You saw a job advertised online for an assistant at a local library and would like to apply. Write a letter to the employer.
A full IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 letter applying for an advertised job at Band 6.0, 7.0 and 8.5, with the structure, register and language it needs, and why each version scores what it does.
The question
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You saw a job advertised online for an assistant at a local library and would like to apply. Write a letter to the employer.
In your letter,
say where you saw the job advertised and which job you are applying for
explain your relevant skills and experience
say why you would like this particular job
You do not need to write your own address. Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
Write at least 150 words.
What this letter needs
Unlike a complaint, this letter has to sell the writer without ever sounding boastful, which is a harder balance than it looks in 150-200 words. The real challenge is choosing one or two genuinely specific pieces of experience that match the advert's own wording, rather than a generic list of good qualities, and giving a reason for wanting this particular job that is not simply 'I need work'.
Structure
Salutation — Dear Sir or Madam, — unless the advert names a hiring manager (in which case use 'Dear Mr/Ms [Surname],' and 'Yours sincerely,'), keep the impersonal opening for a job application to an unnamed employer.
Opening — Name the exact job title and where you saw it advertised, so the letter can be matched to the right vacancy immediately.
Body 1 — Summarise your most relevant qualification or experience in one focused sentence, rather than listing your whole history.
Body 2 — Add one further specific skill that matches something the advert asked for, to show you read it carefully.
Body 3 — Explain briefly and genuinely why this particular job appeals to you, not just that you 'need a job'.
Closing — Mention that your CV or references are enclosed or available, then sign off formally.
Model answers
Band 6.0 model answer
168 words
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to apply for the position of Library Assistant, which I saw advertised on your website last week. I would like to be considered for this job.
I have worked in a bookshop for two years, so I have experience helping customers find books and keeping the shelves organized. I am also good with computers, which I know is needed for the job because the advert mentioned a library computer system.
I am a very organized person and I enjoy helping people, so I think I would do well in this role. I also love reading, so working in a library would be a job I really enjoy.
I have chosen your library because it is close to my home and I have used it many times as a customer, so I already know it quite well.
I have attached my CV with more details about my experience. Please let me know if you need any more information.
Yours faithfully, [Your Name]
Why this is Band 6.0
States experience simply: 'I have worked in a bookshop for two years, so I have experience helping customers find books'
The motivation is stated plainly: 'I also love reading, so working in a library would be a job I really enjoy'
Vocabulary is accurate but basic: 'I am a very organized person and I enjoy helping people'
Covers all three bullet points but with limited development of each
Band 7.0 model answer
180 words
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to apply for the position of Library Assistant, which I saw advertised on your website last week, and for which I believe I am well suited.
I have two years of experience working in a bookshop, where I regularly assisted customers, organized stock, and managed a till system, all of which are directly relevant to this role.
I am also confident using computers, having used library management software during a volunteer placement last year, which corresponds closely to the computer system mentioned in your advertisement. I am equally comfortable dealing with the public in a calm, courteous manner, which I understand is an important part of the role.
This particular role appeals to me because I have been a regular member of your library for several years and have always admired how welcoming and well-organized the staff make it feel.
I have attached my CV, which provides further detail on my experience, and I would be glad to supply references if required.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully, [Your Name]
Why this is Band 7.0
'all of which are directly relevant to this role' links experience to the job accurately and formally
'which corresponds closely to the computer system mentioned in your advertisement' shows careful attention to the advert's wording
The motivation paragraph is developed with a specific reason: 'I have always admired how welcoming and well-organized the staff make it feel'
'I would be glad to supply references if required' is a controlled, professional formal offer
Band 8.5 model answer
196 words
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to apply for the position of Library Assistant, advertised on your website last week, for which I believe my background makes me a strong candidate.
Having spent two years working in a busy bookshop, I gained considerable experience assisting customers, organizing stock, and operating a till system — skills that transfer directly to the demands of this role.
I am also entirely comfortable with computers, having used library management software during a volunteer placement last year, an experience that maps closely onto the system referenced in your advertisement, and I am equally at ease assisting the public in a quiet, professional environment.
What draws me to this particular role, beyond the skills it requires, is that I have been a member of your library for several years and have long admired how welcoming and well-run the staff keep it — working there would feel less like a change of scene than a natural next step.
My CV is enclosed for further detail, and I would be happy to provide references should these be required.
I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application further.
Yours faithfully, [Your Name]
Why this is Band 8.5
'skills that transfer directly to the demands of this role' is precise, professional phrasing
'an experience that maps closely onto the system referenced in your advertisement' shows sophisticated, accurate vocabulary with no padding
The extended final sentence of the motivation paragraph, ending 'less like a change of scene than a natural next step', is a genuinely native-level idiomatic flourish
The letter is essentially error-free throughout, with flexible sentence openings such as 'What draws me to this particular role, beyond the skills it requires,...'
Model answers written and reviewed by The English All-in-One IELTS team. They are teaching models showing what each band looks like, not real candidate scripts.
This is a formal letter question. The answers above show you what each band looks like when it is finished. What they cannot show you is how to get there from a blank page in twenty minutes.
That is what our Writing Study Library is for: the structure we teach for this exact question type, the paragraph pattern that goes with it, and the sentence openers for each stage — so the letter is planned before you start writing rather than assembled as you go.
Answers checked here may be published on this page, without your name, to help other learners. Nothing else about you is stored.
Common questions
How much detail should I give about my work history?
One or two specific, relevant points are far stronger than a full history — this is a short letter, not a CV, so let the CV carry the detail.
Is it okay to say I really want this job, or does that sound too emotional?
A genuine, specific reason, such as knowing the library well as a regular visitor, reads as sincere rather than emotional, and is exactly what the third bullet point is asking for.
Should I mention my CV is attached even though it's a letter, not an email?
Yes — in the real exam you simply state that your CV is enclosed; the task doesn't require you to actually produce one.
What sign-off should I use if the advert names a hiring manager?
Switch to 'Dear Mr/Ms [Surname],' and close with 'Yours sincerely,' — only use 'Dear Sir or Madam,' and 'Yours faithfully,' when no name is given.
