How To Write A Job Application Letter - IELTS Writing Task 1
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )
IELTS Writing Task 1 is to check your writing skill and how good you communicate in English. The task is different if you do Academic or General Training IELTS.
- Academic IELTS Writing Task 1: This writing show main features, make comparisons, tell trends or changes. Questions types comprises of graphs, charts, tables, maps or process diagrams. You need to write short report (min 150 words).
- General Training IELTS Writing Task 1: You write letter for real life situations. Letter can be formal, semi-formal, or informal. You can ask for information, make complaint, explain something, give help, apply for job, or other things.
This practice help you improve writing skills and be ready for IELTS exam.
Overview of General Training Writing Task 1
In IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, you write a letter for normal daily life situation. You need finish it in 20 minutes and write at least 150 words. This task check how good you communicate in English writing. It also look at your tone and style; it can be formal, semi-formal, or informal depending the situation. The task also check if your ideas organised good and your grammar, spelling, and vocabulary are correct.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Task Type | Letter writing based on a given everyday situation |
| Word Limit | Minimum 150 words |
| Recommended Time | Around 20 minutes |
| Purpose of the Task | To assess the candidate's ability to:
|
Types of Letter in IELTS Writing Task 1
| Type of Letter | Tone | Common Recipients | Typical Situations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal | Polite and professional | People you don’t know personally | Job applications, complaints to a company, official requests |
| Semi-formal | Polite but slightly personal | People you know but not very well | Letters to a landlord, teacher, colleague |
| Informal | Casual and friendly | Friends or family members | Invitations, personal updates, thanking a friend |
IELTS Writing Task 1 & 2 Sample Questions
5-Step Plan for Writing a Letter in IELTS
Step 1: Understand the Task
-Read the prompt carefully.
-Identify the type of letter (formal, semi-formal, or informal).
-Note the three bullet points you must cover.
Step 2: Plan Your Content
-Decide what you will write for each bullet point.
-Think about tone, relevant details, and examples.
-Organise your ideas into 3–4 short paragraphs.
Step 3: Write the Letter
Follow a clear structure:
-Greeting (e.g., Dear Sir/Madam, Dear John)
-Introduction (state purpose)
-Main Body (address all 3 bullet points)
-Closing (summary and request/final thoughts)
-Sign-off (e.g., Yours faithfully, Best regards)
Step 4: Use the Right Tone and Language
-Use formal language for professional letters.
-Use friendly but polite language for informal letters.
-Use linking words and varied sentence structures.
Step 5: Review and Edit
-Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
-Ensure you've covered all 3 bullet points.
-Make sure your letter is at least 150 words.
How to write a job application letter IELTS Task 1
1. Greeting and Introduction
Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and mention where you saw the job advertisement.
Example: I am writing to apply for the position of Administrative Assistant, which was advertised in the local newspaper on 5th May.
This is the opening of your letter.
Greeting: Use a formal salutation like Dear Sir/Madam if you don’t know the name of the person, or Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name] if you do.
2. Purpose of the Letter
State clearly why you are writing. Mention the role you're applying for and express interest in the job.
Example: I would like to express my interest in applying for the role, as I believe my background and skills match the requirements.
3. Highlighting Relevant Experience and Skills
This is the main body of the letter.
Talk about your previous work experience, qualifications, and skills relevant to the job.
Give specific examples to support your claims.
Example: I have three years of experience working in a fast-paced office environment, where I developed strong organizational and communication skills.
4. Requesting Further Action
Politely express your desire for the next steps.
You can mention that you are available for an interview and can provide further information if needed.
Example: I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my application in more detail, and I am available for an interview at your convenience.
5. Closing Statement and Sign-off
End the letter formally and politely. Thank the reader for their time and consideration.
Use a formal closing such as Yours faithfully (if you used Dear Sir/Madam) or Yours sincerely (if you used the person’s name).
Example:
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to your response.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
Sample Response for the topic: How to write a job application letter
You are looking for a part-time job at a local company. Write a letter to the manager of the company. In your letter:
- Introduce yourself
- Explain what kind of job you are looking for
- Say why you are suitable for the job
Write at least 150 words. You do not need to include your address.
Sample Response 1 - 7 Band Score
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my interest in a part-time position at your company. I am currently a university student studying business administration, and I am looking for an opportunity to gain practical experience while continuing my studies.
I would prefer a role in customer service or administrative support, as I enjoy interacting with people and have strong organisational skills. A flexible schedule would be ideal, allowing me to balance both work and academic responsibilities.
I believe I would be a valuable addition to your team. I have previous experience working in a retail store, where I developed excellent communication and problem-solving skills. In addition, I am proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable handling tasks such as data entry, scheduling, and responding to customer inquiries.
Thank you for considering my application. I am available for an interview at your convenience and look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Priya Sharma
Overall Band: 7
The letter is well-organised, appropriately formal, and addresses all aspects of the prompt effectively. It demonstrates a good range of vocabulary and grammar, with only minor errors. This letter is likely to receive a band 7, which is a good score, demonstrating the ability to write a clear, relevant, and structured letter.
Sample Response 2 - 9 Band Score
Dear Mr. Anderson,
I am writing to apply for the part-time position of Customer Service Assistant that was recently advertised on your company’s website. I am currently pursuing a degree in Marketing at the University of [City Name] and am keen to gain practical experience in customer relations alongside my studies.
I am particularly interested in a role where I can interact directly with customers, assist with inquiries, and contribute to creating a positive experience for your clients. I believe this job would be an excellent fit for my skills and career aspirations. My previous experience working in a retail environment has equipped me with strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a friendly, professional demeanour. Additionally, I am highly organised, proficient in Microsoft Office, and capable of handling customer complaints with tact and efficiency.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application further. Please feel free to contact me at [phone number] or via email at [email address]. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Emma Thompson
Overall Band: 9
This letter exemplifies a highly polished, professional response. It is clear, precise, and well-structured, with sophisticated vocabulary and grammar. It meets all the requirements of the task with excellence and would likely score a Band 9.
Vocabulary tips for General Training Writing Task 1
1. Opening Lines
Formal: I am writing to inform you that… / I am writing in connection with…
Informal: Hope you're doing well! / Just wanted to let you know…
2. Purpose
Request Info: Could you please provide…
Complaint: I am not satisfied with…
Apologise: I sincerely apologise for…
Thank: Thank you for your help with…
3. Making Requests/Suggestions
Formal: I would be grateful if you could…
Informal: How about we… / Can you…
4. Closing Lines
Formal: I look forward to your response.
Informal: Talk soon! / Let’s catch up soon!
5. Sign-offs
Formal: Yours sincerely / Yours faithfully
Informal: Best wishes / Take care
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Letter Writing Task 1
1. Not answer all points
Mistake: You miss some bullet points.
Fix: Make sure your letter talks all bullet points. Use separate paragraph for each point.
2. Wrong tone or style
Mistake: You write informal when it need formal, or other way.
Fix: Pick right tone (formal, semi-formal, or informal) for person you write. Keep tone same all letter.
4. Mistakes in Grammar and spellings
Mistake: Wrong grammar or wrong spelling.
Fix: Check letter carefully. Watch tenses, subject-verb agreement, spelling.
5. Wrong sign-off
Mistake: Wrong closing like “Yours truly” instead “Yours sincerely”.
Fix: Use right sign-off for tone:
Formal: “Yours sincerely” (know name) or “Yours faithfully” (don’t know name)
Practice Prompts for Task 1 Letter Writing
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
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