The Cover Letter
Warm-up
What is your dream job when you finish university?
Cover Letter Sample
Dear Ms Nowak,
I am writing to apply for a place on your two-week Work Experience programme and would like to be considered for the position of receptionist. This role attracts me because it combines customer service, organisation and problem-solving in an international setting.
I believe I am well suited to working on reception. Over the past two years I have volunteered at local cultural events, welcoming visitors, answering questions and dealing with complaints in both English and Spanish. These experiences have taught me to remain polite under pressure and to find solutions when people are stressed or confused.
More generally, I am confident that I would adapt quickly to a hotel environment. I am punctual, reliable and used to working in a team during school events. In addition, I understand the importance of maintaining a professional appearance and protecting guests’ privacy, key values in the hospitality sector.
From this programme, I hope to gain a clearer understanding of daily routines at reception, including check-in procedures, handling enquiries and coordinating requests with other departments. I am also keen to observe experienced staff managing difficult situations so that I can develop my own communication skills and prepare for a future career in hospitality.
Thank you very much for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Elmer Santana
📄
C1 Cambridge-Standard Cover Letter Structure
1. Opening Salutation
- Dear Sir or Madam, (when you do not know the
name)
- Dear Mr/Ms + Surname, (preferred)
➡️
Cambridge penalizes informal greetings.
2. Opening
Paragraph — Stating Purpose
Must include:
- Why you are writing
- The position/course/event you are applying for
- How you learned about it (optional)
- A brief introduction to who you are
C1
Cambridge-style example:
I am writing in response to your advertisement for the position of Language
Assistant recently posted on your website.
✔
Clear purpose
✔ Appropriate tone
✔ Task achievement
3. Body
Paragraph 1 — Your Qualifications & Experience
Demonstrate:
- Relevant skills
- Academic/professional background
- Concrete examples
- Evidence of your competence
What
Cambridge expects:
- Range of vocabulary
- Complex structures
- Clear communicative aim
- Formal register maintained throughout
4. Body
Paragraph 2 — Why You Are a Good Fit
Focus on:
- How your profile meets their needs
- Specific competencies and achievements
- How you can contribute to the institution/company
C1 feature:
Use advanced linking words (furthermore, in addition, consequently,
nonetheless) and precise formal vocabulary.
5. Body
Paragraph 3 — Why You Want Them
Cambridge
expects awareness of:
- Audience
- Shared goals
- Motivation aligned with the organisation's values
Include:
- Why this institution
- What attracts you
- How the opportunity fits your goals
6. Final
Paragraph — Closing + Call to Action
Should:
- Reiterate your interest
- Politely request an interview or a response
- Thank the reader
Example:
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application in greater detail
and look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team.
7. Closing
Formula
Use a strictly
formal closing:
- Yours faithfully, (no name)
- Yours sincerely, (if a name is used)
8.
Full name
- Optional: signature
⭐
Cambridge C1 Writing Requirements Covered
Your cover
letter must demonstrate:
✔
Content
Fully addresses
all points in the task prompt.
✔
Communicative Achievement
Formal, polite,
consistent register; clear purpose.
✔
Organisation
Logical
structure, coherent paragraphs, appropriate linking.
✔
Language
- Wide range of vocabulary
- Grammatical control of complex structures
- Accuracy and sophistication expected at C1 level
Useful Phrases for a Cover Letter or a Letter of Application
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 …
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.
· I
would be well suited to the position because …
· 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.
· I
would welcome the opportunity to discuss further details of the position with
you personally.
· I
look forward with enthusiasm to an opportunity for an interview.
