I wonder whether it would be possible to… · I would appreciate it if…
Inverted condition
Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Selling yourself
I believe my experience in… makes me a strong candidate. · I have considerable experience of…
Complaining
I wish to draw your attention to… · I trust the matter will be resolved promptly.
Model
An application — find each part
A letter — 246 words
Dear Ms Patel,
I am writing in response to your advertisement for summer volunteers at the Riverside Nature Centre, which I saw on your website last week. I would like to apply for a position as a guide for young visitors.
I am currently in my final year at secondary school, where I am studying biology and geography. Over the past two years, I have been an active member of our school's environmental club, organising litter collections and helping to create a small wildlife garden. I believe this experience has given me both a solid knowledge of local plants and animals and the ability to explain them clearly to others.
In addition, I have considerable experience of working with children. For the last three summers, I have helped run a sports camp for eight- to twelve-year-olds, which has taught me patience, responsibility and the importance of keeping activities varied and fun. I am also a confident communicator in both English and French, which may be useful given the number of international visitors the centre receives.
I would be grateful if you could let me know whether any training is provided before the season begins, as I am keen to prepare as thoroughly as possible. I am available from the beginning of July until the end of August and would be happy to attend an interview at your convenience.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Laura Gómez
Common mistakes
Where candidates lose marks
Dear Sir or Madam … Yours sincerely
→
Dear Sir or Madam … Yours faithfully
faithfully when the name is unknown
I'm writing because I want the job.
→
I am writing to apply for the position of…
formal, no contractions
Can you tell me about the training?
→
I would be grateful if you could let me know whether…
indirect, polite request
One long paragraph
→
One paragraph per point
organisation is marked
Your turn
Say it first, then write it
Plan a letter out loud, then write it.
1
You want to volunteer at a music festival. Who do you write to?