HOW TO WRITE A LETTER OF APPLICATION
STANAG 6001 writing tasks may include elements of a letter of application, and to be honest
writing such letters is a very practical skill. You may need to write about your education,
experience, interests on various occasions and for different reasons. This ability may prove
useful anytime you need to write a bio, or a biographical note about yourself in the context of
your abilities and achievements.
STRUCTURE
A letter of application usually has the following elements:
INTRODUCTION in which you actually apply for admission, a place, position, or to be
considered as a candidate. It doesn't have to be a job. You may as well, let's say, apply for a
place on a course, present your candidature as a head of a club.
MAIN PART in which you refer to your education and experience. The content of this part will
depend on what you apply for and on your personal situation.
JUSTIFICATION in which you want to convince the addressee to choose you. You may
explain your interest in a course or the fact why you are so well suited to take up a position.
LANGUAGE
Some expressions which will help you to deal with these functions:
APPLYING
I would like to apply for admission to the …beginning on /in …
I am writing to apply for a place on … (the course)
I would like to be considered for … (the course)
TALKING ABOUT EDUCATION
I hold a certificate in …
I hold a degree in …
I have completed a Master’s/Bachelor’s degree in …
I am due to take examinations in … (English) on/in…
I have taken/passed the examination in …
I hold the following qualification…
I have completed the following courses…
My degree is in …(construction engineering).
TALKING ABOUT EXPERIENCE
I have spent…(2 years) working as a …
I have assisted in ….
I have worked as a … for ….
JUSTIFYING
I am sure I am an appropriate candidate for [this course/position], because…
This [course/position] will allow me to…
This [course] would be a perfect opportunity for me to…
If I am admitted to participate in the [course], I am sure I will contribute greatly to …
If you entrust me with this position, I will ...
EXAMPLE
Dear Sir/Madam,
I would like to apply for admission to the course in command you are organizing.
The participation in such a course would be very helpful in my career.
I wish to inform you that I have been a company commander for the last two years. What is
more, I was in charge of this unit on the overseas mission. In addition to that, I hold a certificate
of the Staff Officers’ Academy in Brussels which I graduated from two years ago. Furthermore, I
have just finished an advanced English course for commanding officers.
I would like to participate in your course because it has a reputation of the best course for
future commanders. Graduating from this course would be a great step forward in my military
career.
I look forward to receiving your response in the near future.
Yours faithfully,
XYZ
