Applying for a Job: the Cover Letter

Objective: The overarching learning objective of this worksheet is to help pupils read and understand job advertisements in English. In addition, it aims to strengthen their ability to extract specific information and to guide them towards structured self-reflection regarding their own professional qualifications and suitability for the role.

Content and methods: The worksheet deals with authentic-looking English-language job advertisements, including the respective requirements, responsibilities and expected experience. Methodologically, reading comprehension is first assessed through multiple-choice questions designed to test the ability to extract specific information and understand details. This is followed by a structured writing and reflection task in which pupils are asked to evaluate their own suitability for the entry-level position based on the four categories: company, skills, responsibilities and requirements.

Skills:

• Reading comprehension
• Extracting specific information from job advertisements
• Analytical thinking (comparing job requirement profiles)
• Self-reflection and self-assessment (evaluating one’s own suitability for a job profile)
• Career guidance

Target group and level: High School

Objective: The overarching learning objective of this worksheet is to teach pupils the structural layout and content requirements of an English-language CV (resume) and to prepare them for the job application process in a practical way.

Content and methods: The worksheet covers the essential components of a CV and provides tips for a successful job application. Methodologically, the first step involves pupils arranging the sections of a sample CV in the correct logical order. They then complete an English fill-in-the-blank text that focuses on important advice for CV writing (such as tailoring it to the role or using keywords). Finally, they draft their own CV, filling in specified categories such as career objectives, work experience, skills and a summary.

Competencies:

• Knowledge of the structural layout and vocabulary of an English CV.
• Reading comprehension and logical reasoning through organising text sections and completing a fill-in-the-blank exercise.
• Writing skills through independently drafting and structuring personal application information.
• Ability to reflect on one’s own career aspirations, personal goals and relevant skills.

Target group and level: High School

Objective: This worksheet aims to prepare students for the professional job interview process, enabling them to understand the structure of an interview, learn effective preparation strategies, and formulate professional responses.

Content and methods: The worksheet introduces job interview dynamics through an authentic model dialogue with an integrated listening comprehension option. Students complete multiple-choice questions to assess their understanding of key dialogue details. They then engage with interview preparation strategies using a contextual fill-in-the-blank text, followed by open-ended application tasks covering question formulation, professional behavior, and follow-up communication.

Competencies:

• Listening and reading comprehension
• Career readiness and interview preparation skills
• Professional communication and vocabulary acquisition
• Critical reflection and practical application

Target group: High School

Objective: This worksheet aims to guide students through career exploration, helping them understand professional job profiles and evaluate essential requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities for specific careers.

Content and methods: The worksheet introduces a specific profession through an informative profile text detailing tasks, skills, salary, and educational pathways. It provides a worked example organizing key job details into clear informational categories. Students then utilize a structured graphic organizer to conduct independent career research and record essential facts about a profession of their choice.

Competencies:

• Career exploration and research skills
• Reading comprehension and information extraction
• Note-taking and information organization
• Critical thinking and career reflection

Target group: High School

This worksheet aims to teach students about the historical evolution of professions, encouraging them to understand how technological advancements render certain jobs obsolete while creating new ones.

Content and methods: The worksheet explores the overarching topic of historical and future professions. It begins with multiple-choice questions to test factual knowledge of obsolete jobs. Next, a fill-in-the-blank exercise with a provided word bank reinforces vocabulary related to technological changes in agriculture. Finally, an open-ended creative writing prompt challenges students to invent a future profession based on technological progress.

Competencies:

• Reading comprehension and vocabulary application
• Historical awareness of technological impacts on the workforce
• Creative thinking and independent writing

Target group: Middle school students