Session I Outline Applications and Resumes

Session I Outline –Applications and Resumes

Here are some suggested speaking topics. Please feel free to add your own spin to this outline by adding personal anecdotes.

Students will come to this session prepared with their résumé.

Introduction and Groundwork  This portion of your presentation will give students some context in which to hear you speak. You can also set the stage here by explaining what you look for and then build on that as you talk about resumes/applications.  Briefly tell about your company – what your company does, what skills you look for when hiring, the types of positions you hire for, etc. Talk about starting wages and educational requirements as they pertain to your company.

Applications  Walk through completion of an application. The students will have talked about applications prior to you coming to their class. Ask them questions like what they should write in the blank if the question does not apply to them.  Discuss on-line applications and how to navigate through them. If your company has an on-line application, share this with students and walk through it with them. The students will be completing their “official” mock interview application on-line.

Resumes and Cover Letters  The students will come to class with a completed resume, so ask students how they felt completing their own resumes. Was it easy? Challenging?  They can use what they are learning today throughout their high school careers and beyond. Their resumes now will grow and change as they gain more experiences. Encourage them to keep adding to their resumes and to start thinking about each experience for the potential skills they are developing through them.  What is a resume and how is it used for hiring; what makes it stand out - Is a first introduction of you so it must be error-free - Focus on skills not duties – we all have information to put on a resume – even you! Think about the skills you have acquired through your class projects, volunteer work, chores at home, personal/school schedules, etc. - Answering how you can help that employer meet their goals  Know Yourself - What are your skills? What do you do very well? - Ask your friends to help you discover your skills. Make a list of those skills and make sure that they are highlighted within your resume.  Categories of a Resume - Be sure to include the following: contact information (name, address, phone, email); Education/Related Coursework; Experience; Interests/Activities, References  Optional – you can provide individual critiquing of resumes if you choose/have time.  Discuss cover letter and its purpose.  Optional – Show students example of cover letter.