How to Write an Application Letter for a Summer Job - A2 English Writing — Explanation

A summer job application letter introduces you to an employer and explains why you are suitable for a temporary role. At A2 level, your letter should be polite, clearly organised and specific. It should say which position you want, describe your relevant skills and experience, give your available dates and ask for an interview.

Before you write

Read the job advertisement carefully. Underline the job title, duties, dates, working hours and skills the employer requests. Then make short notes about your own experience. You do not need to meet every requirement, but you should connect your strongest qualities to the work.

Structure of a summer job application letter

1. Formal greeting: use Dear Mr Lewis if you know the person’s name. Use Dear Sir or Madam if you do not.
2. Reason for writing: name the position and say where you found the advertisement.
3. Current situation: briefly explain that you are a student or describe what you are studying.
4. Skills and experience: give relevant examples rather than a long list of adjectives.
5. Availability: state the dates and times when you can work.
6. Polite final paragraph: express interest in an interview and mention any attached CV.
7. Formal closing: use Yours sincerely when you know the name and Yours faithfully when you write Dear Sir or Madam.

Original model application letter

Dear Sir or Madam,

I would like to apply for the position of visitor assistant at Riverside Open-Air Museum, which was advertised on the museum’s website.

I am currently a student at Northgate College, where I study history and media. I am keen to gain practical experience in a public attraction, and I enjoy helping people learn about local places.

I am friendly, reliable and comfortable speaking to groups. At college, I help organise open days and show new students around the campus. Last summer, I volunteered at a community book festival, where I welcomed visitors, answered questions and prepared activity tables. This experience taught me to stay calm when an event is busy.

I am available from 20 June until 5 September and would be willing to work at weekends. I am also happy to work outdoors and help with children’s activities.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application at an interview. I have attached my CV and can provide a reference from my course tutor.

Thank you for your consideration.

Yours faithfully,
Daniel Reed

Useful formal letter phrases

• I am writing to apply for...
• I saw the position advertised on...
• I am currently a student at...
• I am available from... until...
• I have attached my CV.
• Thank you for your time and consideration.
• I look forward to hearing from you.

Useful phrases for skills and experience

• I am good at organising activities.
• I am confident using computers.
• I am comfortable speaking to customers.
• My experience includes helping at school events.
• I would be willing to work evenings.
• I am keen to gain experience in tourism.
• I would be happy to attend an interview.

I am or I would be?

Use I am for a true fact now: I am a college student. I am available in July. I am good at working with children.

Use I would be for a polite offer, willingness or possible future situation: I would be happy to attend an interview. I would be willing to work early shifts. The contracted form I’d be is possible, but full forms usually look clearer in a formal application.

Gerunds and infinitives

Use the -ing form after a preposition:

• good at solving problems
• interested in applying
• experience in helping customers

Use to + verb after adjectives and verbs such as willing, happy, keen, want and hope:

• willing to work
• happy to help
• keen to learn
• hope to gain experience

After include, use a noun or the -ing form: My duties include answering emails.

Choose useful adjectives

Employers often value people who are reliable, polite, friendly, patient, organised, careful, flexible and hard-working. Support an adjective with evidence. Instead of only writing I am organised, add an example: I organise equipment for my school’s sports club every Friday.

Common mistakes

• Write apply for a position, not apply to a position.
• Write good at communicating, not good in communicate.
• Write willing to work, not willing working.
• Avoid informal greetings such as Hi and closings such as See you.
• Do not claim skills or experience that you do not have.
• Check the employer’s name, job title and your available dates.

A2 application letter checklist

Check that the job title is clear, every paragraph has one purpose, your examples match the role and your dates are included. Use formal language, accurate verb patterns and a suitable closing. Finally, check spelling, punctuation and contact details before sending the letter.