Learning intentions
- Know the parts of a short cover message
- Match a message to a specific job or placement
- Write in a polite, clear tone
You will need
- A sample job or work experience advertisement
- The worksheet with the message plan
Lesson steps
- 5 min
Why it matters
Explain that a cover message is often the first thing an employer reads, and that a short, specific one works better than a long general one.
- 10 min
Pull it apart
Read the sample advertisement together and underline what the employer is looking for.
- 20 min
Write it
Students write four short paragraphs: who you are and what you are applying for, why this place, one or two matching skills with an example, and a polite close.
- 10 min
Read aloud
Volunteers read their messages aloud. The class gives one compliment and one suggestion.
Adapting it
Provide a fill-in-the-gaps template for students who need it. Strong writers can write two versions for two different employers.
Going further
Students use their message to request a work experience placement, with help from the careers adviser.
Student worksheet
The short cover message
Name: Class:
What I am applying for
Why this workplace interests me
A matching skill and my example
A second matching skill and my example
My polite closing sentence
Sample advertisement (a made-up example)
- Casual cafe assistant, weekends. We are a busy local cafe looking for a friendly person to take orders, serve customers and help keep the cafe clean.
- You will: greet customers, take orders accurately, clear and wipe tables, and work as part of a small team.
- We are looking for: good communication, reliability, a willingness to learn and the ability to stay calm when it is busy. No experience needed: training is provided.
- To apply: send a short message telling us about yourself and why you would like to work with us, with your resume attached.