This presentation on how to write a cover letter was created as part of my final project for EDU 708 in my educational technology program of studies. It was created for a module on 'Job Preparation' -- I hope you will find it useful!

1. Click on the sound icon
Table of Contents
Brainstorming p.2
Module: Job Preparation Real-World Task: Write a cover letter
Skill: Writing Competency: Business/Service Message
Level: 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. 22
Photos courtesy of RZP Images courtesy of ClipArt Material developed by RZP Audience AEAL learners

2. Topic: Job Preparation/Cover Letter
Audience: English Language Learners
Job Preparation
Published by: G&R Languages Dec.12,12
Competency: Business/Service Message
Skill: 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?

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. Standards, Objectives, Outcomes
CLB Competency: Business/Service Message
Skill: 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

9. *
Cover letter: step 1
Return to the Post-Test
Your name
Your address
1202 Lorimer Street
Winnipeg, 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.

10. Cover letter: step 2
1202 Lorimer Street
Winnipeg, 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!)

11. Mss n
Mrow n
Cover letter: step 3
Return to the Post-Test
I am
Sally Brown
B ro w
B
November 09, 2012
Ms. Sally Brown
Manager, Dollar Store Name, title and address of the receiver
423 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3R 4J2
Part 3: Receiver’s contact (address of the employer)
Vocabulary: The receiver is the person who is
receiving the letter

12. Cover letter: steps 1,2,3
1202 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 Store
423 Portage Avenue
2
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3R 4J2 1
3

13. 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 greet
the recipient (receiver) of the letter (Ms. is a title of
respect used before the last name of a woman – formal language)

14. Cover letter: step 5
I 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

15. 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?

16. 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 why
you are perfect for the position

17. Do spreadsheet
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..
Part 6: “Sell yourself” in the body of the letter
Vocabulary: The body tells the recipient the Mult
reasons why you are perfect for the position itask
Why should we hire you?
Problem solve

18. 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 paragraph
where you ask for the interview and give your
contact number
• How can we contact you?

19. 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)

20. 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

21. Cover letter: DOs & DON’Ts
• DO • DON’T
• Type your letter • Don’t use coloured
• Use proper format paper
• Enclose your resume • Don’t spray perfume on
• Check for typos the envelope
• • Don’t add a photo
Use proper language
• • Don’t add borders
Include the date
• Don’t abbreviate words
• Sign the letter

22. Resource, Evaluation, Assessment
Resource 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 module
https://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=dHI4
Thank you!