🟩Example Application Letter
Read the example below. Notice the structure, formal tone, and useful phrases.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I read in the local newspaper that you are currently seeking staff to work at your campsite during the summer, and I am interested in applying.
I am currently a student at Ravenscroft High School and I am keen to gain some work experience. I am available for work from July 3rd until September 4th. I am happy to work at any time of day from early in the morning until late at night. I am polite and friendly, so I would be happy to serve customers.
I’m also physically fit, so I would willingly do manual labour such as keeping the campsite clean and tidy. My work experience includes volunteering with the junior football club and helping neighbours with gardening tasks. I am good at general repair work and working with computers.
I would be happy to meet you for an interview at your convenience. I attach my curriculum vitae.
Thank you for your attention,
Yours faithfully,
Craig Daniels
🟩Structure of a Formal Letter
- Greeting: Start with Dear Sir/Madam,
- Opening: Say which job you’re applying for and where you saw the advert.
- Body: Describe your background, availability, skills, and relevant experience.
- Closing: Say you’d like an interview and thank the reader.
- Sign-off: End with Yours faithfully, (when you don’t know the name).
🟩Useful Phrases for a Letter of Application
Stating the job:
- I read in the newspaper/on your website that you are currently seeking…
- I would like to apply for the role of…
- I am interested in applying for this position.
Describing yourself:
- I am a student at…
- I am available from… to…
- I am polite, friendly, and physically fit.
- I am keen to gain work experience.
Talking about what you’d do:
- I would be happy to serve customers.
- I would willingly do manual labour such as…
- I would be happy to meet you for an interview.
Closing phrases:
- I attach my curriculum vitae.
- Thank you for your attention / consideration.
- Yours faithfully,
🟩“I am” vs “I would be”
Use “I am” to describe your current situation or qualities:
- I am a student.
- I am available in July.
- I am good at working with computers.
Use “I would be” to describe what you’d do if you got the job (hypothetical/future willingness):
- I would be happy to help customers.
- I would willingly clean the campsite.
- I would be glad to attend an interview.
🟩Gerunds (–ing verbs as nouns)
After certain verbs and adjectives, we use the –ing form (gerund):
- I am interested in applying for the job.
- I am good at working with computers.
- My experience includes volunteering and helping.
- I would be willing to do tasks such as gardening and cleaning.
🟩Useful Verb + Preposition Combinations
- apply for a job
- look for / seek staff
- serve / help customers
- volunteer with a team / charity
- be good at problem-solving
- be keen to gain experience
- attach / enclose my CV
- do manual labour
🟩Useful Adjectives & Sentence Patterns
Interested in + noun/–ing:
- I am interested in this role.
- I am interested in applying for the job.
Good at + noun/–ing:
- I am good at general repair work.
- I am good at working with people.
Willing + to-infinitive:
- I am willing to work early mornings.
Keen + to-infinitive:
- I am keen to gain experience in tourism.
🟩Remember!
Keep your letter clear, polite, and formal. Include: the job you’re applying for, your availability, your skills, and relevant experience. Always proofread before sending!