{"id":726,"date":"2026-05-03T04:06:10","date_gmt":"2026-05-02T19:06:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/d.pontalk.com\/?p=726"},"modified":"2026-05-03T04:08:03","modified_gmt":"2026-05-02T19:08:03","slug":"cover-letters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/d.pontalk.com\/?p=726","title":{"rendered":"Cover letters"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

English Learning for Beginners: Cover Letters<\/h1>\n

Dialogue<\/h2>\n
\n

Alice<\/strong>: Hey Bob, what’s up? You look like you’re fighting a dragon.<\/p>\n

Bob<\/strong>: Alice! You found me in my lair of despair. I’m trying to write a cover letter.<\/p>\n

Alice<\/strong>: Oh, the legendary cover letter! Is it an ancient scroll of mystery?<\/p>\n

Bob<\/strong>: More like a torture device. How do you even start? ‘Dear Sir\/Madam, I am writing to express my interest…’ *yawn*<\/p>\n

Alice<\/strong>: Haha, classic! You have to make it sound like you’re the only<\/em> person for the job, even if you just found out what the job is!<\/p>\n

Bob<\/strong>: Exactly! And then you have to sound super professional but also, like, super unique and passionate. It’s a contradiction!<\/p>\n

Alice<\/strong>: It is! And don’t forget the ‘I have attached my resume for your perusal’ part. What does ‘perusal’ even mean? Can’t I just say ‘to read’?<\/p>\n

Bob<\/strong>: Shhh! Professional words, Alice! It makes you sound smart. Even if we’re just copying it from a template.<\/p>\n

Alice<\/strong>: So true. My last cover letter started with, ‘My passion for widgets began at a very young age…’ I don’t even *like* widgets!<\/p>\n

Bob<\/strong>: You didn’t! That’s brilliant! Mine says, ‘I am a highly motivated individual…’ Who isn’t motivated by a paycheck?<\/p>\n

Alice<\/strong>: Good point! Maybe we should just send them a drawing of us doing the job with a speech bubble saying, ‘Hire me!’<\/p>\n

Bob<\/strong>: Now *that* would be unique! But I don’t think HR would appreciate my stick figures.<\/p>\n

Alice<\/strong>: Probably not. But it’s fun to dream. Seriously though, Bob, just try to sound like yourself, but a slightly more formal, widget-loving version of yourself.<\/p>\n

Bob<\/strong>: Thanks, Alice. I’ll try to find my inner widget enthusiast. Maybe I’ll start with ‘Greetings, Earthlings!’<\/p>\n

Alice<\/strong>: Definitely unique! Good luck, Bob! Don’t let the cover letter monster win!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Current Situation<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Key Phrases<\/h2>\n
    \n
  • What’s up?<\/strong>: An informal way to ask “How are you?” or “What’s happening?”\n

    Example: “Hey, what’s up? Long time no see!”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • Cover letter<\/strong>: A letter sent with your resume to a potential employer, explaining your interest in the job.\n

    Example: “You need to write a strong cover letter to get an interview.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • To express interest<\/strong>: To show that you are keen on something.\n

    Example: “I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Assistant position.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • Sound professional<\/strong>: To appear or speak in a way that is formal and appropriate for a work environment.\n

    Example: “When you write an email for work, always try to sound professional.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • Highly motivated individual<\/strong>: A common phrase in job applications to describe someone who is very eager and determined.\n

    Example: “The company is looking for a highly motivated individual to join their team.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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

    Example: “Please find attached my resume for your perusal.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • HR (Human Resources)<\/strong>: The department in a company responsible for managing employees.\n

    Example: “You should contact HR if you have questions about your benefits.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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

    Example: “This math problem is hard, but don’t let the monster win!”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Grammar Points<\/h2>\n
      \n
    • 1. Present Simple (for general truths, habits, and facts)<\/strong>\n

      We use the Present Simple to talk about things that are always true, happen regularly, or describe facts.<\/p>\n

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

      More examples: “She works<\/strong> every day.” “Water boils<\/strong> at 100 degrees Celsius.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • 2. Present Continuous (for actions happening now)<\/strong>\n

      We use the Present Continuous for actions that are happening at the moment of speaking or around the present time.<\/p>\n

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

      More examples: “They are studying<\/strong> English.” “I am cooking<\/strong> dinner.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • 3. Modal Verbs: Should, Have to<\/strong>\n

      Modal verbs add extra meaning to other verbs. For beginners, ‘should’ and ‘have to’ are very useful:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Should<\/strong>: Used for advice or recommendations. It means “it’s a good idea to…”\n

        Example from dialogue: “Maybe we should<\/strong> just send them a drawing…” (Alice’s suggestion)<\/em><\/p>\n

        More examples: “You should<\/strong> get some rest.” “He should<\/strong> apologize.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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

        Example from dialogue: “You have to make<\/strong> it sound like you’re the only person…” (Bob’s feeling of necessity)<\/em><\/p>\n

        More examples: “I have to<\/strong> go to work.” “She has to<\/strong> finish her homework.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n

      • 4. Common Greetings & Farewells<\/strong>\n

        These are phrases used to start or end a conversation.<\/p>\n

        Examples from dialogue: “What’s up?<\/strong>” (informal greeting) “Hey<\/strong> Bob” (informal greeting) “Good luck!<\/strong>” (farewell for encouragement)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Practice Exercises<\/h2>\n
          \n
        1. \n

          Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb (Present Simple or Present Continuous).<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

            Answers:<\/p>\n

              \n
            1. is trying<\/li>\n
            2. doesn’t like<\/li>\n
            3. are you doing<\/li>\n
            4. uses<\/li>\n
            5. think<\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
            6. \n

              Match the phrase with its meaning.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

                  Answers:<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. d<\/li>\n
                  2. b<\/li>\n
                  3. a<\/li>\n
                  4. c<\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                  5. \n

                    Choose the correct modal verb (should or have to).<\/strong><\/p>\n

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

                      Answers:<\/p>\n

                        \n
                      1. have to<\/li>\n
                      2. should<\/li>\n
                      3. should<\/li>\n
                      4. should<\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                      5. \n

                        Short Answer Questions:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        1. What is Bob trying to do?<\/li>\n
                        2. What funny idea does Alice have for a cover letter?<\/li>\n
                        3. What does Bob joke about being motivated by?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                          \n

                          Answers:<\/p>\n

                            \n
                          1. Bob is trying to write a cover letter.<\/li>\n
                          2. Alice suggests sending a drawing of them doing the job with a speech bubble saying, ‘Hire me!’<\/li>\n
                          3. Bob jokes about being motivated by a paycheck.<\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                            English Learning for Beginners: Cover Letters audio_play Dialogue Alice: Hey Bob, what’s up? You look like you’re fighting a dragon. Bob: Alice! You found me in my lair of despair. I’m trying to write a cover letter. Alice: Oh, the legendary cover letter! Is it an ancient scroll of mystery? Bob: More like a torture […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-726","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-basic"],"featured_image_src":null,"author_info":{"display_name":"poster","author_link":"https:\/\/d.pontalk.com\/?author=2"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/d.pontalk.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/726","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/d.pontalk.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/d.pontalk.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/d.pontalk.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/d.pontalk.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=726"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/d.pontalk.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/726\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/d.pontalk.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=726"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/d.pontalk.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=726"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/d.pontalk.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=726"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}