How to write a letter of application

A letter of application may be written when we apply for a permanent/temporary job or educational course.

- A letter of application may be written when we apply for
a permanent/temporary job or educational course
- It is important to include only the information that is relevant,
and to use a suitable style, formal or semi-formal
- The first paragraph mentions the reason for writing. It can also include
the name of the job/course you are applying for and where you saw it
advertised
- The main body paragraphs can include:
- what you are doing now
- what work experience you have
- your academic qualifications
- the personal qualities which make you
suitable for the job or course
- In your final paragraph, you can:
- summarise the points in the main body
- thank the person for considering your
application
- ask the person to consider you for the job/course
- mention the possibility of further communication
- Present tenses are normally used but some past tenses can
be used to describe your past experience. You may also use
future constructions.

Applying for a Job
Introduction
Paragraph 1
- reason for writing
Main Body
Paragraphs 2 - 3 - 4
- qualifications/training - previous experience/ qualities and skills
Conclusion
Final Paragraph - closing remarks
Full name

Useful Language for Letters of Application (for a Job)
Opening Remarks:
- I am writing to apply for the post/job/position of/which I saw advertised in...
- I am writing with regard to your advertisement...
- I am writing in response to your advertisement...
Reference to experience:
- ...for the last/past year I have been working as... since/for
- I have had experience of...
- Two years ago I was employed as...
- I worked as... before...
Closing Remarks:
- I would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience...
- Please contact me regarding any queries you may have...
- I enclose my CV and I would be glad to attend an interview at any time
convenient to you...
- If you wish me to attend an interview, I am available at any time...
- I look forward to hearing from you in due course...

Applying for a Course
Introduction
Paragraph 1
- reason for writing
Main Body
Paragraphs 2 - 3 - 4
- qualifications / reasons for wanting to take the course
Conclusion
Final Paragraph - closing remarks
Full name

Useful Language for Letters of Application (for a Course)
Opening Remarks:
- I would like to apply for admission to the ... beginning
- I would like to be considered for...
Reference to experience:
- I hold a certificate/degree in
- I am due to take examinations in...
- I have taken/passed the ... examination...
- I hold the following qualification...
- I have completed the following courses/degree course
- My degree is in English...
Closing Remarks:
- I would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience...
- I look forward to meeting/hearing from you
- Please contact me regarding any queries you may have
- I enclose further details of my education and qualifications to date...
- I hope that you will consider me for entry
- I look forward to receiving your response in the near future

Letter of application:
Dear Sir / Madam,
I am writing to apply for a place on the History MA course which commences this September at
Winston University.
I am 25 years old and I have completed a History degree at Macbriney University, where I received
first class honours. Prior to this I was a pupil in grammar school, where I obtained 9 GCSEs and
four A levels in History, English, Mathematics and Geography.
Since the completion of my BA I have spent one year working as assistant historian. This work was
extremely enjoyable and I am now anxious to specialise by gaining further qualifications before
embarking on my chosen career in this field.
I enclose details of my education and qualifications in the hope that you will consider me for entry.
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
XYZ