Job Acquisition Skills: Letter of Introduction, Resume, and Job Application
Job Acquisition Skills: Letter of Introduction, Resume, and Job Application
Grade Levels
Course, Subject
Rationale
Vocabulary
Job application - a formal written request for employment completed by the job applicant
Resume - a summary of one's personal qualifications, education/training and employment experience
Objectives
Students will:
- using notes, compose a letter of introduction, reflecting qualities of an available position and including 100% of the identified key elements as listed on the format sheet.
- generate a resume, including 100% of the identified key elements, using personal data and format sheets, according to teacher criteria.
- prepare a job application, with 100% accuracy and neatness, according to teacher criteria.
Lesson Essential Question(s)
- What are the best resources to use for my job search?
- How do I begin the assembly of my own career portfolio?
Duration
4 hours, 30 minutes / 6 class periods
Materials
Resources
- Newspaper clippings: help wanted ads, teacher selected (local newspapers, online sources, etc.)
- Handout: sample letters of introduction, teacher selected (online): JobStar Central - http://jobstar.org/tools/resume/cletters.php#Good
- Rubric: letter of introduction, teacher created: RubiStar - http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php (see Resources - Job Acquisition Skills listed below)
- Handout: cell structure/function notes and resources, teacher created, biology or life science textbook (grade/curriculum specific)
- Handout: word bank (related cell structure/function vocabulary), teacher created
- Handout: descriptions of high-interest jobs, teacher selected (online): Searchable Job Description Database - http://www.job-descriptions.org
- Handout: sample resumes (variety of formats), teacher selected (online): JobStar Central - http://jobstar.org/tools/resume/index.php
- Format sheet: resume, teacher created
- Rubric: resume, teacher created: RubiStar - http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php (see Resources - Job Acquisition Skills listed below)
- Handout: sample job applications, teacher selected (see Resources - Job Acquisition Skills listed below)
- Template: downloadable job application, teacher created and posted online
Equipment/Materials
- Highlighters/markers
- Chart paper (large)
- Overhead projector and screen
- Scanner
- Computer with word processing software
- Computer with Internet access
NOTE: Click on link below to download the required documents:
Suggested Instructional Strategies
WHERETO
W |
Students are directly involved in the process of finding a job. The vocabulary is introduced to assist in understanding all of the components in the process. The projects are assessed based on completion and a rubric which is reviewed before students start the project.
In order to serve 504, ESL, and those students identified with disabilities, the instructor and the special education/special population's staff will consider and identify appropriate goals, adaptations, |
H = |
The students pick jobs of interest and work on projects that they can use as a tool in their futures therefore ensuring student engagement in the completion of the projects. |
E = |
Activities are given to the students that allow them to research job openings and gain experience through appropriate levels of response. |
R = |
Open discussions about job applications and related topics assist in the student's understanding. There are many opportunities to receive feedback on projects and class activities. |
E = |
The students complete a basic resume by the end of the unit. Through the lessons and activities the students will identify the application of personal strengths and skills to a career pathway of choice. |
T = |
The visual aspects of the lesson facilitate the retention of information. Many of the activities are done in groups but have additional personal components completed visually and then recorced for future use in job applications and resume construction. |
O = |
The concepts are introduced with examples. The students will use the examples to create their own resumes and completed job applications. The lesson begins with factual ideas and progresses into activities that are personal to the individual student. |
Instructional Procedures
Strategy |
Outline |
Resources/Equipment |
Performance Standard 1 |
Using notes, compose a letter of introduction, reflecting qualities of an available position and including 100% of the identified key elements as listed on the format sheet. |
|
Introduction |
Show students samples of “Help Wanted” ads from the local newspaper, online sources, etc. Ask them to select one of the jobs for which they would like to apply. As a class, generate a master list of what steps would need to be taken in order to apply for a position of interest. |
Resource #1 Equipment #1 Equipment #2 |
Presentation/ Discussion |
Begin with a general discussion of letters of introduction. Discuss their purpose and essential elements. In groups, ask students to compare two letters of introduction and highlight similar elements in each using the same color-coding. Review elements identified. A presentation from the personnel manager of a local business explaining the topics of letters of introduction, job applications, and resumes will be included. The personnel manager will be prepared to discuss non-discrimination practices and labor laws that affect hiring practices. Related SCANS/Soft Skills: Interpersonal A |
Resource #2 Equipment #1 |
Activity/ Demonstration |
Post a large, “Help Wanted” ad for a job of interest to students. As a class, compose a letter of introduction for the job. Assist in “thinking aloud” and providing guidance in the composition. Related Academic Skills: 1.4.8 B; 1.5.8 B,C,F; 1.6.8 E |
Resource #1 Equipment #1 Equipment #2 Equipment #3 Equipment #4 |
Assessment |
Have students assume the persona of a plant cell organelle (chloroplast). From the perspective of a “chloroplast”, have students compose a letter of introduction, expressing interest in the position of photosynthesis manager for a “plant”. An understanding of key vocabulary must be conveyed. Students should utilize any available word-processing software. Use of a word bank is permitted. (Note: A different cell organelle or other structure of an organism may be substituted to meet particular curriculum-specific goals.) Related Academic Skills: 1.4.8 B; 1.5.8 B,C,F; 3.3.10 A,B Related SCANS/Soft Skills: Information D |
Resource #2 Resource #3 Resource #4 Resource #5 Equipment #5 |
Performance Standard 2 |
Generate a resume, including 100% of the identified key elements, using personal data and format sheets, according to teacher criteria. |
|
Introduction |
Distribute a job description for students to view (select a high-interest position from a local newspaper or posting). Ask students to generate lists of basic qualities, education and skills an individual would need to secure the position. |
Resource #6 |
Presentation/ Discussion |
Distribute copies of three examples of resumes of varying styles. In groups, ask students to analyze, collaborate and rank the candidates in order, from most qualified to least qualified for the job posted. Evidence and justification for the selection process must be of sound reasoning and clearly communicated. Related Academic Skills: 1.6.8 E Related SCANS/Soft Skills: Interpersonal A; Information B |
Resource #7 Equipment #6 |
Activity |
Using a given format sheet and sample resumes of varying styles, assign students the task of working collaboratively to generate a resume of a chloroplast (plant cell organelle) who would be qualified for the position of “Plant Photosynthesis Manager” (Note: A different cell organelle, or other structure of an organism may be substituted to meet particular curriculum-specific goals.). Related Academic Skills: 1.5.8 F; 1.6.8 E; 3.3.10 A,B Related SCANS/Soft Skills: Interpersonal A |
Resource #4 Resource #5 Resource #7 Resource #8 Equipment #6 |
Assessment |
Using a given format sheet and sample resumes, assign students the task of generating their own, personal resume. Students should utilize any available word-processing software. Related Academic Skills: 1.5.8 B,F Related SCANS/Soft Skills: Information B,D; Technology B |
Resource #7 Resource #8 Resource #9 Equipment #5 |
Performance Standard 3 |
Prepare a job application, with 100% accuracy and neatness, according to teacher criteria. |
|
Introduction |
Distribute a packet of sample job application forms. Compare and contrast differing forms. Examine and discuss variations in requested information. |
Resource #10 Equipment #6 |
Presentation/ Discussion/ Demonstration |
Conduct a class discussion focusing on key elements/characteristics found on a completed job application that an employer would be looking for when selecting qualified applicants to interview. Demonstrate how to download, save and insert data into a basic job application (online). The teacher or a qualified business leader will review nondiscrimination statements affecting hiring practices and discuss other required employee disclosures and the possibility of potential employees completing drug testing prior to hiring ; Pre-employment costs to potential employees will be discussed. Related Academic Skills: 1.6.8 E Related SCANS/Soft Skills: Interpersonal A |
Equipment #2 Equipment #3 Equipment #6 |
Activity |
Using a hard copy of a job application form, assign pairs of students the task of completing the application from the perspective of a “chloroplast” – including fictitious, but appropriate information and data related to the organelle’s functions/experiences. (Note: A different cell organelle, or other structure of an organism may be substituted to meet particular curriculum-specific goals.) Related Academic Skills: 1.5.8 F; 1.6.8 E; 3.3.10 A,B Related SCANS/Soft Skills: Interpersonal A |
Resource #4 Resource #5 Resource #10 |
Assessment |
Using a downloadable job application form (online), assign students the task of downloading and completing the application using personal information. Information should be entered using the designated computer program. Related Academic Skills: 1.5.8 F Related SCANS/Soft Skills: Information B,D; Technology B |
Resource #11 Equipment #5 Equipment #6 |
Formative Assessment
The students participate in group discussions and are expected to answer questions. They also receive brief quizzes to assess their learning and retention of information. There is a "ticket out the door" procedure, in which the student must answer the question correctly.
Related Materials & Resources
- Textbook : Life Science, Any grade-appropriate life science text (NOTE : This lesson can be adapted to incorporate a variety of organisms/structures found in a basic life science/biology textbooks.)
- Website: CEW Toolkit, http://www.pacareerstandards.com/entrepreneurship.php
- Website: SAS, Materials & Resources, https://www.pdesas.org/module/content/search/
- Website: SAS, Curriculum Framework, https://www.pdesas.org/module/sas/curriculumframework/