Level 1 Option
If your students are not as familiar with job applications, they could “apply” for school-related opportunities (Class officer, Student Council, Team Captain, etc.) that you have created.
Before beginning this activity your students should have a final draft of their resume completed. From here, your students will now construct a cover letter that they will include with their resume. This will allow students to introduce themselves and highlight their skills and experience in a more conversational tone.
Begin the class by asking your students to share their overall experience so far building resumes. This will help you identify areas that your students might be struggling with.
Which aspects of resume building have they been the easiest? Most difficult?
How could you use a cover letter to add value to your resume or application?
What would you want to include in your cover letter?
As a class, go through the guidelines to create a cover letter attached in your Teacher Aid for this activity. This will give your students a basic understanding of how their cover letter should be formatted.
Teacher Aid
PrintThey will be required to go back to Stage 4 Lesson 2 Activity 1 in order to reference the list of careers that they chose. From this list, have your students pick one career and research job postings. This will allow them to gain a better understanding of what an employer for their career choice is looking for and how they can tailor their cover letter to address the specific position. Once they have completed their research, have them begin to create their cover letter. To help your students generate content for their cover letter, share with them the following article:
The Cover Letters That Make Hiring Managers Smile (Then Call You)
Once the student feels confident in the content they have provided, they must ask two classmates to peer review their letters.
Option:
Have students identify a mentor from previous lessons, or find an adult who could provide them feedback on resumes and cover letters. Give students one week to complete this outside activity and then do a follow up once those students have turned them back in.