Résumés the Right Way
BACKGROUND
Believe it or not, teenagers are in very high demand for some jobs. For a start, teens come at a cheaper price than older workers. They are often happy to work short shifts, weekends or afternoons, and generally have a more flexible schedule. Be sure to check to see if there are any minimum age limits in your state. Some companies also have minimum age limits so be sure to check ahead of time before taking the time to fill out an application at your favorite store.
INTRODUCTION
Before you get started on your search for a job, you will need a resume. With the right one, you can have local restaurants, shops and other businesses clamoring to have you working for them. With the wrong one, you'll stay penniless! With lots of competition from your friends, it's essential that your resume is good enough to convince business owners to give you a chance, even if you have limited qualifications and experience. By having a résumé, you are demonstrating that you are serious about getting a job. It also gives the boss a record of your contact details and puts you ahead of the rest. Today, we are going to learn the right way to write your résumé, even if you don’t have any experience.
WHAT TO DO-
Start by telling the group that even though they may not have any “real” work experience, they still have marketable skills that employers are looking for. Conduct the following activity
to help youth begin to think about the marketable skills they already have: Ask the teens to line up in a row along one end of them room, and then read the following statements:
- If you have ever played a team sport, take two steps forward.
- If you have ever been an officer in a club, take two steps forward.
- If you like to meet new people, take a step to the right.
- If you are comfortable working with people are different than you are, take a step to the right.
- If you have ever taught someone new skills (such as how to cast a fishing pole, follow a recipe or how to program their new phone) take a step forward.
- If you are good at taking notes at school or for your 4-H club, take one step to the left.
- If you are good at figuring out “how things work” take two steps forward.
- If you are good at using tools or fixing things, take one two steps forward.
- If you are good at math, take one step forward.
- If you like to read, take one step forward.
- If you are comfortable speaking in front of a group, take one step forward.
- If you are comfortable using a computer to research information, take one step forward.
- If you are good at scheduling your time, take one step forward.
- If you are always running late, take two steps back.
- If you have ever had to save and budget your money to reach a goal, take one step forward.
- If you like to be creative, take one step forward.
- If you have ever raised an animal or pet, take one step forward.
- If you have ever helped plan a service project, take one step forward.
- If you have ever served as a camp counselor, take one step forward.
- If you are good at taking direction and constructive criticism, take one step forward.
Now, look around the room. Is anyone left where we started (answer should be “no”). Why is that? We all have different skills and abilities that we can bring to our employer. Even though are skills are different, they are all valuable. We should think about the kinds of experiences we have had and what we have learned from those experiences when writing your résumé.
Review the Résumés the Right Way fact sheet. Next, divide the youth into groups of 4 or 5, and give each group a scenario and résumé template. Allow 10-15 minutes for each group to write their résumé based on the scenario they are given. To make it more fun, you could even provide props and ask one of the members of the group to “dress up” as the person described in the scenario. Ask each group to share what they came up with.
TALK IT OVER-
Sharing-
- What types of volunteer activities have you been involved in that you could put on your résumé under “Work Experience?”
Processing-
- What is the most difficult part of writing a résumé when you’ve never had a “real” job?
Generalizing-
- Why is it important to have a résumé?
Applying-
- How do you think a good résumé will help you in the future?
ENHANCEMENT IDEA
Have the youth each use the résumé template to make a draft of their own résumé or if you have access to a computer lab, have them draft a copy of their résumé using a word processing software- many of them even have easy to use templates.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
What are My Skills Worksheet, University of Florida 4-H,
Marketing You, University of Florida 4-H (pages 6-12),
Résumés the Right Way- Tips for Teens
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution
Start with your contact details
Your contact details should include your name, telephone number and email address at the top of the resume. If you have a funny email address like , it is a good idea to set up something a bit more conservative to send the message that you are a mature teenager.
Objective
Make it clear what job you want and your availability. A quick line saying you want to be a cashier and are available to work evenings and weekends is sufficient.
Include your educational level
Including your education level is standard in resumes, so listthe school you attend and what grade you are in.
Be creative with work experience
Even if you haven't had a 'real' job, informal or volunteer work counts as work experience. It shows that you are practical andenthusiastic, and that is all employers expect to see at this stage in your 'career'. Babysitting, helping with 4-H service projects, or organizing an event at your school all demonstrate a good work ethic. Make a note of the responsibilities involved in each if necessary.
Add your skills and achievements
Don’t forget to list your academic and athletic achievements. Being part of a team, getting good grades, or winning a blue ribbon for your 4-H demonstration speaks volumes about your ability to focus on a task and achieve good outcomes. Also list any special skills you can bring to the table. Being good a web design, blogging, or being skillful in Microsoft office, will give you an upper hand over a teen that only excels at playing video games.
Find three references
References are people who know you and can vouch for you when a prospective employer wants to make sure that you are a safe bet. Ask a coach, teacher or your 4-H agent if they will be a reference for you. If they agree, write their name, relationship to you, phone number and email address at the bottom of your resume. The employer might contact them to determine whether you are reliable, efficient and trustworthy so choose someone who has a high opinion of you.
Make it look good
Before anyone even starts reading your résumé, they will notice how it looks. Keep the layout simple. Use one font only. Be clear and concise. Ask someone to proofread it for typos or spelling errors, and print it on nice paper (white or cream is best).
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution
Name______
Phone number ( ) ___-_____ Email ______
Job Title and Objective
Education
Name of high school:______/ Grade in school:
______
Experience
Job Title: ______Years/months you worked in this job: ______
Description of job:______
______
Job Title: ______Years/months you worked in this job: ______
Description of job:______
______
Job Title: ______Years/months you worked in this job: ______
Description of job:______
______
Achievements
- ______
- ______
- ______
Special Skills and Interests
- ______
- ______
- ______
Scenarios for Résumés the Right Way
Suggested props:
Basketball
Stuffed toy pig or show stick
Sheet music
Suggested props:
Soccer ball
Math book
4-H Camp Shirt
Suggested props:
Blue Ribbon
Treasurers’ Book or
Check book
Suggested props:
Bow and arrow
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution