Overview

Estimated Time: 3 Class Periods
Unit: Career In Focus
Lesson: 1.5
Theme: Building a Resume

Students explore the importance of first impressions and learn how a professional resume communicates their experiences, responsibilities, accomplishments, and skills to potential employers. Through planning, drafting, revising, and peer editing, students develop a professional resume that can be used as part of their career portfolio.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson students will:

Explain the importance of first impressions in the employment process.
Identify personal experiences, responsibilities, accomplishments, and recognitions appropriate for inclusion on a resume.
Develop a professional resume using a provided digital template.
Revise and improve a resume through self-editing and peer feedback.

Indiana Standards

PCC-1.2 – Identify personal interests, strengths, skills, and values that influence career choices.

PCC-2.4 – Explain the relationship between education, training, and career opportunities.

PCC-4.1 – Use career information and resources to support career exploration and planning.

PCC-4.2 – Develop and maintain a personal career portfolio.

PCC-4.3 – Create and revise career-related materials that communicate personal strengths, interests, and goals.

PCC-6.1 – Investigate local and regional career opportunities.

PCC-6.2 – Identify workplace expectations and characteristics of successful employees.

PCC-6.3 – Research employers and labor market information to support career decision-making.

PCC-7.1 – Demonstrate employability skills through career exploration activities.

PCC-7.2 – Demonstrate professionalism through communication, collaboration, and personal responsibility.

PCC-7.3 – Demonstrate effective written communication appropriate for career and workplace settings.

Before You Begin:

Student Materials

Device with internet access
Resume Planning Sheet
Resume template (Google Docs)
Resume Checklist
Peer Editing Checklist

Teacher Preparation

Print copies of the Resume Planning Sheet, Resume Checklist, and Peer Editing Checklist.
Make the resume template available to students through Google Docs.
Review the sample resume and lesson presentation.
Verify that students have access to their Google accounts and the resume template before beginning the activity.

Lesson Flow

Hook / Warm-Up (First Impressions Activity)
Mini Lesson: The Purpose and Components of a Resume
Resume Planning and Information Gathering
Resume Drafting Using the Digital Template
Self-Editing, Peer Review, Revision, and Final Submission

Student Work Products

Students will complete:

Resume Planning Sheet
Professional Resume
Resume Checklist
Peer Editing Checklist

These artifacts become part of each student's Portfolio in Unit 3.

External Resources

Google Docs Resume Template

Teacher Tips

Emphasize that a resume is often an employer's first impression of an applicant. Encourage students to present their experiences honestly and professionally while focusing on accomplishments, responsibilities, leadership, and transferable skills. During peer editing, remind students to provide constructive feedback that improves clarity, organization, and professionalism.

Portfolio Connection

At the conclusion of this lesson, students should have:

Completed the Resume Planning Sheet.
Created a professional resume using the provided template.
Revised their resume using self-assessment and peer feedback.
Completed a polished resume to include in their career portfolio.

Lesson 1.5 - Building a Resume Snapshot & Resources