The cover letter

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.