: Answers may vary. Some effective strategies include:
- Using clear headings and bullet points: This makes the resume easy to scan for important information.
- Chronological organization: Presenting experiences in reverse-chronological order highlights the most recent and relevant experience.
- Consistent formatting: Ensures that the resume looks professional and is easy to read.
Explanation: Regardless of the specific strategy, the key is that the resume should be organized and easy for potential employers to review quickly, ensuring that all important information is accessible.
This answer key can be used to grade student responses and to guide further discussion on how to improve resume organization and overall job application skills.