Letter of application – Model B2 First (FCE)

1. Structure

Salutation
Dear …….

The Introductory Paragraph

Begin your letter by telling the reader where you saw the advertisement:

The next paragraphs (the body)

List your experience, qualifications and abilities.

Closing paragraph
Conclude your letter and sign off with: Yours faithfully

2. The Introductory Paragraph

Begin by stating the job for which you are applying. Briefly mention how your
skills and experience match the company and/or position; this will give the
employer a preview of the rest of your letter.

I am writing to apply for the post of Fashion Shop Manager advertised in the
‘News Shopper’ of 14 February 2002.

3. The next paragraphs (the body)

In the following paragraphs, explain why you are interested in the job and why you
make an excellent candidate for the position. Mention specific qualifications listed
in the job posting and explain how you meet those qualifications.

Please see the example structure below:

(2nd paragraph) You might go and list your experience and relevant
qualifications:
(briefly introduce yourself first) I am an ambitious and creative 25-year-old who
have worked in the retail industry for a total of ten years, first as a sales assistant
in a department store and for the last three years as a Section Head and Deputy
Manager at Jones the Bootmaker.

(3rd paragraph) You might then go on to mention the particular abilities and
skills that you have:

I believe I have all the skills, knowledge and expertise that you are looking for. I
have lots of retail initiative, can schedule and prioritise tasks and can work to strict
deadlines. I also work particularly well with people and would enjoy leading the
team and working with clients and customers.

(4th paragraph) Say why you are particularly interested in this job:

I am applying for this position as I am looking to progress from junior to senior

management. I have always been interested in the latest fashion trends and
developments and I believe your organisation is a well-run quality fashion
business. I would very much like to work for your company.

4. Closing paragraph

Conclude your letter of application by thanking the employer for considering you
for the position and stating that you would like to interview.

You might close the letter with the following formula.

I look forward to hearing from you and hope that you will be able to invite me for
an interview.

Yours faithfully
XYZ

“Yours sincerely” or “Yours faithfully”?

“Yours sincerely” is typically employed in English when the recipient is

addressed by name (e.g. “Dear John”) and is known to the sender to some degree,
whereas “Yours faithfully” is used when the recipient is not addressed by name
(i.e., the recipient is addressed by a phrase such as “Dear Sir/Madam”)
 5. Example

Letter of Application subject:

You have read the following information from a British university, and have decided to
apply for a course:

The university welcomes applications to all its courses from overseas students. Please
write to the Admissions Officer giving details of the course you wish to apply for and
why. Your letter should include an outline of your qualifications and any other relevant
information.

Student’s Letter of Application Answer:

Dear Sir or Madam

I am writing to apply for your two-year degree in teaching English at the university level.
At present, I am a teacher of English and of Computer Science in the primary school
here, in Lutynia.

I am keen to improve my English as this is not only my hobby but also a strong need. I
should add that I am already half-way towards achieving my goal. Ten years ago I was a
university teacher of Computer Science. Up to now, I have specialized in both subjects. I
graduated from Technical University of Wroclaw, Department of Foreign Languages and
the Academy of Economics, Department of Computer Science with Master’s Degree.

I have a great deal of work experience that demonstrates my ability in languages. I have
undertaken a number of translation projects for doctors, scientists, computer
programmers and travel guides. I estimate that my English is at an advanced level and at
present, I am preparing for the CAE exam.

I am particularly interested in completing my degree at your university as it is famous all

over the world. If you wish M.J.-Forbes can give you a reference.

I hope you will give my application serious consideration and I look forward to hearing
from you.

Yours faithfully
(your name)