*****ALL COMMON CORE ALIGNED AND A MUST FOR STUDENTS*****
 
It’s imperative for students to see applying for jobs as a process, not a one-time action. Research, preparation, practice, and follow-through are all part of applying for and securing a job, as are soft skills like interpersonal communication, body language, and time management (for detailed and engaging lessons, see my book Teaching Business Soft Skills). 
 
Students’ first step in a successful job search is to research their industry and companies, learning to read and decipher job ads, discover a company’s mission, and their fit for a position. Next, students will research and create a resume and cover letter, tailored specifically for one position. It’s important for students to shape customized job application materials rather than send out generic ones. Finally, students will research, rehearse, and perform job interviews. 
 
Among the unit’s many important lessons, students will understand the importance of being well-prepared, professionally presented, and poised. Lessons will show students that a good first impression is built on many different, sometimes hard to define factors. 
 
Students will begin by researching cover letter samples and guidelines to learn how to format and compose a winning cover letter. 
 
Business letter standards have changed in recent years—be sure you guide students to the most recent and relevant formatting samples. 
 
Class discussion should focus on the differences between resumes and cover letters, the importance of not repeating yourself, and how we make a first impression on interviewing.