Table of ContentsBrainstorming p.2

Module: Job Preparation Real-World Task: Write a cover letterSkill: Writing Competency: Business/Service MessageLevel: CLB 6/7 Audience: English language learners

-Pre-Test 1 p.3 -Separate Parts p.p. 9 -19 -Pre-Test 2 p.4 -Receiver p.11-Pre-Test 3 p.5 -Salutation p.13-Pre-Test 4 p.6 -Intro/body/conclusion p.p.14 -18-Pre-Test 5 p.7 -Closing p. 19-Objectives p.8 -Post-Test p. 20

-DOs & DON’Ts p.21 -Resource and Assessment p. 22Photos courtesy of RZP Images courtesy of ClipArt Material developed by RZP Audience AEAL learners

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Job PreparationCompetency: Business/Service MessageSkill: Writing Task: Write a cover letter

BRAINSTORMING: Pre-Test Questions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5• What is a cover letter?• When do we need to write a cover letter?• How many parts are there in a cover letter?• What is the purpose of a cover letter?• How can we write a professional cover letter?

Topic: Job Preparation/Cover LetterAudience: English Language LearnersPublished by: G&R Languages Dec.12,12

Pre-Test question 1• What exactly is a cover letter?

Like a resume, a cover letter is a selling tool which is specific to a particular job. Unlike a resume, it is quick and to the point.

Pre-Test question 2• When do we need to write a cover letter? It is necessary to write a cover letter

every time you apply for a job as the cover letter must be closely related to each job.

Pre-Test question 3• What are the main parts of a cover letter?

Introduction: state the position you are applying for

Body: sell yourself and mention why you are a perfect fit for the position

Conclusion: write your contact information and ask for the interview

Pre-Test question 4• What is the purpose of a cover letter?

The main purpose of a cover letter is to get you a job interview. It must be related not only to your resume but also to the position for which you are applying.

Pre-Test question 5• How can we write a cover letter?

Prior to learning about all the individual parts of a cover letter, take a few minutes to view this short video:

Sample of a cover letter: http://screencast.com/t/FydWpSMmuM

Standards, Objectives, Outcomes

CLB Competency: Business/Service MessageSkill: Writing Task: Write a cover letter

CLB level 6/7* Performance Indicators:• Express ideas / support with details• Use proper style for the audience• Demonstrate proper use of grammar• Provide introduction, body, conclusion• Address purpose of the task*page 105 www.language.ca

Cover letter: step 1Return to the Post-Test

1202 Lorimer StreetWinnipeg, Manitoba Address of the sender

R3C 0B6

Part 1: Sender’s contact (your address)

Vocabulary: The sender is the person who is sending the cover letter. You are the sender.

Your nameYour address

*

Cover letter: step 21202 Lorimer StreetWinnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0B6

November 09, 2012 The day you write and send the letter

Part 2: Write the current date (month/day/year)

Vocabulary: The current date reflects when you write and send the letter (never send a letter with an old date!)

Cover letter: step 3 Return to the Post-Test

November 09, 2012

Ms. Sally BrownManager, Dollar Store Name, title and address of the receiver

423 Portage AvenueWinnipeg, Manitoba R3R 4J2

Part 3: Receiver’s contact (address of the employer)

Vocabulary: The receiver is the person who is receiving the letter

Ms Brown

I am Sally Brown

Cover letter: steps 1,2,31202 Lorimer Street Address of the sender 1

Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0B6

November 09, 2012 Date you send the letter 2

Ms. Sally Brown Name, title and address of the receiver 3

Manager, Dollar Store423 Portage AvenueWinnipeg, Manitoba R3R 4J2 1 2

3

Cover letter: step 4 Return to the Post-Test

Dear Ms. Brown, Salutation

Part 4: Write the greetings in the appropriate language (formal language)

Vocabulary: The salutation is the way you greetthe recipient (receiver) of the letter (Ms. is a title of respect used before the last name of a woman – formal language)

Cover letter: step 5I would like to apply for the position of …………… at ………………... as (job title) (company)advertised in ………………………….. on ………………….. (publication) (date)

Part 5: Write an introduction to your letter

Vocabulary: The introduction informs the letter recipient about the position you are applying for

Cover letter: step 5 example Return to the Post-Test

I would like to apply for the position of cashier at Dollorama as (job title) (company)advertised in the Metro on November 09, 2012. (publication) (date)

I would like to apply for the position of inventory clerk at ABC Enterprises as advertised on your website on Saturday, November 10, 2012.

• Who? What? Where? When?

Cover letter: step 6 example

This position matches …………………………………………………... (mention skills, experience, qualification) I have been working ………………………………………………………… (mention experience and how it relates to the position)I am now looking for …………………………………………………………

(mention why you are perfect for this job)

Part 6: “Sell yourself” in the body of the letter

Vocabulary: The body tells the recipient the reasons whyyou are perfect for the position

Cover letter: step 6 Return to the Post-Test

As my resume indicates, I graduated in retails sales and office management four years ago, and I have been working as the assistant manager of a retail store since then. I am a team player, a problem solver and I have strong leadership skills. Having had two years’ experience working in customer service, I have learned how to handle complaints with ease. As I understand, this position requires someone who is able not only to multitask but also to make quick decisions in a fast-paced environment. I possess the necessary educational background, experience, skills required for the position being advertised, and I believe I will be an asset to your company..

Problem solve

Multitask

Do spreadsheet

Part 6: “Sell yourself” in the body of the letter

Vocabulary: The body tells the recipient the reasons why you are perfect for the position

Why should we hire you?

Cover letter: step 7 Return to the Post-Test

Please consider my application and call me at your earliest convenience for an interview. I can be reached at 204.123.4567 or by email at jgreen@myplace.net.

Part 7: “Ask for the interview” in the conclusion

Vocabulary: The conclusion is the last paragraphwhere you ask for the interview and give yourcontact number

• How can we contact you?

Cover letter: final steps Return to the Post-Test

Yours sincerely, Closing

Janice Green Signature

Janice Green Full name

Parts 8 – 10: Write the closing in the appropriate language (formal language)

Vocabulary: Your closing will show respect for the person who is receiving your letter (Yours truly, Regards, Sincerely)

Cover letter: Post-test• Sender is: a) you b) your boss c) your teacher

• Receiver is: a) job seeker b) boss c) teacher

• Salutation is: a) informal b) formal c) not necessary

• Introduction is: a) small talk b) about you c) about the job

• Body is: a) about interview b) about you c) about the job

• Conclusion is: a) ) about you b) ) about the job c) about interview

• Closing is: a ) informal b) formal c) not necessary

Cover letter: DOs & DON’Ts• DO• Type your letter• Use proper format• Enclose your resume• Check for typos• Use proper language• Include the date• Sign the letter

• DON’T• Don’t use coloured

paper • Don’t spray perfume on

the envelope• Don’t add a photo• Don’t add borders• Don’t abbreviate words

Resource, Evaluation, AssessmentResource for students:YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGFJszbVcM8• View a quick description of cover letter components by UCICareerCenter March 31, 2008

Evaluation by AEAL Instructors:• Please take a few minutes to complete an evaluation of this learning modulehttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?

formkey=dFdNeElTTVlGSWpPUU50bUpDTHllTkE6MQ

Formative Assessment about Cover Letters: • click on the link below and follow the instructions. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?fromEmail=true&formkey=dHI4OVE2dlRwNmJJMWI3SG9QbnpHWFE6MQ

Thank you!