Career · Lesson Plan
How to Write a Cover Letter
A cover letter is a job seeker’s first impression — and a weak one can end an application before the resume is ever read. This lesson teaches what a cover letter is, the difference between a letter of application and a letter of inquiry, how to format it, and exactly what to include (and what to leave out to stay clear of anti-discrimination concerns). A sample template walks students through writing their own, paragraph by paragraph.
For Teachers
Lesson at a glance
- Topic
- Career
- Grade Level
- Grades 9–12
- Resource Type
- Lesson + Worksheet
- Estimated Time
- 45–60 minutes
- Format
- Lesson + template
- Materials
- Printable lesson, activity sheet, internet for research
What Students Learn
Learning objectives
- Explain the purpose of a cover letter
- Distinguish a letter of application from a letter of inquiry
- Format a professional cover letter correctly
- List the required elements of a cover letter
- Write a clear, concise cover letter
Materials
What you’ll need
- Printed lesson and sample template (one per student)
- A student resume or job posting to write to
- Computer or paper for drafting
- Pencils
Key Terms
Vocabulary
- Cover letter
- A short letter introducing yourself and your application to an employer.
- Letter of application
- A cover letter for a specific open position.
- Letter of inquiry
- A cover letter asking to be considered for any suitable position.
- Salutation
- The greeting line of a letter (e.g., ‘Dear Ms. Lee:’).
- Credentials
- Your relevant qualifications and experience.
- Professional tone
- Respectful, concise, businesslike writing.
For Teachers
Lesson plan
Estimated time: one 45–60 minute class period.
Lesson sequence
- Purpose (8 min). Why a cover letter matters as a first impression; application vs. inquiry letters.
- Format & content (15 min). Walk through formatting (length, font, margins, salutation) and the required elements to include.
- What to leave out (5 min). Discuss avoiding personal details that raise anti-discrimination concerns, and the importance of proofreading.
- Write one (17 min). Students use the sample template to draft a cover letter for a real or sample job posting.
Assessment
Assess the drafted cover letter for correct format, the required elements, a professional tone, and error-free writing.
Discussion
Discussion questions
- What is the purpose of a cover letter?
- How is a letter of application different from a letter of inquiry?
- What are the required elements of a cover letter?
- What information should you leave out, and why?
- Why should a cover letter be concise and professional?
Printable Lesson & Template
How to Write a Cover Letter — Lesson & Template
A printable cover-letter lesson: purpose, format, the required elements, and a sample template students use to write their own.
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