Resumes Required?
An Internet Web Quest about Resumes
created by Tracy A. Standhart
Instructional Technology Mentor
Used in conjunction with The Schenectady Center for Professional Development
Schenectady City School District
Introduction The Quest Process and Resources Conclusion
Congratulations! You have been hired as a member of the newly formed Human Resource Department for a rapidly growing multimillion-dollar company.
One of your department's responsibilities includes hiring future employees for the company. You will be responsible for reviewing and accepting resumes for these candidates. After looking at the applicant's resume, your department will then decide if you will ask the applicant to come in for an interview immediately or set aside his resume until it is needed in the future.
Are you up to the challenge?
Should a company base an invitation for an interview solely on an applicant’s resume? Should a resume be required before the interview? Should the company interview all applicants?
You and the other members of your department are expected to come up with and agree upon a company policy that describes resume requirements for future applicants.
In order to do this, your department will first have to research various formats of resumes and what types of information should be included in a resume.
Each of you will then create your own resume that will be evaluated by your team members. Second, your team will generate resume guidelines that your department will look for when screening new applicants. Lastly, your team will then present the guidelines to the president of your company.
In this WebQuest you will be working together with a group of students in class. Each group will answer the Task or Question. As a member of the group you will explore Webpages from people all over the world who are knowledgeable about Resumes. Because these are real Webpages we're tapping into, not things made just for schools, the reading level might challenge you. Feel free to use the online Webster dictionary or one in your classroom. You are also free to utilize other resources about resumes. These may come from the library or personal contacts. Be sure to keep a list of all the resources you use - you will be expected to create a bibliography.
You'll begin with everyone in your group getting some background before dividing into roles where people on your team become experts on one part of the topic.
Use the Internet information linked below to gather information about resumes. You should investigate types of resumes, tips on creating resumes, the purpose of a resume and sample resumes. Be creative in exploring the information so that you can develop your own resume.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Individuals or pairs from your larger WebQuest team will explore one of the roles below.
2. Read through the files linked to your group. If you print out the files, underline the passages that you feel are the most important. If you look at the files on the computer, copy sections you feel are important by dragging the mouse across the passage and copying / pasting it into a word processor or other writing software.
3. Note: Remember to write down or copy/paste the URL of the file you take the passage from so you can quickly go back to it if you need to prove your point.
4. Be prepared to focus what you've learned into one main opinion that answers the Big Quest(ion) or Task based on what you have learned from the links for your role.
Each member of your group should be gathering personal information to incorporate into your own resume. At the conclusion of the smaller group projects, all of you should begin work on your own resume. The word processing
engineer(s) will assist you with this.
Use the information you have gathered to prepare an outline that will answer the following questions:
1. What is the purpose of a resume?
2. What information should be included in a resume?
3. What are some tips for 'Wowing' the reader of the resume?
4. Create a Bibliography of the resources you have used.
You will then share this information with the Multimedia Technician and the public speaker.
Obtain the resume information outline from the information specialist and transfer it's contents into a PowerPoint presentation. The links listed below will help you design your presentation. Your slide show should contain no more than 10 slides. You are also responsible for manipulating the computer during your presentation to the president.
Your assignment is to encourage and help your team members create their own personal resumes. Review the sites below and offer suggestions on how to get started entering their own personal information.
You may also use any additional software or resources that are designed to assist you with writing a resume.
Investigate the links listed below. They will offer you some tips on giving an oral presentation. You task is to enhance the PowerPoint presentation with extra information about resumes. You will be the speaker while giving the presentation to the president of the company.
You have all learned about various types of and have seen samples of resumes. After completing your individual resumes, as a group you will prepare an essay answering the 'big' question. Should a company base an invitation for an interview solely on an applicant’s resume? Should the company interview all applicants?
Your essay should include a well-developed answer to the question that gives specific examples to support your opinions.
You and your teammates have learned a lot about resumes by dividing up into different roles and sharing information that each of you has gained. . Now's the time to put your learning into an email you'll send out for real-world feedback. Here's the process:
1. You will be writing an email to Mr. Marcus. Begin your message with a statement of who you are and why you are writing.
2. Explain the task you have just completed and politely ask for his feedback/opinion.
3. Include an attachment of your essay.
4. Have each person on the team proofread the message. Use correct letter format and make sure you have correctly addressed the email message. Use the link below to make contact. Send your message and make sure your teacher gets a copy.
Your Contact is:Mr. Marcus
The company you are working for is only as good as it's employees. Will you be able to hire the right people to keep this company growing?
You know and understand a lot more about resumes. You should be proud of yourselves for completing a very difficult part of the job application process. You now should have a resume that will help you get the interview needed to help you get the job you want now and in the future.
Best of Luck to You!
