Writing a resume and cover letter
Students learn how to write a cover letter and resume.
Year level
9-12
Duration
60 minutes
Type
In class activity
SEL Competencies
Self-management
Learning intention
Students write a cover letter and resume that reflects their skills and abilities.
Key outcomes
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
understand the importance of resumes and cover letters
develop a resume
write a cover letter.
Materials needed
Individual computers for students
Student access to the ReachOut.com article 'Getting a job'
Mapped to
Australian Curriculum: General Capabilities
Digital Literacy:
Creating and exchanging
Activity 1
Class discussion
10 minutes
Discuss with students the importance of resumes and cover letters.
Key discussion points:
Resumes are our personal marketing tool.
They outline our personal skills, interests and experiences.
Cover letters should be tailored to the job you are applying for.
Grammar, formatting and language are important, as these are formal documents.
Activity 2
Individual task: Writing a resume
25 minutes
Students use individual devices.
Students access the ReachOut.com article Getting a job. This article has a collection of tips and tools for writing a resume, cover letter and applying for jobs.
Using the resources provided under 'How to write a killer resume', students develop a resume. Encourage them to use the suggested templates.
Once finished, students check their work using this handy checklist.
Activity 3
Individual task: Writing a cover letter
25 minutes
Using this simple guide, students write a cover letter.
Encourage students to use a letter template.
To help guide this process, suggest that students find a job they would like to apply for.
Once completed, students review each others cover letters and provide feedback.
