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Author: Donna Kristine Manley
Publisher: Christiana Press
ISBN: 0-9777835-0-2 Deploying the word resumes in
the title of the book may immediately turn one off, as there no doubt
exists countless number of books concerning resum writing.
However, I doubt if any of these books are addressed to children
seventeen years old and under. In fact, who would even think of
sitting down with your child and preparing his or her own resum?
Whats the point? And here is where Donna Kristine Manley puts a
bee in your bonnet with her Resumes for Children 17 Years Old And
Under Yes, Really!
According to Manley, and I
tend to agree, by helping your child prepare their own resum
you can boast their self-esteem as you will be taking the time to
capture their accomplishments, activities, gifts, talents, and
interests which would all be reflected in a written document. As
Manley goes onto say, Your child will certainly feel good about
himself or herself. Another sound reason proffered is that the
child can use this resum within the context of academic
programs wherein sponsorship may be required, or where he or she may
be applying for a scholarship or a fellowship. It can also be used
when entering a competition or seeking admission to a particular
school.
To exemplify the broad scope
of possibilities where these resums would come in quite
handy, Manley presents her readers with twenty-one different creative
prototypes that carefully balance different aptitudes, experiences
and education adapted to a variety of scenarios. For example, let us
say your child is interested in attending a writing camp, however, he
or she may need a sponsor who would be willing to foot the bill. In
this case you would collaborate with your child in drafting a resum
that would look something like the Aspiring Writer model
included in the manual. Briefly, this resum mentions
how the child has helped others improve their reading skills, the
childs contributions to a school newspaper, additional studies
that the child may have pursued, their participatory activities such
as a childrens book club organizer, spoken work event organizer
and the results that transpired, and perhaps the childs community
work as a liaison. If applicable, you may also want to include past
attendance at a young writers camp, as well as their computer
knowledge, education and awards. At the end of her manual, Manley
also provides some sample cover letters that would state the reason
for the letter, reference to the resum and the hope that
financial assistance would be forthcoming.
As for references to include
in the resums, Manley mentions the following: school teachers
and administrators, athletic personnel whom your child may have been
involved with, your clergy, community service personnel and family
friends.
The final pages of the guide
present some prime advice and interesting avenues to explore in order
to assist your child enhance their resums. These
recommendations will not only help your child in polishing and
improve their skills but may possibly facilitate their securing a
part-time job or a volunteering position. As an example, Manley tells
us that if your child is an aspiring graphic artist why not research
possible art classes, childrens art contests, art shows,
businesses that will display a childs art, and corporate art
competitions. She even proposes the in-home art exhibit.
Technically, Manleys
approach works very well. Resumes for Children 17 Years Old And
Under Yes, Really! is definitely a wholly accessible and
creditable manual, and moreover, it offers rich opportunities for you
and you child to explore the many options wherein a resum
would play a vital role.
Click Here To Read Norm`s Interview With Donna Kristine Manley
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