Engaging Resumes & Cover Letters

Gr 9 Up—Students learn about the components of a solid resume and engaging cover letter and how to avoid common pitfalls. The narrator recommends starting with a real job description before brainstorming work history, education, and other skills. Setting up the heading and drafting the objective statement, employment history, and pertinent skills sections are addressed in detail. The narrator suggests using key words from the job description to tailor the work experience and skills sections to the desired position. The section on revising the resume covers the need to be concise and the proper choice of vocabulary. The segment on writing a cover letter explains its purpose and structure and how to compose one. Finally, proper ways to submit a resume and cover letter are discussed before a review recaps the program's content. Input from a corporate recruiting manager adds authenticity to this production, which is packed with advice that will benefit jobseekers. While there is little new information here, these crucial strategies are presented in an upbeat, modern format that will speak to today's teens. The CD includes sample job descriptions, a resume template, and cover letter preparation activities. There are two versions of the DVD: one can be played straight through, and the other has stopping points for the structured student activities on the CD. A great choice for career preparation collections.—Amy Pickett, Ridley High School Library, Folsom, PA