Lesson Plan Originally Created By:
Anita Homesley
Letter of Introduction or Cover Letters
Part of Unit: Employment Portfolio
Lesson Plan Overview / Details
Students will understand: what is a cover letter, how to write one and its importance in their career search.
Lesson Time
- Time required
- 2 - 3 Hours
Standards
California Career and Technical Education Standards
Objectives and Goals
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.
Activities in this Lesson
- Humorous cover letter - Hooks / Set
While you are taking roll, put the following letter on the overhead. Have students think/pair/share if they would hire this person for a janitoral position at their business. Why or why not? Is humor good to use in a cover letter? Why or why not?
- Cover letter.docx [ Download ] Humorous cover letter for a janitorial position
- The importance of a cover letter - Lecture
Discuss the importance of the cover letter/letter of introduction. It is usually the first piece of an application that is read. It does not get you the job but you want it to get you an interview .
Show attached cartoon about Adam.
As a commercial says, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression."Your cover letter is a potential employer's first impression of you and can be the most vital part of the application packet. A well written letter entices the employer to read your resume. A poorly constructed cover letter may doom your resume to the "No Need to Read" pile. The same can be said for a college or scholarship application that includes an introductory letter. It is important to highlight your skills, knowledge, and experience. These will indicate what you can contribute to the company or school. Effective cover letters must convey a sense of purpose and project enthusiasm.
A "form" cover letter rarely does this. Researching the employer, college, or scholarship prior to writing the cover letter, this will give you the opportunity to effectively personalize your letter.Show the power point-Cover letter tips and suggestions.
Highlight the important items mentioned. Many students believe that "minor" errors won't hurt them when it comes to applying for a job, scholarship or college. Stress this wrong impression.
- How to write a cover letter - Demo / Modeling
Show sample letter.
Most students do not have any trouble with the first and last paragraph but the middle one can be difficult for them. Brain storm as a class about different phases they could use.
You could use the same charts or information the students brain stormed in the "letter of recommendation" unit.
It is effective to have students write a rough draft and have other students do a peer review of the first letter. This will give students an opportunity to see other writing styles, both good and bad.
- Sample Cover Letter Template [ Download ] null
Assessment
- Assessment Types:
- Writing Samples, Portfolios,
Formative: List of employee duties employer is looking for in an applicant and what the student has to offer that company.
Formative: Rough draft of cover letter, with 1 or 2 peer critiques. May be hand written or typed, must use proper format.
Summative: Students will find an ad either in the newspaper or on-line, read the employers list of duties or assignments, students will write a cover letter to that employer using the skill sets they are looking for in the ad. Student will include such information as the date, addressee and their information such as title, organization and address, body of letter and salutation. They will use block letter style of writing. It will be error free. Student will understand how to use the ad as a basis of their letter.
Cover letter rubric
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Cover letter rubric
