Letters of application

• Use formal language.
• Use appropriate opening and closing.
• Make sure you divide your letter into paragraphs.
• Use different structures to describe your experience, qualities and what you would like about the job.
• Remember to include reasons why the company should employ you.

Useful language

Openings:

• Dear Sir or Madam,
• Dear Mr Austin,
• Dear Mrs Smith, etc.

Give a reason for writing:

• I am writing in response to…
• I am writing in connection with…

Talking about your skills and experience:

• I am an experienced…
• I have worked for many years with…
• I have reached the X level of…
• I have passed…

Talking about your qualities:

• I am hard-working and sensible…
• I am outgoing and sociable…
• I like working with people…
• I am calm and efficient…

Talking about what you would bring to or get out of the job:

• I would like the opportunity to…
• I would be delighted to…
• I would be able to improve my…
• I would very much enjoy…

Closing:

• I look forward to hearing from you.
• I would be grateful if you would consider me…
• Yours faithfully,
• Yours sincerely,

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing in response to your advertisement for a person to work in your summer sports camp for children.

I would be very interested in this job as I am very keen on sports. I play hockey in my school team and I also do cross-country running. I have played sports for many years and have sometimes helped younger children in my school.

In addition, I enjoy working with younger children, I have younger brothers and sisters and often babysit when my parents are out. I like playing games with them and teaching them new things. I also speak quite good English and would like the opportunity to practice this more.

As well as having these skills, I think I am the ideal person for you as I am outgoing and sociable and would enjoy working with people and children from different countries. It will help me improve my skills and would enable me to be independent and confident.

I hope you will consider me for this position.

Yours faithfully,

Sandra Maddox