GEAR up Project C.H.A.N.G.E. Lesson 19: Resume Writing

GEAR UP Project C.H.A.N.G.E. Lesson 19: Resume Writing

Resume Objectives:

1. To have students understand the importance of highlighting there strengths and skills when seeking college admissions 2. Have students recognize that a resume consist of more than jobs but extracurricular activities 3. To have students acknowledge that their resume is the first impression of their individual qualities

Sequence: I. Opening Session II. Resume Breakdown III. Wrap up

Materials:

 Easy Steps to Create a Resume  Action Verbs  Sample Resume

Presentation:

I. Opening Session (5min) A. Today’s Proverb:

The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear. - Socrates

II. RESUME BREAKDOWN

A. Inform students the importance of the presenting oneself professionally which begins with their Resume.  The Resume is known as a living document because the file is constantly being modified.  The resume is generally your first introduction to an employer.  The resume should have a clear and professional objective and highlight those skills that qualify you for the particular position and/or entry into a post secondary institution.  YOUR RESUME SHOULD SELL YOU!

B. Ask students what should be in a Resume:  Objective/ Goals  Relevant Courses  Work Experience ( Only if its relevant towards job/ college application) GEAR UP Project C.H.A.N.G.E. Lesson 19: Resume Writing

 Volunteer Experience  Extracurricular Activities/ Leadership Roles  Awards  Skills/ Talents

C. RESUME TIPS: DO’S & DON’T’S ** (Handout Easy Steps to Creating a Resume)

D. ACTION VERBS: Inform students that they have to explain their position and duties. It’s important for students to use active verbs and adjectives when describing their role and responsibilities. ** (HAND OUT ACTION VERBS HANDOUT)

1. Hand out Action Verbs Handout 2. Formula: Action Verb + Who/What action pertains to + How/Why you performed action OR a further explanation of action or result of action. 3. If a verb describes something in a current position, use present tense. If a verb describes a past position, use past tense.

EXAMPLES: 1. Babysitter – Watched child for two hours a week. Instead they can say: Childcare Provider- * Assisted child with homework assignments * Accompanied child to events and after school activities * Provided evening care 2. Cashier- Handled money and helped customers. Instead they can state: Main Cashier- * Responsible for cash transactions exceeding $1,000.00 a Shift. * Greeted and assisted customers * Restocked inventory and entered items in the computer system.

* Facilitator’s Note: For example if a student has an internship during the summer they will update their Resume at the completion of their experience. Also, advise students that it’s important for students to perform well at any job because if there job performance is low they cannot use them as a reference or recommendation. Please emphasize to students they should be honest and when their enhancement surpasses the truth they should delete the description or role.

III. Wrap Up Once again emphasize the importance of distinguishing themselves from the rest, similar to the College Essay. Iinstruct students to begin their own Resume while using the Sample Resume as a foundation. GEAR UP Project C.H.A.N.G.E. Lesson 19: Resume Writing

Roberta Jordan 12345 Hemingway Ln. Austin, TX 78722 (512) 456-7891 — [email protected]

Objective Reliable and mature high school senior seeking a part-time retail sales position with a youth-oriented clothing environment to gain experience and insight into the fashion industry for a future career in fashion and design. Work Experience Country Club Summer 2003 and 2004 Lifeguard

 Monitored swimming areas for rule violations and drowning victims.  Assisted in maintaining pool facilities and recreation areas surrounding pool areas.  Worked assigned shifts at check-in and concession stand.  Attended training courses and maintained CPR certification.  Taught summer swimming classes.

Volunteer Work Big Brothers/Big Sisters 2003 – 2004

 Assisted with and participated in group activities and field trips.  Monitored youth during activities.  Tutored ages 8-13 and assisted with homework assignments.

School Organizations National Honor Society 2003, 2004 Pep Squad 2002 and 2003 Decorations Committee Chair — 2003 Latin Club 2002 - 2004 Secretary — 2002 Vice President — 2004 Senior Student Council Representative 2004 Secretary — 2004 Education City High School 2002 - 2005 May 2005 Graduation George Washington Middle School 1997 – 2000 GEAR UP Project C.H.A.N.G.E. Lesson 19: Resume Writing

References available upon request Easy Steps to Create a Resume TIPS

 Margins no less than 1” and no more than 1.5”.

 Quality bond paper, 8 ½” x 11”.

 One page only, unless you have significant previous experience.

 Word processor generated, with full spell check and proofing.

 Times New Roman, 10 point to 12 point. No more than two fonts or two sizes.

 Contact information clearly stated; permanent address listed.

 Capitalize your name and all resume headings.

 List experience and higher educational institutions in reverse chronological order.

 Clear, focused objective. Be concise with relevant and marketable information.

 Descriptive job titles.

 Experience section listing notable accomplishments. Summary of your top three or four accomplishments, skills or competencies listed as bullet points.

 Activities section listing your most notable extra curricular activities.

 Be honest and ready to back all your claims with an example of a prior experience!

 Utilize action verbs when describing work or activities.

 Degree listed. GPA listed if over 3.0

 Graduation date listed.

 No personal data or potentially discriminatory data.

 Spell-check and grammar-check you resume-twice; then have at least two other people (GEAR UP staff, Career Center, English teacher) do it for you again.

* Remember * since most resumes are only given about a 15 second glance during prescreening, design your resume for easy skimming. Use CAPITILIZATION or bolding in a consistent fashion.

Emailing your Resume?  Include both the cover letter and resume in one attachment.  If the reader cannot view the attachment, paste it into the body of the email, left justified, using capitals in the place of bolding and asterisks in the place of bullets.  Test how it appears to the reader before sending by sending it ti yourself or a friend.

Languages

Include any foreign languages that you speak. Use descriptors like fluent, conversant, proficient in, knowledge of and familiar with to illustrate your proficiency in a particular language.

References GEAR UP Project C.H.A.N.G.E. Lesson 19: Resume Writing

Your references should consist of previous employers, supervising teachers, to whom you reported or a professor who knows you well. Secure permission from these people to use their name. The list should include name, title, and name of school or company, address and phone number (email address, if applicable). Action Words