Creating a Cover Letter Grade 8 Language Arts

Objectives: What is the purpose of a cover letter? What is the purpose of a cover letter? What parts make up a cover letter? What parts make up a cover letter? You will create your own cover letter!!!! You will create your own cover letter!!!!

Let’s think for a moment… Think about the time you went to the mall and saw an item you just had to buy. Think about the time you went to the mall and saw an item you just had to buy. What was it about the item that caught your attention? What was it about the item that caught your attention? Write down the reasons why you were drawn to the item. Write down the reasons why you were drawn to the item.

Cover Letter- is there a purpose? It's your first real contact with the person who may become your employer. It's your first real contact with the person who may become your employer. It's your chance to show an employer what qualifies you for the job. It's your chance to show an employer what qualifies you for the job. A chance to make a good first impression. A chance to make a good first impression.

Parts of a Cover Letter Return address- this is your address; no name is required here Return address- this is your address; no name is required here Letter address- this is the name and address of the person you are contacting Letter address- this is the name and address of the person you are contacting Salutation- the greeting; ex. Dear Mr. Atkins, Salutation- the greeting; ex. Dear Mr. Atkins,

Parts of the Cover Letter- cont. Body of the letter- this is where your persuasive writing skills will help you. Body of the letter- this is where your persuasive writing skills will help you. Introduction- states the position that you are applying for and why you are interested. Introduction- states the position that you are applying for and why you are interested. Supporting paragraphs- explains your qualifications and shows that you are interested. Researching the employer’s company may be involved. Supporting paragraphs- explains your qualifications and shows that you are interested. Researching the employer’s company may be involved. Closing paragraph- re-emphasize what makes you a good candidate for the job; also, you should request an interview by saying, “I look forward to hearing from you in the future.” Closing paragraph- re-emphasize what makes you a good candidate for the job; also, you should request an interview by saying, “I look forward to hearing from you in the future.”

Today’s Assignment Before we start creating our cover letters, we need to brainstorm a bit. Before we start creating our cover letters, we need to brainstorm a bit. I need you to create a list of 5-6 places that you would like to work at in the summer. I need you to create a list of 5-6 places that you would like to work at in the summer. List a few reasons why you want to work there. List a few reasons why you want to work there. Then, I need to you list 4-5 skills that you have that qualifies you for the job. Then, I need to you list 4-5 skills that you have that qualifies you for the job.