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Resume Building 101

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Adam Vargas

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Resume Building 101

Students will independently draft a complete, professional resume by following clear, step-by-step instructions using the provided worksheet and template.

A strong resume is critical for college, internships, and job applications; this self-paced lesson equips students with the knowledge and tools to build one on their own.

Audience

High School Seniors

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Step-by-step self-guided activities

Materials

Pens, Resume Worksheet, Sample Resume Template, Online Resources for Resume Building, and Computers or Tablets (optional, for online access)

Prep

Preparation

10 minutes

  • Print one copy per student of Resume Worksheet, Sample Resume Template, and Online Resources for Resume Building.
  • Ensure each student has Pens and workspace for independent work.
  • If using devices, verify internet access to digital resources.

Step 1

Review Materials

5 mins

  • Read through the [Sample Resume Template] to understand layout and formatting.
  • Skim the [Online Resources for Resume Building] to see examples and tips.
  • Look over the sections on your [Resume Worksheet] so you know what to complete.

Step 2

Fill Contact Information

5 mins

  • Enter your full name, address, phone, and professional email on the worksheet.
  • Double-check that all details are accurate and up to date.

Step 3

Draft Objective/Summary

10 mins

  • Write a concise statement of your career goals or what you bring to a role on the worksheet.
  • Refer to the Objective/Summary examples in the [Sample Resume Template] for inspiration.

Step 4

Complete Education Section

5 mins

  • List your current school, expected graduation date, relevant coursework, and GPA (if strong).
  • Match the formatting style shown in the [Sample Resume Template].

Step 5

Detail Experience

10 mins

  • On your worksheet, list any jobs, internships, or volunteer roles.
  • Use action verbs to describe duties and achievements (e.g., “Organized,” “Developed,” “Collaborated”).
  • Consult the [Online Resources for Resume Building] for wording ideas.

Step 6

List Skills

5 mins

  • Identify 3–5 relevant skills (technical, language, or soft skills) on the worksheet.
  • Prioritize those most aligned with your goals and check examples in the [Sample Resume Template].

Step 7

Add References

5 mins

  • List 2–3 people who can vouch for you, including name, title, relation, and contact info.
  • Confirm each person’s permission before listing their details.

Step 8

Self-Review and Edit

10 mins

  • Use the checklist at the bottom of your [Resume Worksheet] or the tips in the [Online Resources for Resume Building] to review:
    • Spelling and grammar
    • Consistent formatting
    • Clear, concise language
  • Make corrections directly on the worksheet.

Step 9

Finalize Resume Draft

5 mins

  • Transfer your completed sections into the [Sample Resume Template], ensuring formatting matches.
  • Save or print your final resume draft for submission or future use.
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Worksheet

Resume Worksheet

This worksheet will guide students through the process of drafting their own resume. It includes prompts for each section of a resume, helping students organize their information effectively.

Contact Information: Name, Address, Phone, Email

Ensure your email is professional.







Objective/Summary: Briefly state your career goals or what you hope to achieve.

Keep it concise and relevant to the position or field. For more examples, see the Sample Resume Template.
Examples:

  • Aspiring software engineer with a passion for developing innovative programs that expedite the efficiency and effectiveness of organizational success.
  • Dedicated and detail-oriented high school senior seeking to leverage exceptional writing and communication skills in journalism.







Education: List your current school, expected graduation date, and any relevant coursework.

Include GPA if it's strong. For more formatting guidance, refer to the Sample Resume Template.
Examples:

  • Mountain View High School, Marana, AZ. Expected Graduation: May 2024. Relevant Coursework: AP Biology, Statistics, Graphic Design.
  • Marana High School, Marana, AZ. Expected Graduation: May 2024. Relevant Coursework: Honors Chemistry, World History, Digital Media.







Experience: List any jobs, internships, or volunteer work. Include your role, responsibilities, and achievements.

Use action verbs to describe your duties. For a comprehensive list, see Action Verbs for Resumes.
Examples:

  • Intern, Tech Company, Tucson, AZ. Summer 2023. Developed a user-friendly app interface, collaborated with a team of developers, and improved app performance by 20%.
  • Volunteer, Animal Shelter, Marana, AZ. 2022–Present. Assisted in daily care of animals, organized adoption events, and increased community engagement by 30%.







Skills: List any relevant skills, such as languages, software, or technical skills.

Focus on skills that are relevant to your career goals.
Examples (also see Online Resources for Resume Building):

  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite
  • Basic HTML/CSS
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Fluent in French
  • Excellent public speaking skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel







References: List 2-3 people who can vouch for your work ethic and character.

Ask permission before listing someone as a reference.
Examples:

  • Ms. Jane Smith, Supervisor, Tech Company, [janesmith@email.com]
  • Dr. Emily Brown, Volunteer Coordinator, Animal Shelter, [emilybrown@email.com]







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Reading

Online Resources for Resume Building

This handout provides links to online resources that students can use to independently refine and enhance their resumes.

  • School Career Center: Access personalized guidance and resources.
  • Online Resume Builder: Create a professional resume with templates and tips.
  • Resume Writing Video: Watch expert advice on crafting an effective resume.
  • Indeed Career Guide: Offers comprehensive advice on resume writing and job applications.
  • LinkedIn Learning: Provides courses on resume writing and career development.
  • The Balance Careers: Features articles and tips on creating effective resumes.
  • Monster Career Advice: Offers tips and examples for writing resumes.
  • Glassdoor Resume Guide: Provides a step-by-step guide to writing a resume.
  • CareerOneStop Resume Guide: Offers a comprehensive guide to creating resumes, including samples and templates.
  • Purdue OWL Resume Workshop: A detailed workshop on resume writing with examples and tips.
  • Canva Resume Templates: Access free, customizable resume templates to enhance your resume's visual appeal.
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Reading

Sample Resume Template

This template provides a clear example of a professional resume format, including sections for Contact Information, Objective/Summary, Education, Experience, Skills, and References.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

Objective/Summary
[Briefly state your career goals or what you hope to achieve.]

Education
[Your School Name], [City, State]
Expected Graduation: [Month, Year]
Relevant Coursework: [Course Names]
GPA: [Your GPA]

Experience
[Job Title], [Company Name], [City, State]
[Month, Year] - [Month, Year]

  • [Responsibility/Task 1]
  • [Responsibility/Task 2]

Skills

  • [Skill 1]
  • [Skill 2]
  • [Skill 3]

References
Available upon request.

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