Resume Power Slides Resume Power
Unlock your next opportunity by building a professional resume that gets noticed.
What is a Resume?
Your Marketing Tool
It's a one-page summary of your work history, skills, and education.
A First Impression
Employers often spend only 6 seconds looking at a resume before deciding.
The goal of a resume is to get you an interview!
Anatomy of a Resume
1
Contact Info
Name, phone, email, and location (City, State).
2
Summary
A 2-3 sentence "elevator pitch" about who you are.
3
Skills
Specific tools or abilities (Customer Service, Forklift, Typing).
4
Experience
Work history starting with your most recent job.
5
Education
Schooling, certifications, or training programs.
6
Extras
Volunteer work or relevant hobbies.
Writing Power Bullets
Don't just list duties. List achievements.
Weak:
"Responsible for answering phones and helping customers."
Strong:
"Managed high-volume phone lines, resolving 20+ customer inquiries daily with 95% satisfaction."
Quick Layout Tips
Keep it to **1 page** if possible.
Use a clean, easy-to-read font.
Use lots of **white space** (margins).
Save and send as a **PDF**.
Resume Builder Worksheet Resume Builder
Drafting your path to a new opportunity.
Career Launchpad
Worksheet
Name
Date
1 Contact Information
Professional Email (e.g., firstname.lastname@email.com )
Phone Number
Location (City, State)
2 Professional Summary
Write 2-3 sentences about your experience and what you offer. "Experienced [Job Title] with [Number] years in [Industry]..."
3 Core Skills
List 6 skills that match the jobs you are looking for.
4 Work Experience
Start with your most recent job. Use action verbs (Managed, Created, Served).
Job Title
Company Name
Dates (Start - End)
Location
What did you achieve? (List 2-3 bullets)
Job Title
Company Name
Dates (Start - End)
Location
What did you achieve? (List 2-3 bullets)
5 Education & Certifications Resume Review Guide Resume Review Guide
Facilitator tips for providing constructive feedback.
Goal of the Session
Your role is to help residents translate their unique life experiences into a professional format that employers understand. Focus on **empowerment**—many residents may feel they don't have "enough" experience, but every task performed has transferable skills.
Common Challenges
Gaps in Employment
**Advice:** Don't hide them, but don't highlight them either. Focus on skills. If they were caring for family or volunteering during a gap, they can list that as "Caregiver" or "Community Volunteer."
No "Formal" Experience
**Advice:** Use a functional resume format that highlights skills first. Include gig work (DoorDash, lawn care), church activities, or hobbies that required discipline and technical skill.
Language Barriers
**Advice:** Keep descriptions simple and direct. Use "Translation" as a core skill if they are bilingual—this is a massive asset in many industries.
Feedback Checklist
Professional Email
Ensure it's not a nickname or informal phrase.
Action Verbs
Do bullets start with strong verbs (Managed, Helped)?
Formatting
Is the font consistent? Are dates aligned?
Contact Info
Is the phone number correct and working?
How to Start the Conversation
"Tell me about a time you were really proud of a job you did."
"What's a skill you have that your friends or family always ask you for help with?"
"If you had to describe your work style in three words, what would they be?"
Search Smarts Slides Search Smarts
Where to look, how to apply, and how to stay organized in your job hunt.
Where the Jobs Are
Online Boards
Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, and Craigslist.
Company Sites
Apply directly on the website of businesses you like.
Networking
80% of jobs are filled through word-of-mouth!
The Hidden Job Market
Don't just wait for an ad. Ask friends, neighbors, and past coworkers if they know of any openings.
Talk to People
Be Ready
Stay Organized
Applying for jobs is a job. Keep track of every application so you never miss a call.
Company Position Date Applied Status Target Stock Associate Oct 12 Applied FedEx Delivery Driver Oct 14 Interviewing local Hospital Receptionist Oct 15 Applied
Your Professional Self
Check Email Daily
Employers will reach out here first. Reply within 24 hours.
Clean Voicemail
Make sure your voicemail is set up and sounds professional.
Social Media Check
Set profiles to private or ensure they are workplace-friendly.
"Be someone you would want to hire."
The Job Search Routine
01
Morning
Check for new listings on 3 sites.
02
Mid-Day
Apply to 2-3 jobs that fit your skills.
03
Afternoon
Follow up on previous apps.
04
Evening
Review your goals for tomorrow.
Job Hunt Checklist Job Hunt Tracker
Stay organized. Stay focused. Get hired.
Career Launchpad
Checklist
Name
Weekly Application Goal
The Daily Routine
Check professional email and respond to messages.
Search for 3-5 new job postings on Indeed or LinkedIn.
Apply to at least 1 job that matches your core skills.
Log every application in the tracker below.
Application Log
Date Company Position Follow-Up Date
Pro Tip: The Follow-Up
If you haven't heard back in 1 week, it's okay to call or email the company. Just say: "Hi, I'm checking on the status of my application for the [Job Name] position. I'm very interested in the role!"
Professional Persona Guide Professional Persona Guide
Coaching residents on professional communication and etiquette.
The Goal
Job readiness is more than just applying; it's about being "contact-ready." This guide helps you walk residents through the invisible rules of professional communication that can make or break a hiring decision.
Email Etiquette
• Help residents set up a "Name.Lastname@gmail.com " style email.
• Practice writing a 2-sentence reply to an interview request.
• Discuss checking the "Spam" folder daily.
Phone Readiness
• Review their voicemail greeting. Is it clear and polite?
• Advice: Answer unknown numbers with "Hello, this is [Name]."
• Roleplay taking a message from a hiring manager.
Overcoming Barriers
Criminal History
"Don't volunteer info unless asked. If asked, be brief and focus on what you've learned since then. Focus on 'second chance' employers."
Gaps or Short Stays
"Frame short stays as 'contracts' or 'seasonal work' if applicable. Emphasize your readiness to commit long-term now."
Mock Scenario: The Cold Call
Roleplay this with the resident to build confidence:
"Hello, I'm calling to speak with the hiring manager. My name is [Name], and I'm very interested in the [Job Title] position I saw online. Is there someone I can speak with about the status of my application?"
Interview Ace Slides Interview Ace
Master the art of the interview and turn your application into a job offer.
The Prep Work
1
Research the Company
What do they do? Who are their customers?
2
Pick Your Outfit
Clean, neat, and professional. Dress one level up from the job.
3
Map the Route
Know exactly how to get there and arrive 10-15 mins early.
Bring with You:
2 Copies of your Resume
A Notebook and Pen
A list of References
Your Best Attitude
Common Questions
"Tell me about yourself."
Keep it professional. Focus on your work history and why you're here today.
"Why do you want to work here?"
Mention something specific you like about the company or the job duties.
"Tell me about a time you had a problem."
Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, and the Result.
Non-Verbal Cues
Maintain Eye Contact
Sit Up Straight
Smile Naturally
The Handshake
If comfortable, a firm (but not crushing) handshake is a classic way to start and end the meeting.
Closing the Deal
Ask Questions!
Always have 2-3 questions ready for them. It shows you're serious.
• "What does a typical day look like?"
• "What do you like about working here?"
• "What are the next steps in the process?"
Thank You Note
Send an email or drop off a note within 24 hours.
"Thank you for your time today. I enjoyed learning more about the role and am very excited about the opportunity!"
Practice Answer Sheet Interview Prep Sheet
Prepare your stories. Practice your pitch.
Career Launchpad
Practice Guide
Name
1. The "Tell Me About Yourself" Pitch
Draft a 30-60 second summary of your work history and current goals.
My Script:
2. Your "Problem-Solving" Story (STAR)
Use this format to answer: "Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult situation."
S - Situation (What was happening?)
T - Task (What did you need to do?)
A - Action (What steps did YOU take?)
R - Result (What happened in the end?)
3. Questions for the Interviewer
Write down 3 questions you want to ask them at the end.
The Final Countdown
Resumes printed (2 copies)
Clean, professional outfit ready
Transportation plan confirmed
List of 3 references ready
Notebook and pen packed
Phone charged
Mock Interview Rubric Mock Interview Rubric
Facilitator assessment tool for practice interviews.
How to Use This Rubric
Conduct a 15-minute mock interview. Use the categories below to provide honest, constructive feedback. Remember: the goal is to build confidence while refining their professional delivery.
Category Developing Ready Excellent First Impression Punctuality, dress, handshake. Communication Clarity, volume, eye contact. Content Answers are relevant and specific. Energy & Interest Enthusiasm for the role.
Key Strengths
Areas for Growth
Coaching Secret
"If a resident gets stuck on a question, remind them: it's okay to take a breath and say, 'That's a great question, let me think for a second.' It shows thoughtfulness, not a lack of knowledge."
Future Path Slides Pathway Planning
Don't just find a job. Build a career that leads to the life you want.
Job vs. Career
A Job
Focused on a paycheck
Short-term focus
May not lead anywhere
A Career
Focused on growth
Long-term goals
Builds skills over time
Career Pathways
Healthcare
Patient care, medical records, nursing, or tech.
High Growth
Skilled Trades
HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, or Construction.
Hands-On
Logistics
Warehousing, Driving (CDL), or Supply Chain.
High Demand
Investing in Yourself
Where to get skills?
Community Colleges
Trade Schools & Apprenticeships
Online Certifications (Coursera, Google)
Financial Aid is Real
Many vocational programs are free or heavily subsidized for those who qualify. Never assume you can't afford it!
Your Next Move
What is your ONE goal?
"By the end of this month, I will..."
"So that I can eventually become a..."
"The first person I will talk to is..."
Career Roadmap Organizer Career Roadmap
Mapping the journey to your long-term goals.
Career Launchpad
Roadmap
Name
1. The Destination
If money and time were not an issue, what career would you be most interested in?
2. The Milestones
2 Years From Now: My Ideal Career
6 Months From Now: Training or New Role
Next Week: First Step (Call a school, update resume)
3. Skill Inventory
Skills I Have Now
Skills I Need to Learn
Who is on my team?
Identify two people who can help you reach these goals (a housing coordinator, a friend, a mentor).
Goal Setting Facilitator Notes Goal Setting Notes
Facilitator guidance for long-term career planning conversations.
The Coaching Mindset
For many residents, thinking about a "career" can feel like a luxury they can't afford. Your goal is to validate their immediate need for a paycheck while holding space for their potential to grow into more stable, higher-paying roles.
Questions to Spark Vision
"What is a job you've had that you actually enjoyed aspects of? Why?"
Use this to identify interests (e.g., they liked working with people, or they liked working with their hands).
"If you could have any job in the world, and training was free, what would it be?"
This removes barriers and lets them speak their true aspirations.
"What do you want your life to look like in two years? Where are you working?"
Encourages them to see the connection between today's work and tomorrow's lifestyle.
Connecting to Next Steps
Identify Trade Schools
Keep a list of local vocational centers and their open house dates.
FAFSA/Aid Prep
Be ready to help them navigate the financial aid process.
The "Quick Win"
Always end a planning session with **one small task** they can finish in 24 hours. Examples:
Searching for a certification program online.
Calling a friend who works in a field they are interested in.
Writing down three strengths they possess.
