English Learning for Beginners: Cover Letters

Dialogue

Current Situation

In today’s job market, cover letters still play a role, but their importance can vary. Many companies still require them as a way for applicants to show their personality, explain their qualifications in more detail than a resume, and demonstrate their genuine interest in the position. However, some companies are moving towards shorter application forms or video interviews instead. When a cover letter is required, it’s crucial to personalize it for each job, highlighting why you are a good fit and how your skills and experiences align with the company’s needs. A generic cover letter is often ignored.

Key Phrases

• What’s up?: An informal way to ask “How are you?” or “What’s happening?”

  Example: “Hey, what’s up? Long time no see!”

• Cover letter: A letter sent with your resume to a potential employer, explaining your interest in the job.

  Example: “You need to write a strong cover letter to get an interview.”

• To express interest: To show that you are keen on something.

  Example: “I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Assistant position.”

• Sound professional: To appear or speak in a way that is formal and appropriate for a work environment.

  Example: “When you write an email for work, always try to sound professional.”

• Highly motivated individual: A common phrase in job applications to describe someone who is very eager and determined.

  Example: “The company is looking for a highly motivated individual to join their team.”

• Attached my resume for your perusal: A formal way to say “I have included my resume for you to read.” “Perusal” means “the act of reading or examining something carefully.”

  Example: “Please find attached my resume for your perusal.”

• HR (Human Resources): The department in a company responsible for managing employees.

  Example: “You should contact HR if you have questions about your benefits.”

• Don’t let the monster win!: An idiom meaning “don’t give up” or “don’t let a difficult challenge defeat you.”

  Example: “This math problem is hard, but don’t let the monster win!”

Grammar Points

• 1. Present Simple (for general truths, habits, and facts)

  We use the Present Simple to talk about things that are always true, happen regularly, or describe facts.

  Examples from dialogue: “What does ‘perusal’ even mean?” (A general truth/definition) “I don’t even like widgets!” (A general fact about her preference)

  More examples: “She works every day.” “Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.”

• 2. Present Continuous (for actions happening now)

  We use the Present Continuous for actions that are happening at the moment of speaking or around the present time.

  Examples from dialogue: “I‘m trying to write a cover letter.” (Action happening right now) “You look like you’re fighting a dragon.” (State/action happening now)

  More examples: “They are studying English.” “I am cooking dinner.”

• 3. Modal Verbs: Should, Have to

  Modal verbs add extra meaning to other verbs. For beginners, ‘should’ and ‘have to’ are very useful:

  • Should: Used for advice or recommendations. It means “it’s a good idea to…”

    Example from dialogue: “Maybe we should just send them a drawing…” (Alice’s suggestion)

    More examples: “You should get some rest.” “He should apologize.”

  • Have to: Used for obligations or necessities. It means “it’s necessary to…” (Note: ‘must’ is similar but often stronger and more formal.)

    Example from dialogue: “You have to make it sound like you’re the only person…” (Bob’s feeling of necessity)

    More examples: “I have to go to work.” “She has to finish her homework.”

• 4. Common Greetings & Farewells

  These are phrases used to start or end a conversation.

  Examples from dialogue: “What’s up?” (informal greeting) “Hey Bob” (informal greeting) “Good luck!” (farewell for encouragement)

Practice Exercises

1. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb (Present Simple or Present Continuous).

   1. Alice ________ (try) to help Bob.
   2. Bob ________ (not like) writing cover letters.
   3. What ________ (you / do) right now?
   4. He often ________ (use) templates for his letters.
   5. I ________ (think) cover letters are hard.

   Answers:

   1. is trying
   2. doesn’t like
   3. are you doing
   4. uses
   5. think

2. Match the phrase with its meaning.

   1. What’s up?
   2. HR
   3. To express interest
   4. Don’t let the monster win!
   1. Show you want something.
   2. Human Resources department.
   3. Don’t give up!
   4. How are you?

   Answers:

   1. d
   2. b
   3. a
   4. c

3. Choose the correct modal verb (should or have to).

   1. You ________ (should / have to) wear a uniform at this job; it’s mandatory.
   2. It’s a good idea to arrive early, so you ________ (should / have to) leave now.
   3. I ________ (should / have to) study for my exam, but I’m tired.
   4. We ________ (should / have to) always respect our colleagues.

   Answers:

   1. have to
   2. should
   3. should
   4. should

4. Short Answer Questions:

   1. What is Bob trying to do?
   2. What funny idea does Alice have for a cover letter?
   3. What does Bob joke about being motivated by?

   Answers:

   1. Bob is trying to write a cover letter.
   2. Alice suggests sending a drawing of them doing the job with a speech bubble saying, ‘Hire me!’
   3. Bob jokes about being motivated by a paycheck.