Writing: B2 Lesson 14: Writing a Professional Email & Cover Letter

Writing: Specific Text Types

B2 Lesson 14: Writing a Professional Email & Cover Letter

Listen to key phrases for professional writing.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to write a clear, concise, and professional email and a persuasive cover letter using the correct tone, structure, and formal language.

Before You Start: Key Concepts 🧠

In B2 writing, these concepts are essential for sounding professional.

Register

| កម្រិតភាសា

The style of language, (e.g., formal for a job, informal for a friend).

Concise

| សង្ខେប

Giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words; brief but comprehensive.

Align with

| ស្រប​ពេល​ជា​មួយ

To be in or come into a correct relationship; to match. (e.g., "My skills align with your needs.")

Call to Action

| ការអំពាវនាវឱ្យធ្វើសកម្មភាព

The specific action you want the reader to take next (e.g., "I look forward to hearing from you.")

The Anatomy of a Professional Email

A professional email is clear, polite, and gets to the point quickly. Your first impression is the subject line.

Subject Lines: Weak vs. Strong

WEAK 😴

Subject: Job
Subject: Question
Subject: (no subject)

STRONG 👍

Subject: Application for Marketing Manager (Job #1234)
Subject: Question Regarding Invoice #9021
Subject: Request for Meeting - Project Alpha Update

Email Body: Weak vs. Strong

WEAK EMAIL 👎

Hi,

I saw your job ad. I want to apply. I'm good at computers and I worked at a place for 2 years. I think I can do it. Pls call me.

Thx,

Chea

STRONG EMAIL (Cover Letter) 👍

Subject: Application for IT Support Specialist (Job #1234)

To: hiring.manager@company.com
From: chea.vorn@email.com

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the IT Support Specialist position advertised on your website.

My two years of experience as a Junior IT Technician at ABC Company align directly with the skills you are seeking. I am proficient in network troubleshooting, hardware maintenance, and providing excellent user support.

I have long admired [Company Name]'s innovative approach to technology, and I am confident my technical skills and passion for problem-solving would make me a valuable asset to your team.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I have attached my resume for your review and look forward to the possibility of discussing this opportunity further.

Sincerely,
Chea Vorn
+855 12 345 678

Cover Letter Structure: The 4-Paragraph Model

A cover letter is your most important professional email. It follows a clear 4-part structure.

1. The Introduction (Why?)

State the job you are applying for and where you saw the advertisement.

• I am writing to apply for the position of...
• ...as advertised on [Website/Platform].

2. The "Why Me?" (Your Value)

This is the most important part. Show how your skills and experience match the job description.

• My [X] years of experience in...
• My skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] align perfectly with your requirements.
• In my previous role, I successfully...

3. The "Why You?" (Your Interest)

Show you researched the company. Why do you want to work for *them*?

• I have long admired [Company Name]'s...
• I am particularly impressed by your work in...

4. The Conclusion (Call to Action)

End politely and confidently. State your availability and that you want an interview.

• Thank you for your time and consideration.
• I have attached my resume for your review.
• I look forward to hearing from you.

Practice What You Learned 🎯

Quiz: Choose the Most Professional Phrasing

In professional writing, we choose more formal language. Select the best option for each situation.

1. How should you start an email if you don't know the person's name?

• A) Hey guys,
• B) Hi!
• C) Dear Hiring Manager,

2. Which phrase is strongest for showing your skills?

• A) I am proficient in all Microsoft Office applications.
• B) I am pretty good at Microsoft Office.
• C) I can use Word and Excel sometimes.

3. What is the most professional "Call to Action"?

• A) Call me soon, thanks.
• B) I look forward to the possibility of discussing this opportunity further.
• C) I want an interview, so please let me know.

Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)

• Register | កម្រិតភាសា
  The style of language (formal or informal) used in a situation.
• Concise | សង្ខេប
  Short, clear, and to the point.
• Proficient (in) | ជំនាញ
  Very skilled and experienced at something. (Stronger than "good at").
• To Align (with) | ស្រប​ពេល​ជា​មួយ
  To match or be in the correct relationship. (e.g., "My skills align with the job.")
• Call to Action | ការអំពាវនាវឱ្យធ្វើសកម្មភាព
  The next step you want the reader to take.
• Sincerely / Yours faithfully | ដោយស្មោះ / ដោយស្មោះត្រង់
  Formal ways to end a letter. Use Sincerely if you know their name (Dear Mr. Dara). Use Yours faithfully if you don't (Dear Sir/Madam).

Your Writing Mission ⭐

Write a Real Cover Letter

Your mission is to find a real job advertisement online (on BongThom.com, LinkedIn, etc.) that you are interested in.

1. Read the job description carefully.
2. Open a new document (or email).
3. Write a 3-paragraph cover letter (Intro, Why Me/Why You, Conclusion) for that job.
4. Use at least three new phrases from the "Language Toolkit" or "Vocabulary" sections.

Goal: Create a professional, persuasive email that makes them want to interview you!