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Introduction

A covering letter is likely to be the first contact your potential employer has with you. The employer will need to be satisfied that:

  • You have the necessary qualifications and skills for the job
  • You can write in good English
  • You match the person they are looking for

Qualities and Features of a Good Covering Letter

For a brief introduction about covering letters, watch the following short videos and answer the questions.

Part 1 - Tips for job seekers: Cover letter

The first part (1:04 minutes) shows some senior managers describing the qualities of a good covering letter and saying what it should contain. After you watch, make Exercise 1 in the next slide.

Exercise #1

Part 2 - Tips for job seekers: Cover letter

The second part (1:09 minutes) shows senior executives talking about the importance of your covering letter being individually created, and different from all the other covering letters their companies receive. After you watch, make Exercise 2 in the next slide.

Exercise #2

Part 3 - Tips for job seekers: Cover letter

In the third clip (1:49 minutes), the speaker describes a cover letter as an invitation to a potential employer to read your CV. After you watch, make Exercise 3 in the next slide.

Exercise #3

Part 4 - Tips for job seekers: Cover letter

In the fourth and final clip (1:06 minutes), the differences between a CV (résumé) and a covering letter are highlighted. After you watch, make Exercise 4 in the next slide.

Exercise #4