Topic 1.4 Lesson Plan
DISCUSSION PROMPT:
How to communicate with a hiring manager you have never met?
Write your responses to the questions. Then, share what you wrote with your classmates or a partner.
Suppose a local pizza place is hiring, with a big sign in the window saying HELP WANTED. You walk in, interested in the job. What would you say to convince them to hire you?
1 5 mins
In this activity, students will be able to:
Describe some of the intangibles of speaking to a hiring manager.
VIDEO:
How to Plan Your Job Search & Find a Job Faster
Of course, you need to set yourself up with the right skills, education, or training to be eligible for a job, but once you’re ready, how do you actually FIND the job? Watch this video & answer the questions
When setting your goals, why is it advantageous to brainstorm both the job titles you might be interested in as well as the companies you’d like to work for?
Marat says, “Looking for a job is a full-time job itself.” What can you do to set yourself up for success in this “full-time” job search?
If you’re down in the dumps because you’re struggling to find work, how would you motivate yourself to keep going?
2 10 mins
In this activity, students will be able to:
Consider the options available when beginning a job search
ARTICLE:
6 Smart Ways to Use Job Boards to Find Your Next Gig
As the world moves more digital, so does the job searching process. Employers post listings on job boards, and prospective employees can search the boards, looking for roles they’d like to fill. Read this article to learn more about using job boards, & then answer the following questions.
When creating a 'profile' for a job site some may encourage you to use a picture or a 'headshot'. Is this something you will want to do? Explain why or why not (or maybe).
One way to save time is to set “job alerts” on popular job search engines and let the jobs come to you. Instead of manually searching for jobs each day, you will be automatically notified when a job of interest is posted. Do you plan on using job alerts? Explain why or why not (or maybe).
Would prefer to email a hiring manager or call (assuming they will respond/pick up)? Explain your reasoning.
On a scale from 1-10, how well do you understand how to build a proper resume? (1 in low knowledge, 10 is high) Explain your position.
3 25 mins
In this activity, students will be able to:
Understand key elements to online job boards
Understand how to find & read job postings for open roles that meet your career goals & qualifications
REFERENCE POINT:
Practice Reading a Job Post
Now that you’ve got some know-how, open up this job posting & answer the multiple-choice questions to test your skills in reading a job posting (the M.C. options are in the Google Form).
This job posting is to work for which of the following organizations?
Right now, they have _____ vacancy/ies available for this role.
Five Branches University is best described as…
This position is best described as…
If you were hired for this job, you could expect to work…
4 15 mins
In this activity, students will be able to:
Read & analyze actual online job postings
ARTICLE:
The 8 Best Entry-Level Job Sites for College Graduates & New Alumni
Let’s get out there and search some job boards on our own now. First, use this article to identify the top job boards on the market. Second, actually use one of the job boards to find an opening you might be interested in. Third, respond to the prompts.
**Important note: From the article, Avenica, Angel List, & Scouted require you to register for accounts before job searching. Therefore, avoid those sites.
PROMPTS:
Which recommended job board did you use?
What was the job title of the role you found?
What is the starting salary for this job?
What about the job posting leads you think you will be a good match for this role?
5 15 mins
In this activity, students will be able to:
Use specific online job boards to find job postings that match our career ideas
VIDEO:
How to Navigate a Career Fair
While this video is specific to a college campus career fair, the tips are valuable for any career networking event. Watch & then follow the writing prompts.
List two DOs and two DON’Ts when you are at a career fair.
6 5 mins
In this activity, students will be able to:
Prepare for & navigate career fairs & other networking events
VIDEO:
Impress for Success
If you’re headed to a hiring fair or trying to make a good impression with a potential employer, you want to have an elevator pitch ready. Watch this video & answer the multiple-choice questions (the M.C. options are in the Google Form).
The typical elevator pitch should take…
The purpose of an elevator pitch is to…
What is the correct order for an elevator pitch?
7 5 mins
In this activity, students will be able to:
Understand what an elevator pitch is & how it can leave a positive first impression
ACTIVITY:
Write Your Own Elevator Pitch
Now that you’re an elevator pitch expert, go back to the Discussion Prompt, but this time you’re prepared! Write a max 30-second elevator pitch to use as you walk into the pizza place. Then we will practice in front of the class (for those brave students).
8 25 mins
In this activity, students will be able to:
Write & give an elevator pitch that will leave a positive first impression
VIDEO:
Viola Davis & Michelle Obama Explains Imposter Syndrome
Maybe you’re thinking, “Eh, I doubt I have what it takes to get the pizza job.” This feeling of self-doubt can happen even when you meet all the necessary qualifications. Don’t let imposter syndrome prevent you from applying for jobs! Watch Michelle Obama discuss imposter syndrome and then answer the questions.
1. In your own words, what is imposter syndrome?
2. Michelle Obama says that imposter syndrome exists in your own head, but she also notes that it’s more common for women or people of color. Why is this the case?
3. If you’re reviewing job boards, & seeing positions where you meet the qualifications, but feeling like you don’t stand a chance, what are some practical ways you can overcome your imposter syndrome?
9 10 mins
In this activity, students will be able to:
Define & understand how to overcome imposter syndrome when applying for jobs
DISCUSSION:
What do hiring managers want out of your resume?
Write your response to the question. Then, share what you wrote with your classmates or a partner.
1. When applying for a job, what are 2-3 things a hiring manager might ask you to send them?
10 5 min
In this activity, students will be able to:
Identify key traits of a resume
RESUME FORMATTING:
How should your resume look & what info should be included?
One of the core documents you’ll need to apply for a job is a resume. But what exactly do you include in a resume? Why is it so important? To find out, first, watch the video, next look below at the six examples of resume formatting. Then we will answer the questions.
1. In your own words, briefly explain what the purpose of a resume is.
2. In both the infographic and video, the sample resumes are approximately one page in length. What do you think are the potential disadvantages of having a resume that is longer than one page?
11 20 min
In this activity, students will be able to:
Identify key traits of a resume
Below are six examples of how you can format your resume. Look at all six, & then choose one that works best for you.
ARTICLE:
How to Write a Resume With No Experience (Plus Examples)
You know by now that having a resume is an essential part of job hunting. However, creating a resume with little or no work experience can be a challenge! Read this article to learn some strategies on how to write a resume if you have limited experience. Then, answer the questions.
Brainstorm 3 examples of what a high school graduate with no work experience could put on a resume.
Your friend Alicia says to you, “It took me so long to just write my resume. I can’t imagine tailoring it each time I apply for a job. I don’t think I’m going to do that.” How would you respond to Alicia? Explain.
12 30 mins
In this activity, students will be able to:
Understand how to write a resume with little to no experience.
Organize their resume information in a worksheet
WRITING PROJECT:
Practice Writing a Resume
In this activity, you will go through the process of creating your own resume.
1. Before you begin the writing project you must first choose which job you will be attempting to get for the summer. To read more about the job requirements, simply click on a job icon.
2. Once you have made your choice, click the icon and begin the writing project.
13 100 mins
In this activity, students will be able to:
Write a professional resume
COMPARATIVE:
Resume vs. Cover Letter...What's the difference?
You’ve written your resume & are ready to apply for jobs...right? Not so fast! You often also need to prepare another document called a cover letter. Read through this infographic to get a high-level overview of how these two key documents are different. Then, answer the questions:
1. What is one difference in how a resume and cover letter are formatted?
2. What is one difference in the content that a resume and cover letter contain?
13 10 mins
In this activity, students will be able to:
Explain the key differences between a resume & cover letter
REFERENCE POINT:
The Anatomy of a Perfect Cover Letter
How to Write a Cover Letter
Let’s take a deeper look at what a cover letter is and what it’s used for. Look through this infographic to understand the basic structure of a cover letter. Then, watch the video and answer the questions.
1. How does a cover letter complement your resume?
2. Why might a hiring manager want to know about your career goals or enthusiasm for the role?
3. True or False?: You should use the same cover letter when applying for multiple jobs.
14 10 mins
In this activity, students will be able to:
Understand the parts of a cover letter (formatting)
Below are four examples of how you can format your cover letter. Look at all four, & then choose one that works best for you.
WRITING PROJECT:
Cover Letter
In this activity, you will go through the process of creating your own cover letter.
1. Before you begin the writing project you must first remember which job you wrote your resume for. You will use the same job (& resume) to write your cover letter.
2. Once you have made your choice, click the icon and begin the writing project.
13 100 mins
In this activity, students will be able to:
Write a professional cover letter
ARTICLES
Publisher: Aleria ✴CRE and Equity
Publisher: NPR ✴CRE and Equity
Publisher: Harvard Business Review
Publisher: Teen Vogue ✴CRE and Equity
VIDEO
Publisher: TED-Ed ✴CRE and Equity
PODCAST
Publisher: Popcorn Finance
What are your odds of getting at least one job interview if you submit 1-10 applications?
What percentage of people lie at an interview?
On average, how long does the average ‘career’ job search in the U.S. take?