Lesson Plan
Resume Ready Lesson Plan
Students will identify key resume sections, craft effective bullet points using action verbs, and complete sections of a resume template.
A polished resume is essential for securing internships, jobs, and college placements; mastering its structure and language empowers students to showcase their achievements confidently.
Audience
12th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Model sections, guide practice, then independent application
Materials
Computers or Devices, Resume Template Worksheet, Example Resume Analysis Sheet, Resume Assessment Rubric, and Projector for Presentation
Prep
Review and Print Materials
10 minutes
- Review Resume Template Worksheet, Example Resume Analysis Sheet, and Resume Assessment Rubric.
- Print enough copies or upload digital versions to your LMS.
- Set up projector and load any sample resume slides as visual aids.
Step 1
Hook
5 minutes
- Ask: "What makes a resume stand out to employers?" and collect student responses.
- Display a poorly formatted resume alongside a strong example on the projector.
- Highlight differences in structure, clarity, and language to spark interest.
Step 2
Direct Instruction
10 minutes
- Show the Example Resume Analysis Sheet.
- Explain each key section: Contact Info, Objective/Summary, Education, Experience, Skills, Certifications.
- Demonstrate writing impactful bullet points using action verbs and quantifiable results.
- Refer to the Resume Assessment Rubric to underscore quality criteria.
Step 3
Guided Practice
8 minutes
- Distribute the Resume Template Worksheet.
- In pairs or small groups, have students fill out the Education section with teacher support.
- Circulate the room, offer feedback, and prompt revisions based on the rubric.
Step 4
Independent Practice
5 minutes
- Students individually complete the Experience or Skills section on the Resume Template Worksheet.
- Encourage use of strong action verbs and metrics.
- Invite students to self-assess their work using the Resume Assessment Rubric.
Step 5
Closure
2 minutes
- Invite 2–3 volunteers to share their strongest bullet point.
- Recap the importance of clear structure, action verbs, and customization.
- Explain that students will finish their full resumes as homework using the worksheet and rubric.
Slide Deck
Resume Ready
Crafting a Professional Resume
12th Grade | 30 Minutes | Tier 1 Instruction
Introduce the lesson: “Today we’ll learn how to craft a resume that stands out to employers and admissions officers. By the end, you’ll know the key sections, how to write impactful bullet points, and how to customize your resume for real opportunities.”
What Makes a Resume Stand Out?
• Clear structure and formatting
• Strong, action-oriented language
• Quantifiable achievements
• Relevant skills and experiences
Hook: Ask students, “What makes a resume stand out?” Solicit answers and record on board. Use this slide to spark discussion.
Poor vs. Strong Resume Example
Poor Example:
- Did projects
- Good grades
Strong Example:
- Designed and implemented a school-wide recycling program, increasing participation by 40%.
- Earned 4.0 GPA while serving as Student Council President
Show two side-by-side snippets (poor vs strong). Highlight differences in readability, use of verbs, and metrics.
Key Resume Sections
- Contact Information
- Objective or Summary (optional)
- Education
- Experience (Work, Volunteer, Projects)
- Skills
- Certifications & Awards
Introduce each core section. Emphasize that not every resume needs every section; tailor to your background.
Writing Impactful Bullet Points
• Start with a strong action verb (e.g., Managed, Created, Led)
• Include quantifiable results (e.g., increased, reduced, served)
• Be concise and specific
Example: “Led a team of 5 volunteers to organize a food drive, collecting over 500 cans in 2 days.”
Discuss how to craft bullet points with action verbs and results. Provide examples and relate to rubric criteria.
Analyze an Example Resume
Use the Example Resume Analysis Sheet to:
• Identify key components
• Note strong bullet points
• Evaluate formatting and clarity
Guide students to analyze a sample resume. Point out effective language, section order, and formatting. Refer them to the handout.
Guided Practice
In pairs, use your Resume Template Worksheet to:
• Fill out the Education section
• Include institution name, dates, GPA (if strong), relevant coursework or honors
• Check your work against the Resume Assessment Rubric
Explain the guided practice task. Circulate and support pairs as they complete the Education section together.
Independent Practice
Individually, complete either the Experience or Skills section on your worksheet:
• Choose relevant roles or skills
• Write 2–3 bullet points using action verbs and metrics
• Self-assess with the Resume Assessment Rubric
Students work individually. Remind them to use strong verbs and reference the rubric for quality checks.
Closure & Next Steps
• Volunteers share their strongest bullet point
• Recap: Clear structure, action verbs, customization
• Homework: Finish your full resume using the worksheet and rubric
Wrap up by inviting volunteers to share their bullet points. Reinforce takeaways and assign homework.
Worksheet
Resume Template Worksheet
Use this worksheet to draft the key sections of your resume. Refer to the Resume Assessment Rubric to ensure quality and clarity.
Contact Information
Full Name: ________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________
Phone Number: _____________________________________
Email Address: _____________________________________
LinkedIn or Portfolio URL (if applicable): ____________
Objective or Summary (Optional)
Write 2–3 concise sentences summarizing your career goals and top qualifications:
Education
Institution Name: _________________________________
Degree / Diploma: _________________________________
Dates Attended: ___________________________________
GPA (if 3.5+): _____________________________________
Relevant Coursework or Honors:
- __________________________________________________
- __________________________________________________
- __________________________________________________
Experience (Work, Volunteer, Projects)
Experience 1
Role / Title: _______________________________________
Organization / Company: _____________________________
Dates: _____________________________________________
Bullet Points (use action verbs and metrics):
- __________________________________________________
- __________________________________________________
- __________________________________________________
Experience 2
Role / Title: _______________________________________
Organization / Company: _____________________________
Dates: _____________________________________________
Bullet Points (use action verbs and metrics):
- __________________________________________________
- __________________________________________________
- __________________________________________________
Skills
List your top 5 skills relevant to your goals (e.g., technical tools, soft skills):
- _________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________
Certifications & Awards (Optional)
List any certifications, licenses, or awards you have earned:
- __________________________________________________
- __________________________________________________
- __________________________________________________
When you finish, review each section against the Resume Assessment Rubric to ensure alignment with best practices. Good luck crafting a standout resume!
Reading
Example Resume Analysis Sheet
Use the sample resume provided by your teacher and the Resume Assessment Rubric to guide your analysis. Answer the questions below with clear, specific responses.
1. Section Identification
List the key sections you see in the resume (e.g., Contact Information, Objective/Summary, Education, Experience, Skills, Certifications):
2. Formatting and Structure
a. How is the contact information formatted? What makes it clear and easy to read?
b. What design elements (bullet points, font choices, spacing, headings) help guide the reader’s eye?
3. Language and Content
a. Identify two examples of strong action verbs used in the bullet points:
- __
2. __
b. What quantifiable results or metrics are included? How do these numbers strengthen the impact of the resume?
4. Strengths and Improvements
a. What do you think is the strongest feature of this resume? Explain your reason.
b. Suggest one specific improvement to the resume. Explain why this change would make the resume more effective.
5. Personal Application
Based on your analysis, what is one technique or idea you will incorporate into your own resume? Write 2–3 sentences:
When you finish, review your responses and be prepared to discuss how these insights will help you craft a stronger resume.
Rubric
Resume Assessment Rubric
Use this rubric to evaluate resumes against key quality criteria. Circle the score for each criterion and total your points at the end.
| Criteria | 4 – Exemplary | 3 – Proficient | 2 – Developing | 1 – Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content & Sections | All essential sections (Contact, Objective/Summary, Education, Experience, Skills, Certifications/Awards) are present and thorough. | Most sections are present; one area may lack minor details. | Several sections are missing or lack important details. | Many sections are missing or incomplete (e.g., no Experience or Skills listed). |
| Language & Impact | Uses strong action verbs and quantifiable results in every bullet; language is concise and compelling. | Generally uses action verbs; includes some metrics; wording is clear. | Occasional action verbs; few or no metrics; some vague wording. | Lacks action verbs and metrics; language is overly general or unclear. |
| Formatting & Design | Layout is highly professional: consistent fonts, spacing, and headings; easy to scan. | Clean formatting with minor inconsistencies; overall easy to read. | Formatting inconsistencies distract the reader; some spacing or alignment issues. | Poor formatting: inconsistent fonts, spacing, or alignment; difficult to read. |
| Clarity & Readability | Each section and bullet is clear and specific; no jargon or typos; information flows logically. | Information is mostly clear; few minor typos or awkward phrases; logical organization. | Some unclear phrases or minor errors; sections may feel disjointed. | Frequent typos or unclear wording; disorganized structure; hard to follow. |
| Overall Professionalism | Resume communicates a strong professional identity; customized to role or field; error-free. | Professional tone; mostly tailored; minimal errors. | Tone is somewhat generic; few customization attempts; noticeable errors. | Lacks professionalism; generic format; multiple errors. |
Total Score: ____ / 20
Performance Level: ____ (Circle: 16–20 = Exemplary | 12–15 = Proficient | 8–11 = Developing | 1–7 = Beginning)
Refer back to this rubric as you draft and revise your resume to ensure you meet classroom expectations for structure, language, and design. Good luck crafting a standout resume!