english application letter phrases

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English | Phrases - Application | Motivational Cover Letter

Motivational cover letter - opening, motivational cover letter - reasoning, motivational cover letter - skills, motivational cover letter - closing, social login.

• Career Blog

Writing a Winning Job Application Letter: Tips and Examples

A job application letter, also known as a cover letter, is a formal letter that accompanies your resume and introduces you to a potential employer. The purpose of a job application letter is to highlight your qualifications, experience, and skills that make you the perfect candidate for the job. It also helps employers understand your personality, work ethic, and how you plan to contribute to their organization.

Importance of Customization

One of the key factors that can make or break your job application letter is how well you customize it to the specific job you are applying for. Employers want to see that you have taken the time to research their company and understand what they are looking for in a candidate. Customizing your letter also shows that you are genuinely interested in the job and that you are willing to put in the extra effort to stand out from other applicants.

Brief Overview of Key Sections

While job application letters can vary slightly depending on the job and industry, they typically contain four key sections:

Introduction: This section should include a brief introduction, the job you are applying for, and how you found out about it.

Qualifications: In this section, you should discuss your qualifications and experience that make you a good fit for the job. Be sure to tailor this section to the specific job requirements to show that you have the skills they are looking for.

Skills: Here, you should highlight your relevant skills and how they apply to the job. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your proficiency in each skill.

Closing: The closing paragraph should thank the employer for considering your application and provide contact information for them to reach you.

In this article, we will dive into each of these sections in more detail and provide tips and examples to help you write a winning job application letter.

Understand the Job Requirements

To write a winning job application letter, it is important to thoroughly understand the job requirements. This involves analyzing the job description and understanding the needs of the employer, as well as tailoring your letter to attract the specific employer.

A. Analyzing the Job Description

The job description provides you with valuable information about the position you are applying for. It outlines the required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities of the job. By analyzing the job description, you can determine if the role is a good fit for your experience and qualifications.

When analyzing the job description, it is important to pay attention to key phrases and requirements mentioned. These can give you insight into the priorities of the employer and allow you to tailor your application to meet those priorities.

B. Understanding the Needs of the Employer

To write a winning job application letter, it is also essential to understand the needs of the employer. This means researching the company and the industry to get a better understanding of the company culture, mission, and values. It also means understanding the desired outcome of the position and how you can address the employer’s needs.

One way to convey your understanding of the employer’s needs is to highlight relevant accomplishments in your application letter. By showing how you have successfully addressed similar challenges in the past, you can demonstrate your potential value to the employer.

C. Tailoring the Letter to Attract Specific Employer

Finally, to write a winning job application letter, it is important to tailor your letter to attract the specific employer. This means using language and examples that relate to the specific company and its values. It also means customizing your application letter to the specific job and its requirements.

To tailor your letter, take the time to research the company and its values. This can involve reviewing their website, social media, and other online resources. By addressing the specific needs and values of the employer, you can show that you are invested in the position and the company.

To write a winning job application letter, it is important to understand the job requirements, analyze the job description, understand the needs of the employer, and tailor the letter to attract the specific employer. By doing so, you can craft an application that stands out from the competition and showcases your value as a candidate.

Research the Company and Industry

Before writing your job application letter, it’s important to research the company and industry thoroughly to increase your chances of writing a winning letter. Here are three key areas to focus on:

A. Understanding the Mission, Vision, and Values of the Company

Make sure you take the time to research the company’s mission, vision, and values. This will help you understand the company’s goals and the qualities they look for in employees. You can find this information on the company’s website, social media pages or company annual report.

Incorporate the values and mission statement of the company into your job application letter. This highlights your alignment with the company culture, and how your beliefs and goals match that of the organization’s.

B. Identifying the Company’s Competition

Once you have an understanding of the company, you need to identify the company’s competition. Knowing who the competitors are can help you understand the industry as well as the company’s market share position.

List the company’s competitors in your job application letter and briefly explain how you see the company’s strengths overcoming the competitors’ weaknesses.

C. Industry Trends and How to Address Them

The final area to focus on when researching the company and industry is identifying current industry trends and how these trends may impact the company’s future. Use reputable sources to gather trends and predictions about the industry. This will also show the recruiter that you are not only familiar with their industry, but are engaging in informed discussion and contributing to innovative solutions.

Incorporate industry trends into your job application letter and showcase the ideas and innovations you bring, how leveraging them can enhance the company’s position and how you can contribute to any current and future challenges, for which the potential employer has yet to find a solution.

By researching and incorporating the above areas into your job application letter, you demonstrate a genuine interest in the organization and showcase clear understanding, innovative thought and how your expertise can improve the company’s performance.

Know Your Strengths and Skills

When writing a job application letter, it’s crucial to understand your unique selling proposition, relevant experience, and transferrable skills. This information will help you stand out from the other applicants and potentially land the job of your dreams.

A. Identifying Your Unique Selling Proposition

Your unique selling proposition (USP) is what sets you apart from the other candidates. It could be a specific skill, experience or personality trait that aligns with the company’s values and job requirements. Start by analyzing the job description and researching the company culture to identify what makes you an ideal candidate for the role.

Once you have identified your USP, use it as the main selling point in your job application letter. Highlight your strengths and skills and explain how they align with the job requirements and the company’s values. This will show the hiring manager that you are not just another candidate, but someone who has something valuable to offer.

B. Highlighting Your Relevant Experience and Accomplishments

Your work experience and achievements are essential in demonstrating your abilities and suitability for the job. When crafting your job application letter, focus on highlighting your relevant experience and accomplishments. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you have contributed in previous roles and how those skills could be applied to the new role you are applying for.

Be sure to use metrics whenever possible as numbers are a great way to showcase your achievements. For example, if you were able to increase sales revenue by 20% in your previous role, mention it in your letter. This will give the hiring manager a clear understanding of your capabilities and how they align with the job requirements.

C. Understanding How to Leverage Transferrable Skills

Transferrable skills are those abilities that you have gained from your previous experiences that are not necessarily related to the job you are applying for. They can be valuable in demonstrating your adaptability and ability to learn quickly.

When discussing your transferrable skills in your job application letter, highlight how they could be applied to the new role you are applying for. For example, if you have strong communication skills, explain how you could use that to effectively collaborate with team members and clients.

By understanding and leveraging your unique selling proposition, relevant experience and accomplishments, and transferrable skills, you can write a job application letter that stands out from the crowd. Remember to tailor your letter to the job requirements and company culture to increase your chances of success.

Address Gaps in Your Resume or Experience

When applying for a job, it’s important to consider any gaps in your resume or experience that might be a red flag for hiring managers. Addressing these gaps upfront can demonstrate your accountability and willingness to take ownership of your shortcomings.

A. Taking ownership of failings

If you have gaps in your work history or experience, don’t try to hide or make excuses for them. Instead, take ownership of any failings and show that you’re actively working to improve yourself. This could involve taking courses, pursuing certifications, or volunteering in relevant areas to gain hands-on experience.

B. Finding a workaround for unfilled requirements

Sometimes a job posting requires specific qualifications or experience that you don’t have. In these cases, it’s important to find a workaround that demonstrates your ability to still meet the employer’s needs. This could involve highlighting related experience or transferable skills that could compensate for the missing requirement. Alternatively, it might involve offering to take on additional training or work with a mentor to acquire the missing knowledge.

C. Highlighting transferable skills to counter an irrelevant job background

When applying for a job in a new industry or field, it’s common to have a background that might not seem directly relevant. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’re unqualified for the role. By highlighting transferable skills, such as leadership, problem-solving, or communication, you can demonstrate your ability to adapt to new situations and learn quickly.

Addressing gaps in your resume or experience is an important aspect of writing a winning job application letter. By taking ownership of your failings, finding workarounds for unfilled requirements, and highlighting transferable skills, you can position yourself as a strong candidate and increase your chances of landing the job you want.

Crafting an Attention-grabbing Opening Paragraph

In the competitive job market, first impressions matter. The opening paragraph of your job application letter is your opportunity to make a positive and lasting impression on potential employers. In this section, we’ll explore the importance of crafting an attention-grabbing opening paragraph and provide tips and examples on how to do so.

A. Importance of First Impressions

Studies show that it takes less than 30 seconds for a recruiter or hiring manager to form an initial impression of a job candidate. This means that your opening paragraph is a critical component of your job application letter. Your goal is to capture the employer’s interest and convince them to continue reading.

B. Creative and Engaging Opening Lines

One effective way to capture the employer’s attention is by starting your letter with a creative and engaging opening line. This can be a quote, a personal story, a relevant statistic, or a bold statement. The key is to be authentic and genuine while still standing out from other applicants.

C. Strategies for Catching the Employer’s Attention

Beyond the opening line, there are several strategies you can use to further capture the employer’s attention. These include highlighting relevant skills and experience, demonstrating enthusiasm for the position and company, and connecting your qualifications to the job requirements.

By following these tips and examples, you can craft an attention-grabbing opening paragraph that sets you apart from the competition and piques the employer’s interest.

Highlighting Your Accomplishments

When it comes to writing a winning job application letter, highlighting your accomplishments is crucial. This allows potential employers to see the proven results that you can bring to their organization. Here are a few tips on how to effectively highlight your accomplishments:

A. Demonstrating Achievements in Previous Roles

One of the most effective ways to demonstrate your achievements is by highlighting your accomplishments in your previous roles. This shows that you have a track record of success and can bring that success to your next job. When highlighting your achievements, make sure to focus on results, not just responsibilities. Instead of stating that you managed a team, highlight the specific results that you achieved as a team leader.

For example, instead of saying, “Managed a team of 10 employees,” you could say, “Led a team of 10 employees to achieve a 25% increase in sales within the first quarter.” This shows the impact you had in your previous role and gives potential employers an idea of what you can achieve in their organization.

B. Using Data to Support Accomplishments

Using data to support your accomplishments is a powerful way to illustrate the impact you had in your previous roles. This could include data such as sales figures, customer satisfaction ratings, or employee retention rates. When using data, make sure to include specific numbers and percentages.

For example, instead of saying, “Improved customer satisfaction,” you could say, “Increased customer satisfaction ratings by 15% through implementing a new customer service training program.” This demonstrates the impact you had on the organization and the value you can bring to a potential employer.

C. Highlighting Relevant Certifications and Awards

Another way to highlight your accomplishments is by showcasing any relevant certifications or awards you have received. This shows that you have taken the time to invest in your professional development and have been recognized for your achievements.

When highlighting certifications and awards, make sure to explain why they are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a marketing position, highlighting your Google Analytics certification would be relevant as it demonstrates your analytics skills.

Highlighting your accomplishments is a crucial part of writing a winning job application letter. By demonstrating your achievements in previous roles, using data to support your accomplishments, and highlighting relevant certifications and awards, you can show potential employers the value you can bring to their organization.

Showcasing Your Writing Skills

When it comes to writing a winning job application letter, showcasing your exceptional writing skills is crucial to increase your chances of getting hired. Employers often look for applicants who have a way with words, can express themselves clearly, and can craft compelling content that leaves a lasting impression. Here are several ways to showcase your writing skills:

A. Highlighting experience in writing

One of the most effective ways to showcase your writing skills is to highlight your experience as a writer. This can include previous work experience in writing-related fields such as journalism, marketing, or content creation. If you have a writing degree, mention it. You can also share published articles or blog posts that you have written to demonstrate your skills in action. Highlighting relevant experience shows that you have the skills needed to excel in the role you are applying for.

B. Incorporating keywords

Incorporating keywords relevant to the job posting can also help showcase your writing skills. Employers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes and cover letters for specific keywords related to the position. By including these keywords, you can increase your chances of getting past the initial screening process and showcase your understanding of industry-specific language.

C. Proper grammar, spelling, and tone

Finally, it’s essential to ensure that your writing exhibits proper grammar, spelling, and tone. Errors in these areas can undercut the impact of your application letter and send the wrong message to your potential employer. Take the time to proofread your cover letter and resume carefully, and have someone else review them too. Double-check for proper punctuation, spelling errors, and that your tone fits the professional context.

Showcasing your writing skills is critical when applying for jobs, particularly those that require excellent communication skills. Highlighting relevant experience, incorporating keywords, and ensuring proper grammar, spelling, and tone are strategies that can help set you apart from other applicants and make a lasting impression on potential employers.

Using Power Words and Phrases

When writing a job application letter, it is essential to use powerful words and phrases that can help you stand out from the crowd. Here are some tips to help you select the right words:

A. Selecting Strong Action Words

Action words can help demonstrate your skills and experience effectively. Use verbs that showcase your achievements and contributions to your previous roles. For instance, rather than saying you “assisted” your team, use words such as “led,” “managed,” or “initiated” to emphasize your role in driving projects and initiatives forward.

B. Avoiding Common Clichés and Buzzwords

Although buzzwords and clichés may seem tempting, they could potentially undermine the impact of your letter. Instead of using cookie-cutter phrases like “I am a team player,” try to use specific examples to illustrate your ability to work collaboratively. Also, avoid jargon that may not be familiar to the reader and opt for straightforward language that can be easily understood.

C. Crafting Impactful and Persuasive Sentences

To make your letter more impactful and persuasive, use language that emphasizes your strengths and accomplishments. Start sentences with action words and focus on the results you have achieved. Also, be specific and illustrate your points with concrete examples that demonstrate your value to the prospective employer.

When writing your job application letter, make sure to choose powerful words that demonstrate your expertise and experience effectively. Avoid using clichés and buzzwords and instead focus on crafting persuasive and impactful sentences that showcase your strengths and contributions. By following these principles, you can create a compelling letter that increases your chances of landing the job you want.

Formatting and Presentation of Your Job Application Letter

When it comes to writing a winning job application letter, the presentation and formatting of the letter are just as important as the content. Here are some tips to ensure your letter looks professional and polished:

A. Ensure consistency in formatting

Make sure your letter has a consistent format throughout. This means using the same font and font size for the entire letter. Also, ensure that the margins and spacing are consistent from beginning to end.

B. Proper use of fonts, margins, and spacing

Use a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, in a legible size (such as 11pt or 12pt). Be sure to use proper spacing between paragraphs and section headers. It’s important to have enough white space to make the letter easy to read, but not so much that it takes up unnecessary space.

C. Guidelines on length of the letter

Longer letters can seem rambling and may deter the hiring manager from reading the whole thing. Focus on the most important points and make them clear and succinct. Remember, your goal is to make a strong case for yourself as a candidate, not overwhelm the reader with information.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your job application letter looks professional, polished, and focused on what matters most – your qualifications for the job.

Sample Job Application Letter

Writing a winning job application letter is important if you’re looking to impress the hiring manager and land your dream job. In this section of the article, we’ll walk through a sample job application letter, analyze its strong points, and provide strategies to improve it.

A. Walk Through a Sample Job Application Letter

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the position of Marketing Manager at ABC Company, as advertised on [job board]. With over [number] years of experience in the marketing industry, I believe I have the skills and knowledge to succeed in this role and make a significant contribution to your team.

During my time at XYZ Company, I was responsible for developing and executing successful marketing campaigns that exceeded client expectations and resulted in increased ROI. My experience in digital marketing, social media management, and content creation have prepared me well for this role. I am highly adaptable, and I have a proven track record of implementing innovative strategies to achieve business objectives.

In addition, I am a strong communicator and collaborator, and I work well in cross-functional teams. I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for the role of Marketing Manager at ABC Company.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

B. Analyzing the Strong Points in the Letter

The sample job application letter has several strong points:

• The candidate clearly expresses their interest in the position and summarizes their skills and experience in the marketing industry.
• The letter highlights the candidate’s successful track record in executing marketing campaigns and achieving business objectives.
• The candidate demonstrates their adaptability and ability to implement innovative strategies.
• The letter emphasizes the candidate’s communication and collaboration skills.

C. Strategies to Improve the Letter

To improve the sample job application letter, consider the following strategies:

• Start with a strong opening sentence that grabs the hiring manager’s attention, such as a personal anecdote or a statement about the company’s mission.
• Use specific examples of your achievements and accomplishments to demonstrate your value to the company.
• Customize your letter to the specific job and company by conducting research and referencing relevant company initiatives or values.
• Show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn by expressing interest in the company’s future projects or goals.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance your job application letter and increase your chances of landing an interview with your dream company.

Writing a winning job application letter requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a clear understanding of the hiring company’s needs and values. By following these tips and analyzing examples such as the one above, you can take your job application letter to the next level and stand out from the competition.

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Cover Letter Phrases. How to Start a Cover Letter?

This article contains useful cover letter phrases in English for your job application. Here you can learn: how to start a cover letter, to describe the reasons for applying, to write about your skills, and how to close a cover letter.

Table of Contents

Cover letter phrases. How to Start a Cover Letter.

Start a cover letter phrases.

• I noticed with interest your advertisement for …
• I am writing in response to your advertisement posted on…
• I am very interested in applying for the position of …
• I am applying for the position of ….., which was advertised in …..
• I was interested to see your advertisement for …
• I was referred to you by …./name/, who informed me of a …./position/
• I have pleasure in applying for the advertised position, as …
• Please accept this letter as my application for the position of…

Cover Letter Phrases: Reasons for Applying for a Job

• I would be well suited to the position because …
• My professional skills appear to be well suited to your company’s requirements.
• I have a lively interest in … and would appreciate the opportunity to work with you.
• As you can see from my enclosed résumé, my experience and qualifications match this position’s requirements.
• My strengths are …
• I believe the combination of my education and experiences have prepared me…
• It is a challenging position for which I believe I am well qualified.
• This position represents an opportunity to continue my committed career path…

Write about Your Skills

• I have a working knowledge of …
• I believe I possess the right combination of …
• I am an experienced user of …
• My professional experiences are supplemented by…
• My interest and knowledge in this area was further enhanced by…
• My particular area of effectiveness is…
• I have an excellent command of …

Close Cover Letter Phrases

• I would appreciate the chance to meet with you to discuss …
• I look forward to our meeting.
• If you are interested, please contact me at …
• I am eager to talk with you about the contribution I could make to your firm.
• I would welcome the opportunity to discuss these and other qualifications with you.
• Thanking you most sincerely for your time and consideration.
• I would welcome the opportunity to discuss further details of the position with you personally.
• Thank you for considering me for this very important position.
• I look forward with enthusiasm to an opportunity for an interview.

See also job interview answers and job interview phrases to avoid .

Marin Valchev, PMP is an IT Project Manager with more than 10 years of experience. He implements cutting-edge technology in a wide-range of Financial and TELCO companies in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Marin shares his knowledge of software, analysis, project management and other business areas.

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Useful words and phrases for applications

It’s easy to repeat words and phrases when writing about your skills and experience, so here are some suggestions to help you avoid repetition and add a sense of action and positivity to your application.

As well as effective words to help describe yourself, below are lists of active words grouped together under their basic meaning:

Describing your personality

Customer-focused

Experienced

Goal-oriented

Hard-working

Resourceful

Trustworthy

What you did

Administered

Communicated

Co-ordinated

Demonstrated

Distributed

Ensured 

Facilitated

Participated

Performed 

Represented 

Specialised

Unsupervised

Volunteered

Constructed

Established

Implemented

Changed / Fixed

Determined (an issue)

Streamlined

Strengthened

Transformed

Recommended

Useful phrases

Demonstrated skills in...               

Proven track record in...

Extensive academic / practical background in...  

Experienced in all facets / phases / aspects of...

Accurately checked...    

Experience involved / included...

Knowledge of... / experienced as...          

Successful in / at developing...

Extensive training / involvement in...      

Reported to senior management when...

Constant interaction with...

Disseminated results of analysis...

Provided technical assistance to...            

Professionally handled...

Worked closely with...   

Familiar with...

Efficiently organised...   

Supported customers and colleagues with...

Planned and managed...              

Researching, assessing and synthesising...

Initiated financial savings by...   

Promoted to…

More resources

• You can find even more effective words on Build My Career's  Power Verbs Generator: Power Verbs Generator student link  / Power Verbs Generator graduate link
• Advice and examples  from jobs.ac.uk
• What words should I use on my CV? from reed.co.uk

Further help

If you are still unsure about the best way to phrase your application, don't worry - we're here to help! Arrange an appointment with a career consultant for professional advice.

14 common cover letter phrases and what you can use instead

When you’re working on a cover letter, it’s very difficult to keep your writing fresh throughout the whole document.

It’s all too easy to repeat the same word twice across multiple paragraphs without even realizing you’ve done so. And unfortunately, this can be the sort of thing that hiring managers will mark against you — especially in positions that require a strong written ability.

So, we’ve put together this helpful list of words that might appear in your cover letter along with some synonyms to use instead. Let’s transform you from a strong people manager with a strong background in building strong teams into a more well-rounded candidate, eh?

In most situations, there’s likely to be a more suitable way to say ‘eager’. Here are some options for you:

• “I’m eager to hear from you” —> “I look forward to exploring my fit for this role with you”
• “I’m eager to join a company like yours” —> “Joining a company I respect is important to me”
• “I’m a marketing graduate eager to find my first role” —> “I’m a marketing graduate looking to grow as a professional”

On its own there’s nothing wrong with the word ‘excited’, but you shouldn’t be saying it 17 times throughout your document. If that happens, here are some synonyms you can use instead:

• “I’m excited to apply to you” —> “I had to apply as soon as I could”
• “I’m excited to progress my career with you” —> “This would be the next natural step in my career”
• “I’m excited about expanding my skills in the role” —> “This role is an ideal place for me to expand my skills”

3. Experience

It’s very easy to say ‘experience’ too frequently in your cover letter, so try these alternatives to keep things varied:

• “My experience with cloud systems makes me” —> “My expertise in cloud systems makes me”
• “I’m looking to build more experience in marketing” —> “This position would help me become a more complete marketer”
• “I’m experienced with leading teams and setting goals” —> “Working as a team leader at [company name] has made me comfortable managing direct reports and setting goals”
• “I’m a great fit for this role because of my experience in sales” —> “My background as a senior salesperson makes me a natural fit for this role”

4. I am confident

The issue with “I am confident” isn’t that it’s likely to get overused — it’s just not necessary in most cases. Here, we’ll show you:

• “I am confident I have the background needed to succeed in your sales team” —> “I have the background needed to succeed in your sales team”
• “I am confident that my customer service experience will prove vital in the role” —> “My customer service experience will prove vital in the role”

5. I believe

‘I believe’ is the same as ‘I am confident’; you don’t usually need it:

• “I believe I have the background needed to succeed in your sales team” —> “I have the background needed to succeed in your sales team”
• “I believe that my customer service experience will prove vital in the role” —> “My customer service experience will prove vital in the role”

6. I have experience

It’s perfectly fine to start a sentence with ‘I have experience’, just don’t use it in every single one. Use these alternatives instead to avoid sounding like a broken record:

• “I have experience in social media and paid ads” —> “I’m well-versed in social media and paid ads”
• “I have experience in startup companies” —> “I’ve come to thrive in a startup environment”
• “As requested in the job description, I have 2 years of experience in hospitality” —> “I’m a qualified hospitality professional with 2 years of relevant experience”
• “I have experience in similar positions to what you’re hiring for” —> “I’ve previously worked as a [job title] so would pick up the responsibilities quickly”

7. Interest

You might be looking for synonyms of ‘interest’ for a couple of reasons. Either you’re using it too often, or it’s sounding overly formal. We can help with both:

• “I’m writing to express my interest in this position” —> “I’d like to apply to your [job title] position”
• “I’m interested in reading and spending time in nature” —> “I enjoy reading and spending time in nature”
• “My interests include reading and spending time in nature” —> “Outside of work you’ll find me reading or spending time in nature”

According to your cover letter, you love the company you’re applying to, the job itself, and the opportunity to learn. But just how many **things can you love in a job application? Keep your writing fresh with these substitutes:

• “I love what your company does to support its employees” —> “I respect how your company supports its employees”
• “I love to work in a team” —> “I work best when collaborating with others”
• “I love working in a small company because I can see the results of my work” —> “Seeing the results of my work inspires me to keep improving”

9. Opportunity

How can you apply to a job opportunity without constantly saying ‘opportunity’? With these synonyms, of course:

• “I would excel in this opportunity” —> “I would excel in this position”
• “I had to apply to this opportunity” —> “I had to apply to this vacancy”
• “Thank you for the opportunity to join you” —> “Thank you for your consideration”

10. Passion

People can get a bit too passionate with their use of this word — not to mention it’s a weaker choice than some of the alternatives. Shake it up with these contenders:

• “I’m a passionate marketer who’s ready for a new challenge” —> “I’m a dedicated marketer who’s ready for a new challenge”
• “I have a passion for helping others through my work” —> “Helping others through my work energizes me”
• “I have a passion for deploying quality-of-life improvements” —> “I find deploying quality-of-life improvements to be immensely satisfying”

If you’re skilled in everything, doesn’t that dilute the word’s meaning? Here are some other ways to talk about your skills:

• “I have skills in paid marketing and social media” —> “Paid marketing and social media are my top strengths”
• “I’m skilled in Photoshop” —> “I’m an expert in Photoshop”
• “I’m a skilled people manager” —> “I’m a capable people manager”

The same goes for ‘strong’. If everything is a strength of yours, then the hiring manager is going to question how much weight that word holds with you:

• “I’m a strong marketer” —> “I’m an exceptional marketer”
• “I have strong knowledge of Premiere and other video editing software” —> “I have in-depth knowledge of Premiere and other video editing software”
• “I would be a strong addition to your team” —> “I would be an immediately-contributing member of your team”

13. To whom it may concern

Unless you’re applying in an exceptionally formal industry, then it’s time to ditch ‘To whom it may concern’. If you know the name of the hiring manager, then address your cover letter to them directly. If you don’t know their name, there are still plenty of alternatives:

• Dear hiring manager

14. Yours sincerely

Here’s another cover letter phrase that’s outdated. Unless you’re applying in a formal industry, then end your cover letter with a more modern sign off, like:

• All the best
• Best wishes
• Kind regards

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How to write a formal Letter/Email ? | C1 Advanced (CAE)

FCE, CAE, CPE

Practice tests online.

Writing paper will require a response which is consistently appropriate for the specified target reader , and for example, you can expect to be asked to write different kinds of letters. Moreover, their register and style can be formal or informal .

What is the formal style of writing?

The main characteristics of a formal writing style are:

• A more complex structure. Formal writing often uses longer sentences. In formal writing, you will also see a more structured approach generally, with points clearly introduced, explained and concluded.
• An objective approach.  Main points are usually stated and then supported with arguments. Formal writing is less likely to be emotional in style.
• Writing in the third person.  Formal writing is not a personal writing style. The writer often aims to sound dispassionate about the topic.

Me, myself, I Everybody likes to talk about themselves, but when (for example) you’re reviewing a film, y ou should be talking about the film and not about yourself.

The informal you The way the word you is used in informal speech ‘You should have seen it!’ ‘if you know what I mean’   is not appropriate in formal writing. The word you point a finger at the reader. But the readers are not friends of yours, and you have no right to make assumptions about them.

C1 Advanced (CAE) Formal Letter/Email: Structure

Practice, write & improve, c1 advanced (cae) formal letter/email: writing guide, before you start….

Read the task carefully and then… You need to underline all the content points and consider the following:

• Why are you are writing the letter/email? To correct information, to apply for a job, to complain about something…
• Who is the target reader? You may have to write to the editor of a publication, to a potential employer, to a university administrator…
• Which language/register would be appropriate to reach my goal? Is there enough specific detail in my letter/email to convince the target reader?

  The CAE test does not require you to include dates or addresses in any of your letters, whether formal or informal.

1. Salutation

If you do not know the name of the person you are writing to, use this. It is always advisable to try to find out a name.

Dear Sir or Madam

If you know the name, use the title (Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms, Dr, etc.) and the surname only. If you are writing to a woman and do not know if she uses Mrs or Miss , you can use Ms , which is for married and single women.

Dear Mr Jenkins

Dear Editor

2. The first paragraph (opening)

The first paragraph of formal letters should include an introduction to the purpose of the letter. The summary of the letter can be found and the intentions which will be displayed through the rest of the letter should be outlined.

Example 1: I am writing in response to the advert I saw in the newspaper seeking people to work as tour guides. I think I would make a very good tour guide and I wish to apply for the job.

Example 2: I am writing about a recent incident in your shop in which I had the misfortune to be involved in. The incident I refer to is when one of your staff stopped me and accused me of shoplifting. 

3. The next paragraphs (main content)

The second and following paragraphs should provide the main information of the letter, and describe the main purpose mentioned in the introductory first paragraph .  Most letters in English are not very long, so keep the information to the essentials and concentrate on organising it in a clear and logical manner rather than expanding too much.

• You should always be polite and respectful. A useful way to achieve it especially in formal letters is to use ‘modal verbs’, i.e., would, could or should.
• It’s important to write simply and clearly . It’s worth noting that you have to avoid using informal language, for instance, avoid contractions (i.e. I’m, it’s, etc.).

Sample paragraph structure:

Paragraph 1: To begin with, I would like to put forward … Paragraph 2: Needless to say, this was …. Paragraph 3: But the thing that impressed me most…

Get Your (CAE) Letter Checked!

4. closing and signing off.

Example call to actions:

Example:1   Thank you for your consideration of my suggestions. I look forward to an opportunity to discuss this matter further. Example 2:  If you require further information, please do not hesitate to ask

Closing and signing off:

Yours faithfully –  use it if you don’t know the name of the recipient. Yours sincerely –  use it if you know the name of the recipient.

Let’s sum it up…

C1 advanced (cae) formal letter/email: example letters, cae example formal letter/email.

You recently had an unpleasant experience when you were shopping in a department store. One of the assistants wrongly accused you of shoplifting. Although you were able to prove that you had paid for the item in question, you received no apology.

Write a letter to the manager of the shop, saying why you are angry and disappointed and asking for some kind of compensation for the way you were treated. Say that you will take further action if you do not receive an official apology.

Model answer

Dear Mr Menton,

I am writing about a recent incident in your shop in which I had the misfortune to be involved in. The incident I refer to is when one of your staff stopped me and accused me of shoplifting in front of about 20 other people. Needless to say, this was an extremely embarrassing situation for me. Thank goodness I had kept the receipt to prove that I had paid for everything on my person at the time, but to be accused of stealing like that in front of all those people – some of whom I knew personally – was very humiliating and degrading. The shop assistant used a very accusatory tone…

But the thing that angered and dismayed me most was not the accusation itself – after all, misunderstandings happen sometimes – but the accuser’s failure to acknowledge his mistake or apologise to me. When I showed him the receipt, he simply walked off mumbling about how ‘shady’ a character I looked. Considering how much embarrassment I was caused, I do not think it was too much to have expected a simple apology either, do you?

Which brings me back to why I am writing; if I cannot get an apology from this assistant, then I would like a formal one from you instead. If an official apology is not forthcoming and I am not compensated in some way – with a shopping voucher for example – then be warned that I will take further steps to ensure that I get justice.

I look forward to hearing from you at the very earliest convenience.

Yours sincerely, Michael Mathers

A student from a business school in an English-speaking country has arranged to spend two months on a work experience programme in your department. Your manager has asked you to write a letter to the student, welcoming him to your company, explaining what he will be expected to do and how he will benefit from this experience.

Write your letter .

Dear Mr Miller 

We are delighted that you have decided to spend two months on a work experience programme in the xxx marketing department. We warmly welcome you  to our company in general and to our department in particular .  

Y ou will be given the unique opportunity to work with a young team launching a  new soft drink. Your work will be as interesting as demanding. You will have  to analyse sever al surveys which  have recently been conducted. Based on the results of your analysis you will have to think about possible target customers . F urther more, you will be asked to develop ideas on how exactly we could  launch our soft drink. You will have to gather though ts about how to run a successful campaign. As this project has not been made public yet, we expect  you not to talk about this project to your friends or family . You will be expected  to work hard and, sometimes, for long hours.

However , you will most certainly learn a lot. Y ou will be given the unique chance to develop a marketing campaign. You will also get used to working with different marketing tools. Furthermore, you will have to learn how to  take advanta ge of a wide va riety of computer programs, which will not only  help you to analy se the surveys conducted but will also assist you in making out possible target customers. This two months work experience programme will  help you to understand the use and impact of marketing tools. We are confident that this experience will go far beyond that what you have learnt at university .

We are looking forward to working with you.  

Y ours sincer ely

Your company would like to offer work-experience placements to students in an international college. Write a letter for publication in the student newspaper at the college.

Your letter should explain what your company does, what kind of work-experience placements are available, and how students would benefit from the experience.

Dear Students,

Are you looking for a work placement that will give you plenty of valuable experience and will look good on your CV? If so, then our company may have something to offer you.

We are an international educational exchange organisation which organises links between schools all over the world. We currently have three work-experience placements available for students from your college. The work would involve a range of office tasks, including dealing with correspondence, arranging meetings and keeping our database up-to-date. We are particularly interested in offering these placements to students with some knowledge of two or more languages.

The placements would be of great benefit to the students who are given this opportunity. It would provide experience of working in a small and dedicated team, which would give you the chance to develop a wider range of office skills than would normally be the case in larger organisations. Our international network means that you would also gain some contacts all over the world, which might be of particular value to any of you considering a career in some aspect of education.

You will find further information about our organisation and the placements we offer on our website and we look forward to hearing from any of you who think that the work might be right for you — and that you might be the right person for one of these placements.

Best wishes to you all, Paula Fisher

C1 Advanced (CAE) Formal Letter/Email: Example Questions

Cae formal letter & email topic 1.

Volunteers needed

We are looking for volunteers to help out at a famous, international sporting event. We’re looking for friendly, respectful people with good language skills, good team skills and a ‘can-do’ attitude. We need people to welcome delegates, provide customer service and solve problems. If you think you have what it takes, apply now.

Write an application to become a volunteer. Mention:

– your language skills – your personal qualities – examples of times when you have demonstrated team skills – any relevant work experience

Now write your letter . You do not need to include any postal addresses

CAE Formal Letter & Email Topic 2

A colleague of yours, Alice Watson, has applied for a job in the public relations department of a large charity. Poverty Action. You have been asked to write a letter providing a character reference for her. Indicate how long and what capacity you have worked with her, and how her personal characteristics would make her suited for her job. Here is part of the letter you received from Poverty Action:

The job of Public Relations Co-ordinator consists mainly of supervising PR work and entails travelling around the country and working with various people in our large organization. The successful applicant will need good managerial skills and be committed to the philosophy of our charity

Write your letter in reply. You do not need to include postal addresses

CEA Formal Letter & Email Topic 3

On a recent holiday, you lost a valuable item. Fortunately, you have travel insurance to cover the cost of anything lost. 

Write a letter to the manager of your insurance company. In your letter:

–  describe the item you lost – explain how lost it – tell the insurance company what you would like them to do.

Write your email in an appropriate style.

More than Practice Tests

C1 advanced (cae) formal letter/email: tips & strategy.

If you aim to write an official letter, you should:

• avoid everyday  colloquial language  or  slang
• avoid contractions ( I’m, it’s )
• avoid emotional, subjective language  (terrible, rubbish, etc.)
• avoid general words such as  nice, good, get, etc.

C1 Advanced (CAE) Formal Letter/Email: Writing Checklist

After writing your text, you can check it yourself using the writing checklist below.

How to do that? Simply check your text/email by answering the questions one by one:

• Have I covered all the key information required by the task?
• Have I written only information which is relevant to the task?
• Have I developed the basic points in the task with my own ideas?

Communicative Achievement

• Have I achieved the main purpose(s) of the text (for example, explaining, persuading, suggesting, apologising, comparing, etc.)?
• Have I used a suitable mix of fact and opinion?
• Have I used a suitable style and register (formal or informal) for the task?

Organisation

• Have I used paragraphs appropriately to organise my ideas?
• Have I used other organisational features appropriately for the genre of the text (for example, titles, headings, openings, closings, etc.)?
• Is the connection between my ideas clear and easy for the reader to follow? (For example, have I used appropriate linking words, pronouns, etc. to refer to different things within the text?)
• Are the ideas balanced appropriately, with suitable attention and space given to each one?
• Have I used a wide range of vocabulary?
• Have I avoided repeating the same words and phrases?
• Have I used a range of simple and more complex grammatical structures?
• Have I correctly used any common phrases which are relevant to the specific task or topic?
• Is my use of grammar accurate?
• Is my spelling accurate?

C1 Advanced (CAE) Formal Letter/Email: Useful phrases

Useful phrases for a f ormal letter: (use as set phrases in the exam, don´t experiment with new vocabulary or grammar)

Dear Sir or Madam Dear Mr Jenkins

With regards to the letter/email on… With reference to your letter/email… After having received your letter/email… I received your address from … and would like … Thank you very much for your letter/email on… I have been given your contact details by… and I would like to… In reply to your letter/email of…

Reason for writing

I am writing with regard/reference to …  I am writing to express (my concern about/ disappointment with/disapproval of/apologies for) I would like to draw your attention to/point out …

Referring to their letter 

As you stated in your leter, … Regarding… Concerning … With regard to…

Complaining 

I am wiing to compiain about … You said …but in fact what happened …

Introducing points

(I feel) I must also (dis)agree with … I should also like to point out that … Your (article) states that … However,…

Request for action

I would appreciate it/be grateful if you would … I look forward to receiving/seeing … I trust/very much hope you will …

I hope to hear from you soon… If you require any further information, feel free to contact me Should you require anything else, do not hesitate in contacting me Regards Yours faithfully Yours sincerely (signature)

C1 Advanced (CAE) Formal Letter/Email: FAQ

Who is the audience? This will be given in the prompt.

What is the purpose of the writing? You are usually giving information or requesting action. You should be direct and get to the point quickly.

Should I use headings or bullet points? No.

How should it start? “Dear Sir or Madam (if no name is given), I am writing to…” This is the expected opening of a letter. First, you explain why you are writing, in the next paragraph you explain why you think you should get what you want.

How should it finish? You should clearly re-state your recommendation or desired action in your last paragraph. This is usually followed by a “I am looking forward to…” statement and “Yours faithfully/Yours sincerely, x.”

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What is your level of English?

Useful Phrases and Vocabulary for Writing Letters in English

By: Author Sophia

Posted on Last updated: October 26, 2023

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Below is the list of useful phrases and vocabulary for writing letters in English in a formal and informal way.

Useful Phrases for Writing Letters

Writing a formal letter.

• We are writing you with reference to (the above order).
• With reference to your advertisement/letter of 10 March……
• We are pleased to have your inquiry of 25 of July….
• We acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 12 April …..
• With reference to your letter inquiring about…
• With reference to our telephone conversation yesterday (about…),…
• We wish to remind you that…..
• I am writing this letter to request the cancellation of……..
• I am writing this letter to complain in the strongest terms about the poor service that I have received from your company.
• Please advise us as soon as the…….
• Please open a ………….in favour of (name of the company)……….
• Payment can be made on any basis acceptable to you.
• Could you please supply us with information about the company’s standing.
• We have been informed (by one of our clients) that……….
• We regret to inform you, (however,) that….
• Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience caused.
• We must insist on…
• Please note that the closing date/deadline for the ……… is 30 September, so will you please complete the attached forms and return them as soon as possible.
• Any information you supply will be treated confidentially.
• May we remind you that your statement is still outstanding.
• Will you kindly balance your account promptly.
• We are puzzled to have had no remittance from you.
• You already have an overdraft of….
• Please give the matter your immediate attention.
• We will be left with no alternative but to (take legal action)… unless payment is received within the next seven days.
• Our circumstances do not allow us to wait/to go on waiting any longer.
• Please look into the matter.
• We were dissatisfied to find that….
• We shall have to terminate the contract.
• On examination we have found…
• We greatly appreciated your patience in this matter.

Enclosures and attachment

• We would be grateful if you could forward/send any further information (you may have) about…. (products and terms of payment/this case)
• We will be pleased to supply any further information you require.
• We are sending the herewith the……
• We look forward to doing business to our mutual advantage.
• We would like to make a decision on this as soon as possible.
• In the meantime, we suggest that you call the ………
• We hope to meet your requirements.
• Please send us by return the terms and conditions on …………..
• For purposes of quick contact a reply by telephone would be appreciated.
• We look forward to the opportunity of being at your service.
• Could you please let us know in your earliest convenience whether the above terms and conditions are acceptable for you.
• We hope that the matter will be settled to our mutual satisfaction.
• We very much hope that you will be able to…..
• I would be grateful if you could spare me a few minutes.
• As our demand/request/issue is very urgent, a quick answer would be appreciated.
• Would you (also forward details of charges)………. at your earliest convenience?
• I should/would be pleased if you could send me …….
• We trust/hope you will find this condition acceptable.
• If there is any other information you need, please do not hesitate to contact us at the above e-mail address.
• Thanking you in advance.
• I would be most grateful if you would reply as soon as possible so that this matter can be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction.
• Please find enclosed….
• I am enclosing…….
• Please find attached….

Writing Business Letter

If writing a business letter in English takes you much longer than in your own language, here are a few guidelines that you may find helpful.

Plan before you write.

• Look up the words you need before you start.
• Note the points you want to make, and order them into logical paragraphs.

Write as you would speak in a business conversation. The tone should be friendly and polite.

• Make sure you check the gender of the addressee (the recipient), as well as the correct spelling of the person’s name and title.
• Use Ms. for women and Mr. for men. You can use Mrs. for a women if you are 100% sure that she is married.

To avoid any confusion, write the month instead of using numbers (e.g. January 15th, 2011, or 15 January 2011)

Be concise and clear.

The easier it is to read a letter, the better.

• Keep sentences and paragraphs short and simple.
• Use straightforward vocabulary to avoid any misunderstanding.
• Ask direct questions.
• Rewrite any sentence that does not seem perfectly clear.
• If the recipient is not a native English-speaker, it is preferable to avoid words and expressions
• that are too technical or complicated.

Remember this word order principle  :

Who  –  Does  –  What  –  How  –  Where  –  When

(Subject – Verb – Object – Manner – Place – Time)

• Mr. Brown will travel by plane to London on Monday, June 5th.
• A technician will install the equipment in your office on Tuesday morning.
• I will confirm the transport arrangements as soon as possible.

Avoid old-fashioned words

Although they are used in legal documents and contracts, words like ‘herewith’, ‘hereby’, ‘herein’, ‘aforementioned’, etc are rarely used in letters .  The following style of sentence is preferable: “You will find more information on our products in the enclosed brochure.”

Writing Letter about Employment

Here are a few Useful Phrases for letter about Employment.

The standard opening for formal correspondence is Dear.

• Dear Sir or Madam

Useful phrases:

• I am writing in response to your advertisement in [publication]
• I am writing to apply for the post of
• Thank you for your letter of [date] offering me the post of
• I am delighted to accept the position of [job title]
• I look forward to starting work with you
• Thank you for considering this application
• I should be pleased to attend an interview
• Please do not hesitate to contact me on the above number if you should require further information
• I look forward to hearing from you

If you know the name of the person use:   Yours sincerely

If you don’t know the name of the person use:  Y ours faithfully

Useful Phrases for Personal and Social Correspondence

Here are a few Useful Phrases for Personal and Social Correspondence.

The standard opening for personal correspondence is Dear but variations include:

• My dear …
• My dearest …
• Darling …
• Thank you for your letter [inviting, offering, confirming]
• I am very grateful to you for [letting me know, offering, writing]
• It was so kind of you to [write, invite, send]
• Many thanks for [sending, inviting, enclosing]
• I am writing to tell you that
• I am delighted to announce that
• I was delighted to hear that
• I am sorry to inform you that
• I was so sorry to hear that

Closures : For acquaintances and formal situations

• Best wishes.
• With best wishes.
• Kindest regards.

Closures : Affectionate variations for close friends and family

• All my love
• All the best
• Lots of love
• Love from us both
• See you soon
• Once again many thanks
• I look forward to seeing you soon
• With love and best wishes
• With love to you all
• Do give my kindest regards to …

If you know the name of the person use:

• Yours sincerely

If you don’t know the name of the person use:

• Yours faithfully

The Writing Process

Questions to consider while growing your writing:

I. Pre-writing: Time to think

– What do I want to say? – How do I want to say it? – Who will read my writing? – Who can I talk to about my ideas? – Where will I record my ideas?

II. Drafting: Time to write it down

– Are my thoughts organized? – Which ideas do I want to develop? – In what order do I want to say them? – Who can read this and offer suggestions?

III. Revising: Time to improve my writing

– Have I read what I’ve written? – Are my details clear? – Should I add or take out parts? – Have I used the best ideas and words? – Is my writing in a logical order? – What suggestions have others given me?

IV. Editing: Time to make things correct.

– Have I used complete sentences? – Are my spelling, capitalization and punctuation correct? – Have I marked corrections that I need? – Has someone checked my work? – Do I have a corrected copy that I can publish?

V. Publishing: Time to share my writing

– How should I publish this writing? – Should I illustrate and display it? – Should I make it into a book? – Should I read it out loud?

Useful Phrases for Writing Letters | Image

Here is the list of common phrases for writing letters in English with ESL image.

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vinay chaubey

Wednesday 10th of August 2022

well done, these are very useful sentence for letter writing

jafran shaikh

Monday 20th of December 2021

this is useful for all kinds of letter

Monday 18th of January 2021

Great Blog! Thanks for all the tips :)

Monday 11th of January 2021

Hi how are you

Wednesday 11th of November 2020

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A cover letter.

Look at the cover letter and do the exercises to improve your writing skills. 

Instructions

Do the preparation exercise first. Then read the text and do the other exercises.

Preparation

Check your understanding: true, false or not given

Check your writing: gap fill, check your writing: multiple selection, worksheets and downloads.

Do students at your school do work experience? What company or organisation would you like to do work experience in? What do you think are the main advantages of work experience?

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• How To Write A B2 First Formal Email/Letter

• Posted on 01/06/2021
• Categories: Blog
• Tags: B2 First , Cambridge Exams , Cambridge FCE First Certificate of English , FCE , First Certificate , First certificate FCE , Writing

Dear reader… We sincerely hope you enjoyed our previous blog posts about the Writing section of the B2 First. As promised, here’s the latest instalment in the series. That’s right, today we’ll be teaching you how to write a formal letter or email for the B2 First (FCE) exam. One that’s good enough to write home about !

Don’t forget to take a look at our previous blog posts where we teach you about the other writing options:

• How to write a B2 First essay (part 1)
• How To Write a Report: Cambridge B2 First
• How to Write a Great Article in the Cambridge B2 First Exam
• How To Write A Review: Cambridge B2 First
• How to write a B2 First informal email/letter (part 2)

What’s a formal letter?

A formal letter is an orderly or professional form of communication. It follows a number of conventions related to layout, language and tone, which we’re going to teach you today.

There are two types of formal email or letter you may be asked to write in the B2 First exam – a letter of application and a letter of complaint.

Writing a letter of application

The first example is a letter of application. In this type of task you’ll have to talk about why you’re applying for the position and justify your skills. It could be an application for a part-time job, study or scholarship programme. Here’s a look at the type of question you may see in the exam:

You see this advert on a newspaper website:

Write your letter of application . (You should write between 140 and 190 words)

Writing a letter of complaint

The other B2 First formal letter you may be required to write is a letter of complaint. This could be a letter to a hotel manager, a shop assistant or organisation. You may be complaining about the quality of a service, product or the organisation of an event. Sometimes you’ll have to request some kind of action or resolution , at other times, you may have to correct a misunderstanding. Here’s an example of a complaint letter question:

Write a letter to the hotel manager . (You should write between 140 and 190 words)

Three steps to writing a formal B2 First email/letter

Before you start scribbling away , it’s important to make a plan! Think about what you need to include in your answer and plan out how it will look on the page. Consider the following things:

Step One: Make a plan

Often the question will require you to do two or three things. It’s important to identify exactly what these are as you can receive five marks for simply answering the question. Let’s take a look back at those initial two questions and underline the key information.

Once you’ve identified exactly what they’re asking you to do, use these details to help craft the perfect structure. Take question A – you want to include all of this information in a logical way:

A) Letter of application

• Paragraph 1 – State why you’re writing
• Paragraph 2 – Relevant experience
• Paragraph 3 – Creative and athletic hobbies and interests
• Paragraph 4 – Action you want them to take

B) Letter of complaint

• Paragraph 2 – Details of the problem
• Paragraph 3 – Action you want them to take

Next step is to brainstorm good vocabulary. Pick out some key words from the brief and try to find synonyms to use in your email/letter. You also want to consider any topic-related words that will help you answer the question. For example:

• friendly = warm / outgoing / a people-person
• enthusiastic = lively / keen / energetic
• work with young people = babysitting experience / passion for working with kids
• languages = Spanish, Italian, English, German, French
• creative hobbies = arts & crafts, sewing, pottery, model making
• athletic hobbies = volleyball, basketball, cricket, skateboarding, sporty, active
• disappointing = unappetising / unappealing / awful
• not enough = insufficient / inadequate
• good = fine, satisfactory, excellent, adequate
• vegetarian options = salad, veggie lasagna, fruit, soups
• compensation = payment, reimbursement, voucher, solution
• problem = issue / mix-up / trouble

Remember, this is a formal piece of writing. This means you should keep the tone and language polite at all times. That’s right! At all times – even when you’re complaining. You may be angry, but you’re more likely to resolve the issue if you stay respectful and offer constructive advice whilst being persuasive.

Step Two: Write it

Take it from us, the next stage will be easy if you’ve done your super-duper plan. All you need to do is learn some fixed formal expressions to tie-together your B2 First formal email/letter.

There are several ways to begin a formal email/letter. For example:

• Dear Sir / Madam, (if you don’t know the name)
• Dear Mr or Mrs X (if you do know the name)
• To whom it may concern

Don’t forget to write a comma after the name, and then include a space before starting a new line.

Opening paragraph

When beginning your formal email/letter, it’s essential that you explain to your reader your reasons for writing. Here are some ways to do that:

• I am writing to apply for the position / role of summer camp leader.
• I am writing in reference to your recent advertisement.
• I am writing to complain about…
• I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with…

This is where you want to give the details of your application or your complaint. Keep referring back to the question, and remember to keep it formal:

Speaking about your experience and skills (Letter of application)

• I think I am suitable for the role because…
• I have X years experience working as a X.
• My qualifications include…
• I am currently working as a X
• In my spare time I enjoy…
• I am an avid basketball player/cricketer/volleyball player…

Explaining a problem and requesting action (Letter of complaint)

• Firstly/Secondly,…
• Unfortunately,…
• I am very dissatisfied with…
• As you can appreciate…
• I’m afraid that…
• Furthermore,…

Final Paragraph

Here is where you want to create a lasting impression on your reader. You also want to highlight some form of action you want them to take. Take a look at these different ways to do that:

• I very much hope you will…
• I look forward to hearing from you soon.
• I would appreciate it/ be grateful if…
• I trust you will…

Don’t forget to finish your B2 First formal email/letter with a friendly, but courteous closing phrase. Here are some examples:

• Yours sincerely, (if you know the name of the recipient)
• Yours faithfully, (if you don’t know the name of the recipient)
• Thank you for your consideration, (for a letter of application)

You should then write your full name beneath your sign-off.

Step Three: Check it

Make sure you leave five minutes at the end of the exam to proofread your email/letter and think about the following things:

• Have you answered all parts of the question?
• Is the tone formal and polite?
• Is your spelling, grammar and punctuation correct?
• Does it have paragraphs?
• Have you signed off appropriately

So, that’s it for how to write a B2 First formal email/letter. Don’t forget to check out our other B2 First articles on our blog. And we look forward to seeing you in one of Cambridge English summer preparation courses soon !

Glossary for Language Learners

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.

Something to write home about (exp): something exciting or special (often used in negative ‘nothing to write home about’).

Scholarship (n) : an amount of money given to a person by a government or organization to help pay for their education.

Resolution (n): the act of solving a problem or difficulty.

Scribble away (pv): to write intensely.

Craft (v): to make something in a skilled way.

Super-duper (adj): extremely good.

Lasting (adj)): continuing to last for a long time.

Courteous (adj): polite and showing respect.

Proofread (v)): to check a piece of writing for spelling and grammatical errors.

exp = expression

pv = phrasal verb

adj = adjective

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• Posted on 19/05/2021

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ENGLISH BUSINESS VOCABULARY

BUSINESS LETTERS: Useful Vocabulary

Phrases for contact, requests, complaints..., phrases and vocabulary for business letters:.

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See also : formal vs informal letter writing business letter guidelines

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