Business English - Writing Compelling Cover Letters that Get Noticed

Activity 1: Let's Get Started! (Warm-up)

Think about this: What is a cover letter? Why do you think it is important to send one with your resume when you apply for a job? What makes a letter interesting to read?

Activity 2: New Words (Vocabulary)

Here are some new English words. These words will help us talk about writing good cover letters.

Cover Letter: A letter you send with your resume when you apply for a job, to tell more about yourself and why you are good for the job.

Example: Your cover letter gives you a chance to say more than what is on your resume.

Catchy: Something that grabs attention easily and makes people interested to see or read more.

Example: Try to write a catchy first sentence for your cover letter so the manager wants to keep reading.

Value: The good skills, experience, and help that you can bring to a company if they hire you.

Example: In your cover letter, you should clearly show your value to the company.

Match (verb): To make your cover letter special for each job, so it fits what that specific company needs and is looking for.

Example: Always read the job ad carefully and match your cover letter to what they ask for.

Enthusiasm: Showing that you are very interested, excited, and happy about the job opportunity.

Example: Show your enthusiasm for the job in your writing by using positive words.

Closing: The polite words you write at the very end of your letter, just before you type your name, like "Sincerely" or "Best regards."

Example: Use a professional closing for your cover letter, such as 'Sincerely'.

Activity 3 (Reading)

Let's read about Maria. She is applying for a job at a local bookstore and writing a cover letter.

Maria is applying for a job at a local bookstore. She has her resume ready, and now she needs to write a great cover letter to send with it. She wants to make her letter catchy right from the very first sentence, so she thinks carefully about a good way to start it, perhaps by mentioning her love for books and community bookstores. In the main part of her letter, Maria doesn't just repeat the information that is already on her resume. Instead, she writes about her value to the bookstore. For example, she explains how her past experience helping customers at her old part-time job can help the bookstore serve its customers well and maybe even sell more books.

She also makes sure to match her letter to this specific job at this specific bookstore. She mentions the bookstore's name and says one or two things about why she wants to work *there* particularly. Maria also wants to show her enthusiasm for the job. She uses positive words and talks about how excited she is about the chance to work with books and help people find stories they will love. Before she finishes, she checks her letter very carefully for any mistakes in spelling or grammar. For the closing of her letter, she writes 'Sincerely,' and then she types her full name underneath. Maria hopes her carefully written cover letter will help the manager notice her application and call her for an interview soon.

Think about the story:

What does Maria want to make catchy in her cover letter?
How does Maria show her value to the bookstore instead of just repeating her resume?
Why is it important for Maria to match her letter to the job and show her enthusiasm? What kind of closing does she use?

Activity 4: Role Play

Read this dialogue with a partner. One person is Ben (who is writing a cover letter for a job), and the other is Lisa (his friend who is giving him advice).

Ben: Lisa, I need to write a cover letter for this job I found. I want it to be really good. How do I make it stand out?

Lisa: Hi Ben! That's important. Try to make the first part of your letter very catchy, so the hiring manager wants to read all of it.

Ben: A catchy opening? Like what kind of thing can I write?

Lisa: Maybe you can start by saying why you are very interested in that type of work or that specific company. Also, make sure you clearly show your value – what good things or skills can you do for them?

Ben: So, I should tell them how my skills can help their company be better?

Lisa: Yes, exactly! And a very important tip is to always match your letter to that specific job. Don't just send the same cover letter to every company.

Ben: That makes a lot of sense. Should I also try to show that I'm really excited about this job opportunity?

Lisa: Definitely! It's great to show your enthusiasm for the role. It makes a big difference and shows you really want it.

Ben: Okay. What about the very end of the letter, before I write my name? What should I put there?

Lisa: You should use a polite and professional closing, like 'Sincerely' or 'Best regards.' And always check your letter for any mistakes before you send it!

After reading, discuss: Why is it so important to match your cover letter to each different job instead of sending the same one to all companies?

Activity 5: Let's Practice

Objective: Practice using the new vocabulary about writing compelling cover letters.

Scenario: Priya (the learner) is asking her teacher, Mr. David, for some advice on writing her first cover letter for a job application.

Mr. David: Hi Priya, are you working on your job applications today? How can I help you?

Priya: Yes, Mr. David. I have finished my resume, and now I need to write a to send with it to the company.

Mr. David: That's a very important step. What's your plan to make the hiring manager want to read your letter carefully from the beginning?

Priya: I want to try to make the first sentence really so it grabs their attention right away and makes them interested.

Mr. David: That's a good idea. And what will you write about in the main part of the letter to show them that you are a good candidate for the job?

Priya: I will write about my and explain how my specific skills can help their company achieve its goals and do well.

Mr. David: Excellent. Now, remember, it's not a good idea to send the exact same letter for every job you apply to. What should you do for each application?

Priya: I need to read the job information carefully and then my letter to each company and the specific job they are offering.

Mr. David: Precisely. And how can you show them that you are really excited and positive about this specific job opportunity with their company?

Priya: I should use positive words in my letter to show my sincere for the role and also for the company itself.

Mr. David: Perfect. And what do you write at the very end of your letter, just before you type your name, to finish it politely?

Priya: I need to use a polite and professional , like 'Sincerely' or 'Thank you for your consideration'.

Try to fill in the blanks with appropriate words or phrases from this lesson!