Lesson Plan: How to Write a Cover Letter

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:

Content Outline:

  1. Instructor will discuss the importance of the cover letter. It is usually the first piece of an application that is read.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  1. Demonstrate job seeking skills.
  2. Assist students in determining where to “send” their letter. They should make the letter as real as possible by picking a business of interest.