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Topic: Cover Letter Vocabulary 1



This is an exercise to help you learn & practice some of the standard words, terms, and expressions used in a cover letter. Hopefully it will help you get the job that you always wanted.

Choose the correct response for each of the sentences.


1. I'm writing ____________________ your advertisement in the Los Angeles Times.
  in response to
  to respond at
  in respond to

2. I'm writing to ____________________ the possibility of employment with your company.
  inquire about
  inquest about
  question

3. I have a ____________________ deal ( = a lot) of experience in (sales, web development, making folk-art, etc.)
  big
  large
  great

4. I'm a ____________________ motivated self-starter.
  high
  highly
  height

5. I have been ____________________ ( = formally or informally commended) for my ability to manage others.
  noticed
  notified
  recognized

6. I would very much like to meet with you ____________________ to discuss this position.
  in person
  personal
  for a chat

7. I would very much like to meet with you to discuss this position ____________________.
  in detail
  in details
  details

8. I will call you on Tuesday to arrange a ____________________ meeting.
  eye-to-eye
  nose-to-nose
  face-to-face

9. My main area of ____________________ is ( = what I know/do best is) ...
  expert
  expertise
  experienced

10. As the ____________________ CV/resume illustrates ( = shows) ...
  closed
  enclosed
  encapsulated


CHECK ANSWERS
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TOP TIP! Cover letters (employment)

Here are five tips to write the perfect cover letter:

Customize the letter for each job
Why it matters: Employers can easily tell when a cover letter is generic. Referring to the specific role and company shows genuine interest and effort.
What to do:
• Mention the job title
• Refer to the company by name
• Connect your skills to the job description
Example:
I am writing to apply for the Project Coordinator position at GreenTech Solutions, as advertised on your website.

Start with a clear and confident introduction
Why it matters: The first paragraph creates the employer's first impression. It should clearly explain who you are and why you are writing.
What to do:
• State your current role or background
• Mention how you found the position
• Show enthusiasm, but stay professional
Example:
With five years of experience in administrative support, I am excited to apply for this opportunity.

Highlight relevant skills with specific examples
Why it matters: Employers want proof, not just adjectives. Concrete examples make your skills believable and memorable.
What to do:
• Choose 2-3 key skills
• Explain how you used them
• Focus on results or achievements
Example:
In my previous role, I improved customer response time by 20% by reorganizing the support workflow.

Use clear, professional language (avoid overly complex sentences)
Why it matters: Clear English is more effective than complicated grammar. Accuracy and clarity are more important than sounding “advanced.”
What to do:
• Keep sentences concise
• Avoid slang and informal expressions
• Use professional verbs (manage, coordinate, develop)
Less effective:
I think I would be very good at this job and stuff like that.
Improved:
I believe my skills and experience make me well suited for this role.

End with a polite and confident closing
Why it matters: A strong ending leaves a positive final impression and invites further contact.
What to do:
• Express interest in an interview
• Thank the reader
• Use a formal closing phrase
Example:
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications in more detail.


MATERIALS TO HELP YOU LEARN (AND TEACH!):
BUSINESS ENGLISH GLOSSARY
BUSINESS ENGLISH WORKSHEET COLLECTION

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