An interesting variation of the character reference that we discussed in Writing Workshop 20 is the letter of application. This time the topic of our letter is ourselves.
We may need to write a letter of application for several reasons: We want to get a job, a grant, a place at a university.
This is a standard task we can find in a typical letter of application:
Stewards required to work at Festival UK, a well known world music festival event in the west of England from August 3rd to 7th.
ResponsibilitiesTo ensure the safety and comfort of the public and to assist in the running of a successful festival.
To reduce any crowd-related problems.
To prevent unauthorized access to the site by members of the public.
RequirementsYou must be aged 18 or over on the date of the festival and be eligible to work in the UK.
You must be fit and healthy and able to work in a demanding atmosphere.
You should have a high level of English, and some experience of dealing with the public.
How to applyEmail your CV to Emma Richards (E.Richards@festivalmail.co.uk).
As you may well imagine, a letter of application is a formal letter, so we will have to make use of the conventions that we learnt in the Writing Workshop 18.
On top of that, the typical layout of this kind of letter will consist of the following parts:
• Paragraph 1: why you are writing and where you read about the job: I’m writing to apply for the post of
• Paragraph 2: give relevant personal information.
• Paragraph 3: talk about relevant experience and qualifications you have.
• Paragraph 4: explain why you think you would be suitable for the job.
Other details you should bear in mind are:
• Never start the letter introducing yourself. Use the formula you have read above: I’m writing to apply for the post of…
• When you say why you think you are suitable for the job, don't ‘over-sell’ yourself. Be factual and positive, but not arrogant.
Now you can try your hand with a letter of application. Here’s another task. Write a letter/email in about 180 words.
Do you want to work for us?
Are you the right person for the job?
We are looking for fun, energetic, experienced people of any age to work as camp monitors at our day and residential summer camps in July and / or August. Children are aged between 7 and 15, and take part in a wide range of sports and activities from swimming and water sports to survival skills and cooking.
Do you enjoy working with children?
Are you good at working in a team?
Do you have any relevant experience or qualifications?
Do you speak English either as a first language or fluently?
You can earn between £200 and £300 per week (food and accommodation provided).
Minimum contract: one month.
Interested? Send an email, brief CV, and photo to Richard Cunningham at summercamp@bt.com
Remember you can read samples of application letters on Flo-Joe and Microsoft.
