Write a letter to your new boss and show your enthusiasm for the job offer

IELTS General Writing Task 1 with sample answer.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You have received a job offer for a position you have wanted for a long time. You are expected to start on July 1st. However, you can only start a week later due to personal reasons.

Write a letter to Mr Jackson, your new boss. In your letter:

  • show your enthusiasm for the job offer
  • explain the problem
  • suggest what you can do

You should write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any address.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear _ ,


Sample Answer:

Dear Mr. Jackson,

I am writing in connection with my joining date on July 1st that I am unable to start work on that day, as agreed during the interview with you.

From the very first day of my job, I have always been longing for the position of chief marketing manager. I always love to talk to new people. I see my ex-superior swelled with pride when he launched a new product. Like him, I am eager to feel pride standing behind a product I trust. Thank you for making my dream comes true. But unfortunately, I cannot make it from July 1st.

The reason why I cannot start work is that my 8 years old daughter and my wife are admitted to a hospital. They have a touch of the flu. First, my daughter has got flu, then her mother has been infected. As there are no other relatives that are able to look after them, I have no choice but take care of them myself. Doctors expect that they can recover by this week.

I do understand how it causes inconvenience for you. I apologise for any convenience that this may have caused you and I believe that you need me to be at work on the expected joining day kicking off one week later. I would be most grateful if you would extend my joining date.

Once again, I am sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for giving me the chance to get a toehold in my dream place.

Yours faithfully,
Paul Gittins.