Resumes: Resume References and Thank You Letter
This FFA lesson plan teaches students about the importance of professional references and how to follow up after a job interview. Through a video, two worksheets (“Reference Please?” and “THANKS!”), and discussion activities, students learn to write a thank-you letter and create the reference page portion of their resume, emphasizing professional email communication.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
-
- Understand the importance of references.
- Develop a thank you letter for follow up to an interview.
- Create the reference page portion of their resume.
- Time required
- 30 minutes
- Materials
-
- A copy of the "Reference Please" worksheet for each student.
- A copy of the "THANKS" worksheet for each student.
- Internet access to play the video in real time or embed it in a PowerPoint ahead of time.
- Resources
- 1. FFA.org; 2. Wait, How Do I Write This Email? By Danny Rubin; 3. Video: Sending The Perfect Resume By Email, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=notbDDxI2BI
- This Quick Lesson Plan Would Work Well As A
- 1. Tool for FFA officers and members. 2. Supplement to an agribusiness course. 3. Supplement to an agriscience course.
- Partnership for 21st Century Skills
- Communication; Critical Thinking and Problem Solving; Information, Communications, and Technology Literacy; Leadership and Responsibility; Social and Cross-Cultural Skills; Initiative and Self-Direction; Productivity and Accountability
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
AFNR Career Ready Practices
- CRP.02Apply appropriate academic and technical skills. Career-ready individuals readily access and use the knowledge and skills acquired through experience and education to be more productive.
- CRP.04Communicate clearly, effectively, and with reason. Career-ready individuals communicate thoughts, ideas and action plans with clarity, whether using written, verbal and/or visual methods.
- CRP.05Consider the environmental, social and economic impact of decisions.
- CRP.11Use technology to enhance productivity. Career-ready individuals find and maximize the productive value of existing and new technology to accomplish workplace tasks and solve workplace problems.
AFNR Cluster Skills
- CS.05Describe career opportunities and means to achieve those opportunities in each of the Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources career pathways.
Common Career Technical Core
- AG5Describe career opportunities and means to achieve those opportunities in each of the Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Career Pathways.
Common Core – Literacy in Science & Technical Subjects: Writing
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.6Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology's capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9.10.2Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/experiments, or technical processes.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9.10.4Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Common Core – Math Practices
Common Core – Reading: Informational Text
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.R19-10.2Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.4Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language of a court opinion differs from that of a newspaper).
Common Core – Speaking and Listening
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.4Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.6Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
Common Core – Writing
- CCSS.ELA-Litearcy.W.9-10.2Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately thorugh the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
FFA Precept
- FFA.CS-MCommunication: Effectively interact with others in personal and professional settings.
- FFA.CS-NDecision Making: Analyze a situation and execute an appropriate course of action.
- FFA.PG-LProfessional Growth: Assume responsibility for attaining and improving upon the skills needed for career success.
- FFA.PL-AAction: Assume responsibility and take the necessary steps to achieve the desired results, no matter what the goal or task at hand.
- FFA.PL-EAwareness: Understand personal vision, mission and goals.