General Training Writing Task 1 · formal · application

Job Application Letter to Mr. Moore for Waiter: IELTS formal letter sample

An IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 formal letter with a Band 8 sample answer, why it scores well and the phrases worth borrowing for your own letter writing.
  • 187 words
  • Formal letters
  • Application
  • 20 minutes

The task

You want to apply for the following job. Waiter/waitress required for evening work. Some experience is necessary.

Write a letter to Mr. Moore describing. In your letter:

  • →your previous experience
  • →explaining why you would be suitable for the job

Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter: Dear ...,

Model answer

Band 8 sample letter

Band 8187 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Mr. Moore,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the waiter position advertised for your evening service. Having admired the reputation of your establishment, I am eager to contribute to your team.

Regarding my previous experience, I spent two years working at The Golden Bistro, a high-volume restaurant in the city centre. During this tenure, I became proficient in managing fast-paced dining environments, handling customer orders with precision, and maintaining high standards of table service. My responsibilities included managing floor logistics, processing payments, and ensuring guest satisfaction under pressure.

I believe I am an ideal candidate for this role due to my calm demeanour and ability to communicate effectively with diverse clientele. Furthermore, I am highly reliable and possess the physical stamina required for late-night shifts. My background in hospitality has equipped me with the necessary skills to adapt quickly to your specific service style, ensuring that your patrons receive a seamless and professional experience throughout their evening.

I have attached my curriculum vitae for your review and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application further during an interview.

Yours sincerely,

Jonathan Sterling

Write your own and get a band

Answer this prompt in a timed General Training writing test and get a band for task achievement, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences to fix.

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Examiner's view

Why this scores well

This letter achieves Band 8 by addressing all bullet points with specific, relevant professional details and maintaining a consistently formal tone. A common Band 6 mistake is failing to provide specific examples of experience, instead using vague, generic statements about being a hard worker.

  • →Write to an organisation or someone you do not know: open with Dear Sir or Madam, close with Yours faithfully.
  • →If you know the person's surname, use Dear Mr or Ms and close with Yours sincerely.
  • →No contractions, no slang; polite indirect requests such as I would be grateful if you could.

6 phrases

Useful phrases from the letter

  • tenure

    the period of time someone holds a job

  • high-volume

    a place that serves a large number of people

  • demeanour

    outward behaviour or bearing of a person

  • clientele

    the customers or patrons of a business

  • seamless

    smooth and without any problems or interruptions

  • curriculum vitae

    a document outlining your professional history and qualifications

Frequently asked questions

Is this letter formal or informal?+

Formal. Write to an organisation or someone you do not know: open with Dear Sir or Madam, close with Yours faithfully.

How many words should an IELTS General Training letter be?+

At least 150 words, and 160 to 200 is the comfortable range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

What does the examiner look for?+

This letter achieves Band 8 by addressing all bullet points with specific, relevant professional details and maintaining a consistently formal tone. A common Band 6 mistake is failing to provide specific examples of experience, instead using vague, generic statements about being a hard worker.

Keep practising

More application letters

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