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Teacher slide. Objectives: To understand the importance of cover letters, and how to write an effective cover letter. You need: Cover letter examples (x1 per group) Links to other resources:

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Teacher slide

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  1. Teacher slide Objectives: To understand the importance of cover letters, and how to write an effective cover letter. You need: Cover letter examples (x1 per group) Links to other resources: This activity is designed for students who already have a good understanding of apprenticeships / jobs and who may apply for an apprenticeship / job. Resources which give students this knowledge for apprenticeships are: An introduction to apprenticeships Understanding apprenticeships Exploring an apprenticeship Resources which further prepare students for apprenticeships / jobs include: CVs: maximising your potential Interview skills: competency based questions Interview skills: position specific questions Apprenticeship rights

  2. Unifrog resources Cover letters

  3. Instructions You will receive two versions of the same cover letter. The cover letter is being used for an application to an apprenticeship. In pairs, decide which cover letter is the best and discuss why and how you formulated this opinion. Find the aspects which make the exemplary cover letter better; some are obvious and some are much more subtle. Annotate the cover letters to show your thinking. Finally, discuss ways to improve the exemplary cover letter. Annotate the cover letter to show your ideas. You will feedback some ideas to the group.

  4. Discussion • Listed below are examples of the mistakes found in the cover letter • Spelling mistakes • Not making the cover letter specific to the company; the cover letter appears to be a generic document sent to numerous companies • Use of informal language e.g. ‘loads of’ • ‘I would really, really, really love the opportunity to work for such an amazing and outstanding company as GSK’. It is good to show your passion for the position but do this in a formal manner • Listing work experience details and dates which can be found on the attached CV. A cover letter is the first step to your CV, therefore, use the cover letter to impress the recruiter and they can then get additional, specific details from the CV

  5. Cover letters • A cover letter accompanies your CV and explains who you are and why you are applying to this specific company. A good cover letter means that the recruiter will read your CV. • Top tips: • A cover letter should be 3-4 paragraphs long and written succinctly • Each application will require a tailored cover letter to ensure it is specific to the job and company • Use your cover letter to signpost areas of your CV that you think are most relevant for the job

  6. Cover letters step by step • 1. Greeting • Address your cover letter to the name of the person who will read it, e.g. Dear John Smith, or Dear Ms Smith (don’t presume marital status).The name of the person you are sending your application to is usually found in the job vacancy. • If the name of the recruiter is not provided, there are a few options: • Contact the company and ask for the name of the person who will be reading the cover letters for that position • Address the cover letter to the manager of the department your apprenticeship is in; this information can often be found on company websites • If neither of these options are possible, address the cover letter formally for example using: Dear Sir/Madam

  7. Cover letters step by step • 2. Introduction and main content • Specify the position, e.g. I am writing to apply for the engineering apprenticeship with GSK. • Explain why you are interested in the apprenticeship and industry, drawing on your research of the company. Some aspects you may research include: company values and vision, recent developments in the company, major awards/achievements of the company or major projects the company has or is currently working on, e.g. GSK’s devotion to the research and development of existing and new medicines aligns with my own desire to contribute to the creation of new medical practices. • Detail experience and qualifications and how these make you suited for the role • Only discuss experience relevant to the role. Focus on skills gained here as the specifics of your work experience can be gained from your CV • Avoid listing interests and hobbies, unless these are very specific to the role

  8. Cover letters step by step 3. Ending Sum up your main motivation for wanting the job at the end of your cover letter. Briefly thank the recruiter for considering your application and emphasise your interest and availability in attending an interview. e.g. Thank you for considering my application, I would enjoy the opportunity to interview so that we can discuss the apprenticeship programme in greater detail. Ensure you state near the beginning or the end that you have enclosed your CV for their consideration. If you started the letter with a personal name, end the letter with Yours Sincerely. If you did not include a personal name, end your cover note with Yours Faithfully.

  9. Sign in at: unifrog.org/student

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