Cover letters

• Employability
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• BTEC

Skills for Life and Work 

Applying for Work Unit 

Cover letters session 

Can you tell me three ways to apply for jobs

Intended learning outcomes

1. Describe what a cover letter is.

2. Identify why you would send a cover letter to an employer

3. Describe what you would include in a cover letter when sending it to an employer

Do you know what a Cover letter is?

Yes

No

Cover letters 

A cover letter introduces you to an employer and asks them to think about your application.

It’s a short letter, usually 3 to 5 paragraphs long.

Why might you send a Cover Letter?

Why send a cover letter?

Show your interest in the company and the position. 

Highlights your skills and experience

Provide more information

Showcase your writing skills.- communication skills

Its polite and professional 

It shows you are serious 

What is a cover letter and give at least 1 reason why you would send it

Introduction 

Address the letter to Dear Sir or Madame if you don't know the name 

1st Paragraph

Keep it short and simple

Introduce yourself and the job you're applying for

2nd Paragraph – Why are you suitable for the job?

QUALIFICATIONS  - suitable for job

GCSE’s, BTEC’s  and others

What experience you might have - you can use examples from school or college

3rd Paragraph – Reiterate - say it again!  

Reiterate your interest in the role and reinforce what makes you the perfect candidate

Use the job description and link the buzz words to your skills and abilities

Ending the letter 

Thank the employer for their time and sign off your cover letter with ‘Yours sincerely’ or ’Yours faithfully’, and your name.

 

Example:

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my application further.

Yours sincerely,

 Jo Bloggs

Starting a cover letter with Yo mate is acceptable?

1. Yes
2. No

Pick 2 things you would do in the 1st paragraph

1. List all your life achievements
2. Give a short introduction to yourself
3. Let them know what job you're applying for
4. Tell them your hobbies

What do you NOT need to include in the 2nd paragraph

1. Qualification's you have
2. What you had for your dinner
3. Experience you have
4. Your dogs name

In the 3rd paragraph you need to tell them again why you are the person for the job

1. True
2. False

What way would you end the letter?

1. Cheers mate
2. Yours sincerely
3. Yours faithfully
4. See ya!