Target Selection and Task Analysis:

How can you break down this skill?
The cover letter is the “abstract” or “summary” of the resume and is specified for a particular job.  Therefore, developing an adequate resume is often necessary before approaching this skill.  Even then, a draft cover letter is all that can be developed until a particular job is identified, allowing specificity to be incorporated.  Once the student completes a resume (or updates an existing one) and identifies a desired job, he can complete the cover letter for submission.  Suggested steps for this skill are:

1. Develop the resume (see “Resumes” topic skill).
2. Identify the parts of the cover letter:
       a. Your name and contact information
       b. Name and address of the person you are contacting
       c. Date (month, date, year)
       d. Greeting or salutation (Ex: Dear ______,)
       e. Body (2 paragraphs)
             i. Paragraph 1: Position for which you are applying (1 sentence). Why you are applying (1-sentence); Why you are the person for the job (2-4 sentences - relevant previous experience, skills, interests)
             ii. Paragraph 2:  Summary and appreciation (2-4 sentences)
       f. Closing phrase (Ex: “Sincerely,” “Thank you,”)
       g. Space for your signature
       h. Your typed full name
3. Identify the rules of writing a cover letter
       a. 12-point, Times New Roman font
       b. Single-spaced
       c. No more than 1-page
       d. Proofread, proofread, proofread!
       e. Print in black ink on white paper with no rips, tears, stains, or wrinkles
4. Add standard information to the parts of the cover letter that will be the same across submissions
       a. Your name and contact information, closing phrase, your typed full name
5. Add unique information to the parts of the cover letter that will be specific for each submission
       a. Date, Greeting or Salutation, phrases / sentences altered within body paragraphs
6. Review and edit the cover letter
7. Print and Sign the cover letter OR include cover letter in electronic attachment
8. Submit the cover letter with the resume

Given what the student can do presently, how will you present the task so that the student can perform a step within his capacity while learning a new step? 

If the student is comfortable with the purpose and function of a cover letter, perhaps the first step is identifying the parts before practicing input of information.  This may require focusing initial instruction on recognizing the parts of a cover letter using a blank template and filled in examples.  Your effort here would be to clarify what each “part” contains, and how those parts are physically arranged on the page. As the student gains understanding of the layout, you may then guide him in supplying his information for each part beginning with the standard information (name and contact information, closing phrase, etc.) before advancing to practicing the unique information (date, greetings, etc.).

Keep in mind as you approach teaching the contents of the two paragraphs (the body of the cover letter), use concrete, explicit examples to guide the student.  If you say, “express your appreciation in the last line of the letter,” what does this mean to the student?  Provide several written examples to illustrate what this expression of appreciation might “look like.”