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YLT-Job Prep 101

Get ready to be the next star employee! Learn the basics of resume building, how to write a cover letter, and practice for your next job interview.

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Plan

  • What will you use to write your resume and cover letter?
  • What are your previous accomplishments and experiences? Scouting, and the many experiences that come with it, is a great place to start!
  • What types of jobs or careers are you interested in?

Do

There are 3 main components to this activity. If you have a larger group, create 3 different stations and cycle through each of the activities!

Resume Building

  • What’s the proper “anatomy” of a resume?
  • What power verbs will you use?
  • List your accomplishments with pride!
  • Write the full anatomy of your resume.
  • Do you see any gaps that you’d like to fill? Volunteering is a great way to fill these.

Write a Cover Letter

  • A Cover Letter tells a short story about why you’re the best fit for a role.
  • What’s your dream job? Think about that job and the experience, accomplishments, etc. that you would need to be hired for this job.
  • Practice your Cover Letter by writing one for this dream job!
  • Alternatively, write a generic Cover Letter that lists some of your best accomplishments, skills, etc. This makes it that much easier to write one when you find a specific role you want to apply for.
  • Finally, trade your Cover Letter with a peer and get them to read it and provide you with constructive feedback – and vice versa!

Practice Interviews 

  • In pairs, share your dream jobs.
  • Next, your partner should pretend they are a hiring professional for your dream job, and that you are the candidate.
  • What kind of questions might be asked? Take a look at some common job interview questions.
  • How should you prepare for an interview?
  • Practice! The best part about practicing is that you can talk through any questions you find difficult with your partner.
  • Switch roles and keep practicing.

Review

  • Which part of this activity did you find most difficult?
  • What did you learn from this activity?
  • Remember to submit your activities on our Scouts for Sustainability Take Action Map to the Review section.

Keep it Simple

  • Do these activities in larger groups and work through the 3 activities together – with support from an adult or others who have had experience writing resumes and cover letters and being an interviewer or interviewee.

Take it Further

  • Looking for a job, whether paid or volunteer? Write your resume or cover letter for a specific job you would like to apply for! Practice interviewing as if you were selected for that job.