Chapitre 11 - Recruitment & The Workplace
CV, lettre de motivation et entretien d'embauche - se présenter avec assurance en anglais professionnel.
Reading Comprehension
Based on the Indeed article from Découvrir. Answer in English.
How to Write a Cover Letter in 5 Steps
Many recruitment managers still rely on cover letters to gauge an applicant's personality, attention to detail and written communication skills. Tailoring your cover letter to address the specific requirements of the job position can leave a stronger impression than generic statements about your abilities.
1. Customise your header. If you're applying online, there's often no need to repeat your address - just make sure your contact details are clear.
2. Use an appropriate greeting. If you know the recruitment manager's name, address them directly. If not, "Dear Recruitment Manager" works well - avoid anything too formal or too casual.
3. Avoid generic references to your abilities. Too vague: "My skills would be a great fit." More specific: "I led the development of an internal recycling initiative that contributed to a 25% reduction in solid waste production."
4. Keep it short and to the point. Choose one or two achievements and match them directly to what the recruitment manager is looking for.
5. Always proofread before you submit. Reading the letter aloud can help you pick out awkward phrasing or too-long sentences.
Source : uk.indeed.com - Career Guide, Nov 2025 · Level: B1/B2
1 According to the article, what makes a cover letter more convincing?
2 True or False - then justify in one sentence.
"According to the article, you should always use the most formal greeting possible, such as 'To Whom It May Concern', in every cover letter."
3 What is the difference between a "too vague" and a "more specific" statement, according to the article? (2-3 sentences)
4 Why does the article recommend proofreading a cover letter aloud?
5 In your own words, explain why "tailoring" a cover letter matters more than writing a generic one.
Grammar Spotlight - Relative Clauses
Observe → Comprends → Applique.
Observe
These sentences come from real cover letter examples and job-related texts. What do the underlined-style words add?
The Rule
| Pronoun | Used for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| who | people | a manager who gives clear feedback |
| which | things | a campaign which increased sales |
| that | people or things (informal) | a project that I led last year |
| whose | possession | a candidate whose CV stood out |
Omission: when the relative pronoun is the object of the clause, it can be dropped.
But it cannot be dropped when the pronoun is the subject: "a campaign that led to…" (not "a campaign led to…").
Exercice A - Combine the sentences
Combine: "I worked with a manager." + "She gave me a lot of responsibility."
Combine: "I led a project." + "It increased sales by 15%."
Combine: "This is the recommendation letter." + "My manager wrote it."
Exercice B - Gap-fill
Netflix looks for candidates _______ share its core values, such as candour and curiosity.
This is the recruitment manager _______ CV impressed the whole panel.
Lexis in Action
Match, classify, and use the key vocabulary from this chapter.
A Matching - Term → Definition
B Gap-fill - Complete the sentences
1. After reviewing 80 applications, the recruitment manager created a __________ of 5 people to interview.
2. Communication and teamwork are examples of __________, as opposed to technical abilities.
3. On my first day, the __________ process included meeting the team and setting up my computer.
4. The strongest __________ for the position had five years of relevant experience.
Guided Writing Task
Mobilise everything you've learnt to write a strong cover letter paragraph.
Imagine you are applying for a job you would like (real or invented). Write 80-100 words in English: one paragraph presenting one specific achievement, using at least one relative clause and avoiding generic statements.
Sentence Starters
Word Bank
Your Writing
Self-evaluation Checklist
I am writing to apply for the position of Visual Merchandising Assistant. In my current role, I am responsible for redesigning window displays, a project that increased in-store foot traffic by 12% last winter. I also worked closely with a small team who shared the same attention to detail and creativity. I believe my track record of turning simple ideas into engaging displays would tailor well to your brand's needs. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application further.