job application letter lesson plan

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Job Application – Lesson Plan [Free PDF]

• Posted by by ESL Questions About
• 9 months ago

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Job Application – Lesson Plan is a crucial topic for ESL learners as it equips them with the necessary language skills and cultural understanding to navigate the job application process in an English-speaking environment. This lesson plan aims to familiarize students with essential vocabulary, phrases, and communication strategies required for job applications, interviews, and professional interactions. By mastering this topic, students can enhance their confidence and competence in seeking employment opportunities, thereby preparing them for real-world scenarios.

Vocabulary Building

Contextual usage.

1. When applying for a job, it is essential to have a well-written ** resume ** that highlights your strengths and experiences. 2. A ** cover letter ** should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for and should complement your resume . 3. The ** interview ** is an opportunity for the employer to assess your suitability for the role. 4. Employers often look for specific ** qualifications ** that match the requirements of the job description. 5. It’s important to have professional ** references ** who can speak to your abilities and work ethic.

ESL Warm-up Activity

To kick off the Job Application – Lesson Plan, start with a role-playing activity where students take on the roles of job applicants and interviewers. Provide them with sample job descriptions and have them create their resumes and cover letters based on the given criteria. Then, pair them up for mock interviews where they can practice asking and answering common interview questions. This activity not only sets the tone for the lesson but also allows students to immediately engage with the language elements relevant to job applications in a practical and interactive manner.

Main ESL Lesson Activities

Vocabulary building activity: matching game.

To reinforce the vocabulary related to job applications, create a matching game where students match job-related terms with their definitions. Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a set of cards containing terms such as “resume,” “interview,” “references,” etc., and their respective definitions. Encourage group discussions to match the terms and definitions correctly, promoting collaboration and understanding.

Listening Activity: Job Interview Simulation

Organize a listening activity where students listen to mock job interviews. Provide them with a list of questions commonly asked during interviews. Then, pair them up to take turns playing the role of the interviewer and interviewee while asking and answering the questions. This hands-on exercise allows students to practice listening comprehension and develop their speaking skills in a realistic context.

Roleplay: Creating Cover Letters

In this activity, students work in pairs to create cover letters for specific job postings. Provide them with sample job descriptions and guide them through crafting cover letters tailored to those positions. Encourage peer feedback and group discussions to refine their cover letters, fostering collaboration and language development.

Reading and Writing: Resume Critique

Ask students to bring in sample resumes or provide them with templates. In pairs or small groups, have them critique each other’s resumes based on content, formatting, and relevance to the job descriptions provided. This activity enhances reading comprehension while also honing their writing skills as they provide constructive feedback on their peers’ work.

ESL Homework Assignment

For homework, students are tasked with creating their own resumes and cover letters for a job of their choice. They should research job postings, tailor their documents to the specific positions, and ensure that they reflect the vocabulary and concepts learned in class. Additionally, they are encouraged to practice mock interviews with family or friends using the common interview questions discussed in class. This assignment reinforces the lesson content by providing practical application of the language skills and strategies covered in the Job Application – Lesson Plan.

Key Points Summary

Throughout the Job Application – Lesson Plan, students have learned essential vocabulary related to job applications, including terms such as resume, cover letter, interview, qualifications, and references. They have also engaged in practical activities such as role-playing job interviews, creating cover letters, and critiquing resumes to apply their language skills in real-world scenarios.

Reflection and Application

As students reflect on this lesson, they can recognize the practical relevance of the language skills acquired. Understanding how to navigate job applications and interviews not only enhances their professional prospects but also strengthens their overall language development. The ability to articulate qualifications, experiences, and aspirations in a professional context is a valuable skill that transcends job applications and contributes to their linguistic proficiency.

Why this topic is great for ESL learning

The Job Application – Lesson Plan is an excellent topic for ESL learning due to its practicality and relevance in students’ lives. Here are a few reasons why this topic is beneficial for ESL learners:

1. Real-world application: Job applications and interviews are common experiences that students may encounter in their future careers. By learning the language and skills necessary for job applications, students can directly apply what they have learned in real-life situations.

2. Vocabulary expansion: The lesson plan introduces key terms and expressions related to job applications, such as resume, cover letter, interview, qualifications, and references. Mastering this vocabulary enhances students’ language proficiency and equips them with the necessary tools to communicate effectively in professional settings.

3. Cultural understanding: Job application processes can vary across different cultures and countries. By exploring the topic of job applications, ESL learners gain insights into cultural norms, expectations, and communication styles specific to English-speaking workplaces.

4. Confidence building: The Job Application – Lesson Plan provides opportunities for students to practice their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in a practical context. Engaging in role-plays, mock interviews, and resume critiques helps build confidence in using English for professional purposes.

Overall, the Job Application – Lesson Plan empowers ESL learners by equipping them with the language skills needed to navigate the job market successfully while fostering cultural understanding and boosting their overall language development.

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A cover letter.

Look at the cover letter and do the exercises to improve your writing skills. 

Instructions

Do the preparation exercise first. Then read the text and do the other exercises.

Preparation

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to you to express interest in the voluntary work placement at your animal sanctuary which I saw advertised on your website.

I am eighteen years old and in my final year at secondary school, due to sit my A levels next summer. I am planning on taking a degree in veterinary science at university and have received two conditional offers. As you will see from my CV, I have always shown an interest in working with animals and have relevant experience from voluntary work which I carried out at a local dogs' home. In this position I had sole responsibility for taking care of some dogs' daily needs, such as feeding, cleaning and exercise. In addition to this, I regularly spend time on my uncle's farm throughout the year and usually help him take care of the animals. This hands-on experience has reinforced my decision to seek a career working with animals. Both the dogs' home and my uncle would be willing to provide references.

I am hard-working, punctual and willing to help out with any kind of job at the sanctuary. My decision to undertake a degree in veterinary science confirms my interest in and commitment to the field. I am certain that experience working at your animal sanctuary will provide an invaluable insight into working with animals and a unique opportunity to acquire a range of skills and expertise.

I hope I have shown that I am an ideal candidate for this position and please find attached my CV.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Emily Jones

Top Tips for writing

Begin and end the letter appropriately.

Beginning: Dear Sir or Madam with no name – Closing: Yours faithfully Beginning: Dear Mr / Mrs / Ms + surname – Closing: Yours sincerely

Give a clear reason for writing.

I am writing with regard to … / to enquire about … / to apply for … / to express interest in ...

Use linking words to join similar ideas into paragraphs.

In addition to this, ... 

Include a summary comment near the end of your letter.

I hope you will find this information useful. I would be very grateful for your assistance in this matter.

Close your letter with a set phrase.

Check your understanding: true, false or not given

Check your writing: gap fill, check your writing: multiple selection, worksheets and downloads.

Do students at your school do work experience? What company or organisation would you like to do work experience in? What do you think are the main advantages of work experience?

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How To Use The S.T.A.R Method To Write A Cover Letter

by Sapna | Aug 13, 2017 | 2 comments

So, here’s what the star method entails.  It’s four simple steps for constructing each “example” paragraph of your cover letter.

Before you do this though, be sure you have a short, concise introductory paragraph that explains why  you are an excellent match to the job in question (see the section above!).

Remember, employers don’t only care about your “hard” skills  (those they can train you for on the job). Actually, soft skills are much more important in my opinion.  People want to work with good people, so show them that you have characteristics they want – like team building, leadership, and initiative.

The STAR Method is a quick mnemonic to check if your example paragraphs are on track. I’m going to use an example that has worked for me in the past, when applying to a marketing job at a large company.

I managed major sponsorship accounts and ensured promotional activities aligned with our brand strategy. In addition,

I coordinated and lead promotional incentive trip programs to reward sales managers for high sales. I also created marketing documents to promote sales team participation for sales rallies and events.

What is the context of your example? Briefly show the problem that exists in a situation you faced. Try to use examples that may also occur at the type of job you are applying to. Problem solving skills are valuable!

E.g.  While working as Position Name Here at Company X, 

Within this context, what task were you assigned? Be brief here

E.g. our team  needed to ensure promotional activities aligned with our brand strategy 

Next, what action did you take to solve the problem? Be specific!  Show that you took initiative

E.g. I coordinated and lead promotional incentive trip programs to reward sales managers for high sales. I also created marketing documents to promote sales team participation for sales rallies and events.

E.g. This resulted in successful corporate events attended by our sales dealers, staff and clients, and increased attendance rates over the previous year.

Remember to end your cover letter on a strong note, too!   There is no need to reiterate your contact information  (they have it already). Simply state why you’d like to work for them and reiterate your enthusiasm.

Cover Letter Editing Tips (for ESL Students, too!)

Of course, writing in your second language is always tougher than your native tongue. So, how can you (and your students) be sure you’ve got everything on track? Here are my top 4 tips for editing before you send:

1.  Ensure there are NO spelling or grammatical errors.   – In fact, this goes for native speakers, too.  A mistake on paper looks sloppy, especially since it could have easily been corrected beforehand.

2.  Have a native speaker or English teacher read it over, every time.   Even if you’re a native speaker yourself, be sure to have at least one other person edit your letter. In fact, I do this myself for any letter I feel is important to my future.

3.   Start EARLY.    So, I know that procrastination and time pressure can help get the job done, BUT, in this case I’d start early. In fact,  I attribute some of my successful application letter to the University of Oxford   to FIVE of my good friends. Over the course of two weeks, they helped me revise and edit, edit, edit!

4. Always print a copy before you send it –  Why? Well, printers simply don’t always portray writing as nicely as the screen does! Usually, the reader is going to print it out. So, to double check your alignment, margins, and how it looks on the page, print it!

Do you have more cover letter tips that have worked for you, or your English students? Have questions about cover letters? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Happy Teaching!

P.S. Photography fans, the photo for today’s post is one I took in Bordeaux, France in the summer of 2015.

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I got what you mean,saved to my bookmarks, very nice website.

Great article and helpful. Since im not a professional writer, i prefer to hire job application letter writer from contentdevelopmentpros.co.uk but i shared this article with them to make sure they cover all this.

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Home » Blog » General » How to Develop a Job Application Lesson Plan: Tips and Strategies

How to Develop a Job Application Lesson Plan: Tips and Strategies

Teaching job application skills is an essential part of social emotional learning. By equipping students with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the job application process, we are preparing them for success in the future. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of teaching job application skills and provide tips and strategies for developing a comprehensive job application lesson plan.

Understanding the Purpose of a Job Application Lesson Plan

A job application lesson plan is designed to help students understand the process of applying for employment and develop the necessary skills to effectively complete job applications. The objectives of a job application lesson plan include:

• Teaching students how to explore different job opportunities
• Identifying personal strengths and interests
• Setting realistic career goals

Incorporating job application skills in social emotional learning has numerous benefits. It helps students develop self-awareness, self-management, and responsible decision-making skills. It also enhances their communication and interpersonal skills, which are essential in the workplace.

Key Components of a Job Application Lesson Plan

A comprehensive job application lesson plan should include the following key components:

Preparing students for the job search process

Before students can effectively complete job applications, they need to explore different job opportunities, identify their personal strengths and interests, and set realistic career goals. This can be achieved through activities such as:

• Exploring different job opportunities through research and discussions
• Identifying personal strengths and interests through self-reflection exercises
• Setting realistic career goals by creating action plans

Understanding the job application process

Students need to be familiar with common job application forms and know how to accurately complete personal information. They should also be guided in writing effective resumes and cover letters. Some strategies for teaching these skills include:

• Familiarizing students with common job application forms through examples and discussions
• Teaching students how to complete personal information accurately through step-by-step instructions
• Guiding students in writing effective resumes and cover letters through templates and peer feedback

Developing interview skills

Interview skills are crucial for job application success. Students should learn how to research potential employers, practice mock interviews, and enhance their communication and interpersonal skills. Strategies for developing interview skills include:

• Teaching students how to research potential employers through online resources and case studies
• Practicing mock interviews and providing constructive feedback
• Enhancing communication and interpersonal skills through role-playing activities and group discussions

Strategies for Implementing a Job Application Lesson Plan

Implementing a job application lesson plan can be engaging and interactive by incorporating the following strategies:

Creating engaging and interactive activities

Role-playing job interviews, conducting group discussions on job application experiences, and utilizing technology and online resources can make the learning process more enjoyable and effective. Some ideas for engaging activities include:

• Role-playing job interviews with students taking turns as interviewers and interviewees
• Conducting group discussions on job application experiences to encourage peer learning
• Utilizing technology and online resources for interactive learning, such as online quizzes and interactive worksheets

Incorporating real-world examples and scenarios

Sharing success stories of individuals who secured employment, analyzing job application mistakes, and encouraging students to reflect on their own job application experiences can make the lesson plan more relatable and practical. Some strategies for incorporating real-world examples and scenarios include:

• Sharing success stories of individuals who secured employment to inspire students
• Analyzing job application mistakes and discussing ways to avoid them
• Encouraging students to reflect on their own job application experiences through journaling or group discussions

Collaborating with other professionals and resources

Engaging with career counselors and professionals from various industries, inviting guest speakers to share their expertise on job application skills, and utilizing online platforms and educational websites can provide additional support and resources for students. Some strategies for collaboration include:

• Engaging with career counselors and professionals from various industries to provide insights and guidance
• Inviting guest speakers to share their expertise on job application skills and provide real-world perspectives
• Utilizing online platforms and educational websites for additional resources, such as online courses and tutorials

Assessing and Monitoring Student Progress

Assessing and monitoring student progress is essential to ensure that the job application lesson plan is effective. Some strategies for assessing and monitoring student progress include:

Implementing formative assessments throughout the lesson plan

Quizzes and worksheets can be used to evaluate students’ understanding of job application concepts. Peer evaluations and self-reflection exercises can also provide valuable insights into students’ progress. Observations during role-playing activities and mock interviews can help assess students’ communication and interpersonal skills. Some examples of formative assessments include:

• Quizzes and worksheets to evaluate understanding of job application concepts
• Peer evaluations and self-reflection exercises to assess students’ progress
• Observations during role-playing activities and mock interviews to assess communication and interpersonal skills

Providing constructive feedback and support

Offering individualized feedback on resumes and cover letters, conducting one-on-one sessions to address specific areas of improvement, and creating a supportive learning environment are crucial for student growth. Some strategies for providing constructive feedback and support include:

• Offering individualized feedback on resumes and cover letters to help students improve their application materials
• Conducting one-on-one sessions to address specific areas of improvement and provide personalized guidance
• Encouraging open communication and creating a supportive learning environment to foster student growth

Teaching job application skills is an important aspect of social emotional learning. By developing a comprehensive job application lesson plan and implementing effective strategies, we can equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the job application process. Encourage your students to explore different job opportunities, set realistic career goals, and enhance their communication and interpersonal skills. Start your EverydaySpeech Free trial today and start preparing your students for future success!

Remember, the job application process can be challenging, but with the right guidance and support, your students can navigate it successfully. Implement these strategies in your job application lesson plan and watch your students thrive!

Share your experiences and insights in the comments below. Let’s support each other in teaching job application skills and fostering social emotional learning!

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