Elementary

W03
Handle meetings with confidence

Writing a cover letter

Lead-in

Discuss these questions with a partner.

1 Do you ever write letters/emails in English? If yes, what do you write? give a few examples. If not,
why not?
2 When you want a new job in your country, what do you need to do? Think of three or four steps.
3 Have you ever written a job application in English? If yes, what did you need to do?

Input

1 Look at the job advertisement below. Would you like to do this job?

SLC Ltd. COMPUTER SPECIALISTS are looking for …

A CUSTOMER SERVICES SPECIALIST to work with our international customers.

You must be: You must have:

• hardworking. • a good level of English (A2 +).
• friendly and professional. • a university education.
• experience working with foreign partners.

If you are interested, send your CV and covering letter/email to Mr Derek Brown.

2 Read the advertisement again and answer these questions. Check with a partner.
1 Who is the company looking for?
2 What qualities must you have to get the job? What kind of personality is important?
3 What do you need to have?
4 If you are interested in the job, what do you need to do?

1  myClass  Elementary W03 PHOTOCOPIABLE © British Council 2015

 Elementary
W03
Handle meetings with confidence

3 Read the two emails below from Carlos and Patricio to SLC Ltd. and answer the questions below.
Which email is better? Read, then discuss with a partner.

Hi Derek!
I’m Carlos, I want this job. If you look at my CV, I’ve had loads of jobs with international people.
My English is really amazing. I finished all the levels at British Council. I’m so clever that I went
to Harvard University. I’m friendly and I know all the best parties in the city for your international
clients. Hardworking? Yes, of course! If you want to give me the job, call me.
Thanks!
Carlos

Dear Mr Brown,
My name is Patricio Sousa and I would like to apply for the position of Customer Services Specialist.
As you can see from my CV, I have a diploma in computer science and I have experience in the
computer industry, dealing with foreign clients.
Last year, I took the IELTS exam and I received a band 6, so I believe that the standard of my
English is at the right level for this vacancy.
I would be grateful to discuss this position further with you.
Yours sincerely,
Patricio Sousa

4 Look again at the emails and tell your partner any differences you can see between them.

Language focus
1 The emails in Input are for job applications and to a company so they should use formal language
not informal. Match the Informal phrases from Mario with the correct Formal phrases.
Informal phrases Formal phrases
1 If you look at my CV … a Yours sincerely,
2 I really want the job. b I would be grateful to discuss this position
3 Thanks. further with you.

4 I’ve had loads of jobs. c I believe that the standard of my English is at

the right level for this vacancy.
5 I’m Carlos.
d As you can see from my CV …
6 My English is really amazing.
e I would like to apply for the position of ...
7 If you want to give me the job, call me.
f I have experience in …
g My name is Patricio Sousa.
2  myClass  Elementary W03 PHOTOCOPIABLE © British Council 2015
 Elementary
W03
Handle meetings with confidence

3 Look at Patricio’s email again and match the paragraphs to the titles below.
1 Saying goodbye. 4 Talking about level of English.
2 Talking about experience. 5 Closing.
3 Introduction. 6 Greeting.

Task

1 Read the job advertisement and then discuss these questions with a partner.
1 Who are JB Travel Agents looking for? What does the person need to do in this job?
2 What must you be or have to get the job?
3 What should you do if you want the job?
4 What information should you include in the letter?

JB TRAVEL AGENTS Ltd. are looking for …

A TOUR GUIDE to work with our international visitors to Dubai.
You must be:
• hardworking. • friendly and professional.
You must have:
• a communicative level of English (A2 +). • experience working with foreign tourists.
• a good knowledge of Dubai.
If you are interested, send your CV and covering letter/email to Mr James Coote.

2 Tell your partner what you think you can write for these sections.
1 Greeting
2 Introduction
3 Talking about work experience
4 Talking about your level of English
5 Closing
6 Saying goodbye
3 Now write your cover letter/email.
4 Look at your partner’s cover letter/email. Do you think it’s a good letter/email? Why?

3  myClass  Elementary W03 PHOTOCOPIABLE © British Council 2015

 Elementary
W03
Handle meetings with confidence

Review

4  myClass  Elementary W03 PHOTOCOPIABLE © British Council 2015