The Perfect Resume In 7 Steps
Business English
Intermediate
In this ESL business lesson plan on how to write the perfect resume, students will gain valuable insights into how to create compelling resumes, emphasising key elements that make them stand out in the competitive job market.
Pre-Lesson Work.
Instructions:
Download and send the pre-lesson work to your students for class preparation.
Warm Up.
Activity Instructions
Answer the following quiz questions based on the topic of today's class.
Activity Aim
Introduce the topic through an engaging exercise.
Activity Time
5 minutes.
of 6
Questions.
Activity Instructions
Discuss the following lead-in questions as a class.
Activity Aim
Introduce the topic through engaging questions.
Activity Time
10 minutes.
_1703588353.jpg)
How many pages does your resume have?
_1703588365.jpg)
What information do you include on your resume?
_1703588377.jpg)
Who do you put as a reference on your resume?
_1703588393.jpg)
Did you submit a cover letter alongside a resume for the last job you applied for?
_1703588405.jpg)
What do you think are common lies people put on their resumes?
Pre-Video Vocabulary.
Activity Instructions
Match the definitions to the correct words used in the video and through out the lesson.
Activity Aim
Ensure students understand the key words that are used in the video and will be used in the class.
Activity Time
5 minutes.
of 8
Video.
Activity Instructions
Watch the video before or during the class.
Activity Aim
Study how to create the perfect resume in 7 steps through an awesome video.
Activity Time
5 minutes.
True or False.
Activity Instructions
Decide if the following statements based on the video are true or false.
Activity Aim
Ensure students understand the ideas and concepts presented in the video.
Activity Time
5 minutes.
Hiring managers typically spend more than seven seconds analysing a resume.
of 8
False.
According to the information in the video, hiring managers spend less than seven seconds analysing a resume.
of 8
The headline on a resume should be written in lowercase to maintain a professional appearance.
of 8
False.
The video suggests using uppercase for the headline on a resume.
of 8
A well-detailed LinkedIn profile is not important for job seekers in the current market.
of 8
False.
The video says that linking to a well-detailed LinkedIn profile is a necessary step in today's job market.
of 8
It is advisable to include all work experiences, regardless of relevance, in a resume.
of 8
False.
The video advises keeping the resume concise by including only recent, relevant experience from the last 10-15 years.
of 8
Using metrics and numbers to demonstrate achievements in previous work experiences is recommended.
of 8
True.
of 8
Hiring managers prefer a detailed list of job duties instead of concrete examples of accomplishments.
of 8
False.
The video says that hiring managers prefer concrete examples of accomplishments rather than a list of job duties.
of 8
Tailoring a resume to match the keywords in a job posting is a strategy to get past applicant tracking systems (ATS).
of 8
True.
of 8
Action words like "achieved," "designed," and "improved" should be avoided in a resume to maintain simplicity.
of 8
False.
The video says to avoid using cliché words and phrases like “results-driven” or “detail-oriented”.
of 8
Video Quotes.
Activity Instructions
Complete the quotes by choosing the correct words.
Activity Aim
Improve reading and comprehension skills, and expand vocabulary.
Activity Time
10 minutes.
Discussion.
Activity Instructions
Discuss the following questions as a class.
Activity Aim
Learn through speaking and making errors. Have fun!
Activity Time
25 minutes.
_1703589275.jpg)
How long do hiring managers typically spend analysing a resume?
_1703589289.jpg)
How can you make your resume stand out to make the hiring manager spend more time analysing it?
_1703589300.jpg)
What is the importance of having a clear headline on your resume?
_1703589311.jpg)
Can you share an example of a good headline? What is the headline on your current resume?
_1703589323.jpg)
What role does linking to your LinkedIn profile play in the job market?
_1703589333.jpg)
How can you ensure you don’t have a “dead-beat” LinkedIn profile?
_1703589344.jpg)
The video suggests that a resume should be "concise." What does this mean?
_1703589354.jpg)
How can using clear metrics to show your achievements benefit your resume?
_1703589365.jpg)
Can you share some achievements and metrics you put on your resume?
_1703589377.jpg)
What does it mean to go above and beyond? Can you share an example of a time you went above and beyond at work?
_1703589386.jpg)
How can tailoring your resume with keywords improve your chances with applicant tracking systems?
_1703589397.jpg)
Why should you avoid cliché words and phrases? Can you share examples of cliché words and phrases that should be avoided?
_1703589405.jpg)
How do action words contribute to making a resume stand out? Can you share examples of effective action words for resumes?
_1703589415.jpg)
Why is it important to proofread your resume before submitting it?
_1703589431.jpg)
Summarise the points raised in the video, then say which piece of advice you found most useful. Do you have any extra pieces of advice to share?
Debate.
Activity Instructions
State if you agree or disagree with each statement, explaining why. Use the language from the pre-lesson work PDF.
Activity Aim
Improve speaking skills, critical thinking, and persuasive communication.
Activity Time
15 minutes.
_1703589494.jpg)
I think everybody should include a photo on their resume to make it stand out and to make their application more personal.
_1703589503.jpg)
Schools should teach students how to write resumes to prepare them for real-world job applications.
_1703589513.jpg)
In the future, employers won't need resumes because they'll use online profiles and AI to evaluate candidates.
_1703589522.jpg)
Employers should pay candidates for their time during the job application process because candidates have to spend a lot of time making a resume, cover letter, etc.
_1703589532.jpg)
In my view, all candidates should include their age on their resumes because it's an important factor for job suitability.
Cliché or Action Words?
Activity Instructions
Decide if each word / phrase is a cliché or action word / phrase in relation to resumes, then answer the questions.
Activity Aim
End the class with a fun speaking activity, encourage students to use the information learned in the lesson.
Activity Time
15 minutes.
Team-Player.
of 8
Cliché.
Are you a team player in your work environment? Explain.
of 8
Achieved.
of 8
Action word.
Can you share an example of a goal you achieved at work?
of 8
Collaborated.
of 8
Action word.
Describe a time you collaborated successfully with another department.
of 8
Hard worker.
of 8
Cliché.
Would your colleagues describe you as a hard worker?
of 8
Managed.
of 8
Action word.
Describe a project you managed, including the outcomes of your efforts.
of 8
Demonstrated.
of 8
Action word.
Describe a time you demonstrated a key skill that positively impacted your work.
of 8
Fast learner.
of 8
Cliché.
Are you a fast learner when it comes to acquiring new job-related skills?
of 8
Negotiated.
of 8
Action word.
Describe a time you negotiated successfully at work, what was the outcome?
of 8
Homework.
Instructions:
Download the homework PDF and send to the student.
Exlpore More Lessons
.jpg)
What Can We Do To Be Happier?
.jpg)
Key Interview Mistakes To Avoid
_1703072641.jpg)
3 Ways To Motivate Employees