Lesson Plan: How to Write a Cover Letter
Overview
Includes three activities, samples, and examples.
How to Write a Cover Letter
Type of activity:
Interactive Discussion
Attending:
- Instructor(s)
- Job Developer
- Students
Group Size:
10-20 students
Session Outline:
- Have students sign in upon entering session.
- Have students introduce themselves and declare their program of study.
- Give announcements: All upcoming grant opportunities and TAACCCT pathway initiatives.
- Serve food during the session (optional)
- Take any questions from the students so all can hear the concerns of others.
Lesson Objective:
Upon successful completion, students will be able to create an effective cover letter outlining their interest in applying for a position/college/internship/scholarship utilizing proper business letter format.
Supplies You Will Need:
- Copies of Cover Letter Tips and Suggestions | PowerPoint
- Copies of Cover Letter Guide
- Copies of Sample Cover Letter #1, 2 & 3
Content Outline:
- Instructor will discuss the importance of the cover letter. It is usually the first piece of an application that is read.
- Hand out copies of the power point presentation. Walk students through the important parts of a cover letter including heading, inside address, salutations, and the complimentary closing.
- Hand out copies of the Cover Letter Guide. Highlight the important items mentioned. Many students believe that “minor” errors can’t hurt them when it comes to applying for a job. Give students a few minutes to read and critique the sample letter. Ask them to suggest how it could be improved.
- Stress the punctuation and grammar are vital components of a letter. An employer may only need to see nothing more than one misspelled word to decide that the applicant is not worth a second look.
- Use a career planning process that includes self-assessment, personal development, and a career portfolio as a way to gain initial entry into the workplace.
- Demonstrate job seeking skills.
- Assist students in determining where to “send” their letter. They should make the letter as real as possible by picking a business of interest.
Activities
Activity Number | Activity Name and Description | Instructor comments |
Activity 1 | 6 Secrets to writing a Great Cover letter Define for students the purpose of a cover letter. Explain to them that it is a letter that accompanies an application form or resume, serves as an introduction to the resume, and provides an opportunity to highlight the applicants’ special skills and experiences.
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Prompt students with the following questions:
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Activity Number | Activity Name and Description | Instructor comments |
Activity 2 | Parts of a Cover Letter Explain to students that the cover letter becomes easier to write was they gain work and educational experience, but it is still important to learn how to write such letters now when they must rely on descriptions of informal experiences and personal qualities supporting evidence. | Explain the parts of a cover letter. List at least the 5 parts on the board to help students visualize. Return address, letter address, salutation, body and complimentary close.
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Activity Number | Activity Name and Description | Instructor comments |
Activity 3 | Individual Activity Give students the first (before corrections) example of a cover letter to read. Provide time for students to record their impressions of what might be wrong in the cover letter. As the students view the examples, displayed on white board and have students discuss their findings. Give the students the second (after corrections) example of a cover letter. Display the letter on whiteboard and go over some of the details as to why the letter is better than the first version. | Point out main details of the cover letter. Prompt students with leading questions. |
Sample
Parts of a Cover Letter | Sample Letter |
Heading
| Your Mailing Address City, State Zip Code Today’s Date
[4 “Return’s or “Enter’s on Keyboard] |
Inside Address
| Employer’s Name Job Title Business Name Business Address City, State Zip Code |
Salutation
| Dear (Mr./Mrs./Ms.) use the name of the person that will read the letter |
Introductory Paragraph
| In response to the February 24th advertisement in the Star Ledger, I have enclosed my resume for the Certified Nursing Assistant position. |
1st Main Paragraph Describe your qualifications Sell your skills and knowledge. Tell why you are interested in the company or college. Point out any related experience you have.
2nd Main Paragraph Continue to describe qualifications. Highlight relevant training or classes to the job or major for which you are applying.
| As part of my training, I acquired extensive clinical and academic education focused on patient care. With some exposure to medical environments during the course of my training, I learnt the importance of the principles that affect the medical profession and I deem myself capable of handling this pressure by providing both clinical and administrative support. Using knowledge of carrying out laboratory procedures, patient care and doctors’ office management, I am ready to get on board.
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Closing Paragraph Close by thanking the reader and requesting an interview.
| I would appreciate a chance to speak with you in person so I can elaborate on my skills and candidacy as a medical assistant. I will call your office in a week’s time to ask for a convenient meeting time. Alternately, I can be reached at (111) 111-1111. |
Complimentary Close
| Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely yours, |
Signature
| Eva Baker |
Name
| Eva Baker |
Enclosure This indicates that you have enclosed other items (resume, transcripts, etc.) for the reader to see.
| Enc. Resume
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You can find more samples online: http://coverlettersandresume.com/medical-assistant/medical-assistant-cover-letter-no-experience/
Example
Renee Simmons
15 Elm St. | Sometown, NY | 555-555-5555 | renee@somedomain.com
June 16, 2010
To Whom It May Concern:
I am submitting my resume for your review for the retail manager position. I have a long successful career with XYZ Company and I’m looking for a new career challenge.
My experience and training in management techniques is enhanced by my strong work ethic and ability to learn new concepts quickly. I am an excellent communicator, a results-oriented performer and get great satisfaction from making a difference. I thoroughly enjoy working with people and have done so throughout my career. I bring top results in managing a retail operation.
I have a wide array of skills that will increase productivity and effectively contribute to an already successful company such as yours. I am a professional who is detail-oriented, flexible and able to meet deadlines, both independently and in a team environment.
Given the challenge the current market presents, my ability to quickly assess and provide solutions would be valuable. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and learn more about the open position. Thank you for your time and consideration of the enclosed resume, and I hope to hear from you in the near future.
Respectfully,
Renee Simmons
Sample Source: http://media.monster.com/mm/usen/content/resume/doc/cover-letter-sample-before.html?WT.mc_n=CovLetBef
Citations
"Cover Letter for Entry Level Medical Assistant (No Experience)." Cover Letter For Entry Level Medical Assistant (No Experience). Cover letters and Resume Samples, n.d. Web. 04 Mar. 2016. Retrieved from http://coverlettersandresume.com/medical-assistant/cover-letter-for-entry-level-medical-assistant-no-experience/ (2016, March)
"Phlebotomist Cover Letter with No Experience." Phlebotomist Cover Letter With No Experience. Cover Letters and Resume Samples, n.d. Web. 04 Mar. 2016. Retrieved from http://coverlettersandresume.com/laboratory/phlebotomist-cover-letter-with-no-experience/ (2016, March)
"Entry Level CNA Cover Letter No Experience." Entry Level CNA Cover Letter. Cover Letters and Resumes, n.d. Web. 07 Mar. 2016. http://coverlettersandresume.com/cna/entry-level-cna-cover-letter-no-experience/ (2016, March)
"6 Secrets To Writing A Great Cover Letter." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 29 Aug. 2012. Web. 09 Mar. 2016. http://www.forbes.com/sites/sethporges/2012/08/29/6-secrets-to-writing-a-great-cover-letter/#429fa59d28e4 (2016, March)
Issacs, Kim. "Cover Letter Makeover: Before Cover Letter Sample | Monster Career Advice." Cover Letter Makeover: Before Cover Letter Sample | Monster Career Advice. Monster, 2016. Web. 24 Mar. 2016. http://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/cover-letter-sample-makeover (2016, M uarch)