My First Resume

Topic: Work Experience

Empowerment Lesson Video: Importance of Work Experience

Supplies:

Resume handouts from Career Girls, one per student
Pencils or pens

Video Discussion:

Invite students to share any early work-related experiences they may already have, such as mowing lawns, feeding pets, or babysitting.

Have students discuss the difference between ordinary household chores and jobs for which they get paid or volunteer to do outside of the house.

Guide students to understand that there are a broad variety of work-related experiences they can begin to learn about now. These may include full and part time positions, freelance work, volunteer jobs, entrepreneurial ventures, and internships.

Tell students they will be viewing the video Importance of Work Experience. Explain that the video presents role models talking about the benefits of early work-related experiences.

Use some or all of the following questions to review the video content and prepare the students for the activity:

Why did the role models believe students should consider early work experiences?
Think of any paid or unpaid jobs that you’ve had. What responsibilities have you learned from these positions? What were the fun and not fun parts?
What is the difference between a job and a career? Explain your answer.
Is it okay if your early work experience includes many different types of jobs that have nothing to do with your career goals? How do you know?
What is an internship? How can an internship prepare you for a career? Can an unpaid internship be as valuable as one in which you are paid?
What is a volunteer job? How can a volunteer job prepare you for a career?

Activity Instructions:

By creating their own resume, students will practice highlighting their skills, accomplishments, and experiences — even if they haven’t had a formal job yet.

Get ready to create your very first resume! You’ll learn how to showcase your strengths, hobbies, and experiences to show future employers why you’d be a great fit!

Gather your supplies including a resume handout and a writing utensil.
Complete the resume handout with your best handwriting. Be sure to use complete sentences!
Share your completed resume with a parent or trusted adult. Ask them for feedback on how you’ve described your skills and experiences. They might even help you think of strengths you hadn’t noticed or careers you hadn’t considered!