General Training Task 1 letter

IELTS General Training Letter: Applying for a job

Question type: General Training Task 1: formal letter

The question

You have seen an advertisement for a part-time job in a local bookshop.

Write a letter to the manager. In your letter: - say which job you are applying for and where you saw it advertised - describe your relevant experience and skills - explain when you are available to work

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

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How to approach it

You do not know the manager's name, so begin 'Dear Sir or Madam,' and end 'Yours faithfully,'.
Give one paragraph to each bullet point, in the same order as the question.
Keep the tone formal: no contractions, and full phrases such as 'I am writing to apply for'.

Sample letter

203 words (minimum 150). Written to show the features of a Band 8-level answer.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to apply for the position of part-time sales assistant, which I saw advertised in the window of your shop on King Street last week.

I am currently in the second year of a degree in English literature, so I have a strong interest in books and read widely, from modern fiction to history. I also have relevant experience. For the past eighteen months I have worked on Saturdays at a busy stationery shop, where my duties include serving customers, operating the till and ordering stock. This has taught me to stay calm when the shop is crowded and to deal politely with complaints. In addition, I am comfortable using computer systems and would be able to learn your stock database quickly.

As for my availability, I have no lectures on Wednesday or Friday afternoons, and I am free all day on Sundays. I could also work extra hours during the university holidays, including the weeks before Christmas, when I imagine you are at your busiest.

I have enclosed my CV and would be glad to attend an interview at any time that suits you. I can be contacted by phone or email, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Amira Haddad

Useful language from this answer

I am writing to apply for…: opening a job application
my duties include…: describing what you do in a job
in addition, …: adding another skill
as for my availability, …: moving to the next bullet point
I look forward to hearing from you: closing a formal letter

Common mistakes with this question

Ending with 'Yours sincerely' after 'Dear Sir or Madam'. Use 'Yours faithfully' when you do not know the name.
Using informal language such as 'I'd love the job' or 'Thanks a lot'.
Forgetting a bullet point, usually availability. Every point must be covered to score well on Task Achievement.

Now write your own answer

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This model answer was written by TestWise Prep to show the features of a high-scoring answer. It is not official IELTS material. Use it for ideas and language, not to memorise.