General Training Writing Task 1 · formal · application

Job Application Letter to a Hotel Manager: 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.
  • 194 words
  • Formal letters
  • Application
  • 20 minutes

The task

You have seen an advertisement for a 'weekend work' in a hotel in the town where you are staying. You have worked in a hotel before and think that the job would be suitable for you. Now you want to apply for the job.

Write a letter to the hotel manager expressing your interest. In your letter:

  • →introduce yourself
  • →explain why you think you would be suitable for the job
  • →ask what work you would be expected to do

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

Model answer

Band 8 sample letter

Band 8194 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Mr. Henderson,

I am writing to express my keen interest in the weekend work position at the Grand Plaza Hotel, as advertised in this week’s edition of the local gazette. As a resident of this town, I have long admired the hotel’s commitment to excellence and would welcome the opportunity to contribute to your team.

Regarding my suitability, I possess two years of previous experience in the hospitality sector. During my tenure at the Riverside Inn, I gained proficiency in front-desk operations, guest relations, and basic administrative duties. My background has equipped me with the resilience to handle high-pressure situations while maintaining a professional and welcoming demeanour, ensuring that guests receive the highest standard of service.

Could you please provide further details regarding the specific responsibilities associated with this role? I am particularly interested to know if the position involves coordinating check-ins or supporting the banquet staff during busy weekend events. Additionally, I would appreciate clarification on the expected hours of operation.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I have attached my curriculum vitae for your review and look forward to the possibility of discussing my application further.

Yours sincerely,

Julian Thorne

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.

Write a letter, get a band free →

Examiner's view

Why this scores well

A Band 8 response fully addresses all prompt requirements with a natural, sophisticated flow and consistently formal register. A common Band 6 error is failing to ask specific questions about the duties, instead providing a generic request for information.

  • →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

  • keen interest

    a very strong and enthusiastic desire for something

  • tenure

    the period of time someone holds a job

  • proficiency

    a high degree of skill or competence

  • demeanour

    outward behavior or bearing towards other people

  • curriculum vitae

    a detailed document highlighting a person's work experience

  • hospitality sector

    the industry focused on hotels, restaurants, and tourism

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?+

A Band 8 response fully addresses all prompt requirements with a natural, sophisticated flow and consistently formal register. A common Band 6 error is failing to ask specific questions about the duties, instead providing a generic request for information.

Keep practising

More application letters

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

Write a letter, get a band free