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Job Readiness:

Resumes & Cover Letters

A Job Club Module developed by The Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center (VALRC) at VCU and Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)

Facilitator notes:

There are 3 sections in this module: resume, cover letter, and interview. They may be done as one long session OR may be broken up into smaller parts and completed over time.
There are activities that learners may want to complete before or after the job club sessions – or they may be done as class activities during the sessions.
Optional scripts are included in the notes of each slide. Use these for guidance and as needed as you go through the presentation.
Handouts accompany the presentation. Handout page numbers will be indicated to accompany the module activities. All Handouts are included in the Job Club Workbook for this module.

Script: This module will cover tips, strategies, and resources for creating a resume, a cover letter, and preparing for a job interview. We’ll also have opportunities to practice putting together our job application package.

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“The contents of this curriculum were developed under a grant from the Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.”

(Authority: 20 U.S.C. §§ 1221e-3 and 3474)

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Agenda

Job Readiness Objectives: What You’ll Learn and Do in the Module
Part 1 The Resume
Part 2 The Cover Letter

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In this job readiness module, you’ll

Draft a resume based on your skills and job descriptions
Understand how to adapt and change your resume for different jobs
Draft a cover letter that speaks to your strengths and interests

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How to Describe How We Work

Brainstorm:

Words to describe a strong employee
Words to describe an employee who needs to grow

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How the job application activities work together

Script: In the job application process, there is usually a series of steps that anyone applying for the job must take. There is often an online application to fill out, putting in your name, address, past experiences, and some personal information. There are also three components or parts of the application process that a job candidate must complete: a resume, a cover letter, and an interview. And it’s important to make sure that all of these 3 parts relate directly to the job you’re applying for and how you are the right fit for the job.

Everyone will want to prepare in their own way, but it’s a good idea to begin with the resume and make sure that it’s as up to date as possible and that it highlights the experiences and skills that are most important for the specific job you’re applying for.

Then, it’s a good idea to use what you’ve included in the resume to write your cover letter. The cover letter shouldn’t be a repetition of what’s in your resume, but it should highlight your interest in the position, your most important experiences and skills that qualify you for the position, and a short statement about why you would be a good fit. We’ll look at some examples of these and practice writing our own cover letters later in the module.

Then there’s the interview. Being very familiar with your own skills and qualifications is important, and it’s even more important to be as informed as you can about the job you’re applying for. Do some research online and ask people who may be familiar with the company or even the type of job you’re looking at what they think is most important about their jobs. We’ll also look at some practice interview questions and take some time to brainstorm responses.

So, the resume, cover letter, and interview are all connected and should all work together to prepare you for a successful job search.

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Part 1: The Resume

What it is
Why you need one
What should be included
How it can be organized
Application

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What is our Experience with Resumes?

Respond to the Zoom poll sharing your experience with resumes.

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Share our Ideas about Resumes

Add your responses to the questions in the Google Doc:

What do you know about resumes?
What do you want to know about resumes?

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The Resume: What is it?

“Whenever you apply for a professional-level position, you will likely be asked to submit a resume. Hiring managers look closely at certain resumes to see if a candidate is a good match for their open position…

GCFGlobal, Resume Writing

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The Resume:

What should it do?

..A resume is a document that tells prospective employers exactly what you want them to know about you and why you would be a good fit for their open position.

It should advertise your skills in an easy-to-read, logical, and concise format. “

GCFGlobal, Resume Writing

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The Resume: Why do YOU need one?

How does a job seeker use a resume? What is its purpose?
How does an employer use a resume? What is its purpose?

Take 5 minutes to think about these questions. Write or record your response. Share in the chat or raise your hand and unmute.

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The Resume: Why do YOU need one?

For you, a resume is a tool that's designed to get you to the next step in the employment process: the interview.
It can even help you prepare for the interview by giving you specific items to practice talking about.

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Wrap Up

What we did today:

Words to describe how we work
Resumes

To-do list:

Watch the videos on resumes and cover letters & complete workbook activities
Draft a resume for a target career

What we will do next class:

Review & give feedback on resumes
Discuss cover letters