The document is a guide for English language learners on writing a cover letter as part of job preparation, outlining necessary components such as introduction, body, and conclusion. It includes pre-test and post-test questions, examples of cover letter structures, and best practices. Additionally, the document emphasizes the importance of tailoring each cover letter to the specific job being applied for.

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!