Job Application Letter

with Biodata / Curriculum Vitae (CV)

CBSE Class 12 — English Writing Skills
Complete Study Material | Format • Theory • Samples • Practice Questions

1. What is a Job Application?

A Job Application is a formal letter written by a job seeker to a potential employer,
expressing interest in a vacant position and offering one's services. It is the primary
means through which a candidate introduces themselves to an employer.
In CBSE Class 12, a job application consists of TWO parts:
• The Covering Letter (also called the Forwarding Letter or Letter of Application)
• The Biodata / Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume

📌 CBSE Exam Note: As per current CBSE guidelines, writing the CV/Biodata
along with the covering letter is MANDATORY unless the question specifically
says otherwise. The total word limit is 120–150 words for the letter and 150–
200 words for the complete application including biodata.

2. Exam Pattern and Marks Distribution

In the CBSE Class 12 English board examination, Job Application appears under the
Writing Skills section as a Long Answer Question (LAQ). It carries 5 marks in total.

Component Marks Sub-marks

Format 1 Mark

Content 2 Marks

Expression 2 Marks

TOTAL 5 Marks

📌 One question out of two given options must be attempted. The question
may be based on a newspaper advertisement (verbal input) or a visual
advertisement.
3. Format of the Covering Letter
The covering letter follows the same structure as a formal/official letter. Each
component is explained below:

A. Sender's Address
Write your complete address at the top-left. Do NOT write your name here — only the
address. In the exam, use the address given in the question.
Example: 45, Park Street Kolkata – 700016

B. Date
Write the date directly below the sender's address, on the left side. Use the format: Day
Month Year.
Example: 25 April 20XX OR April 25, 20XX

C. Receiver's Address
Write the full name (if given), designation, organisation name, and address of the
person you are writing to.
Example: The Managing Director The Radisson Hotel Amritsar –
143001

D. Subject Line
Begin with 'Sub:' or 'Subject:' and write a brief, clear subject in one line. Underline it or
write it in bold.
Example: Sub: Application for the post of Receptionist

E. Salutation
Use 'Sir' or 'Madam' (or 'Sir/Madam') as the salutation. Do NOT use 'Dear Sir' in a job
application — simply 'Sir' is the standard CBSE format.

F. Body of the Letter

The body is divided into three paragraphs:
Paragraph 1 — Reference: Mention the source (newspaper name), date of the
advertisement, and the post you are applying for.
Paragraph 2 — Suitability: Briefly state your qualifications, experience, and
personal qualities that make you suitable for the post.
Paragraph 3 — Enclosure & Request: Mention the enclosed biodata. Request an
interview. End on a positive, confident note.

G. Complimentary Close
Use 'Yours faithfully' (when you do not know the person's name) or 'Yours sincerely'
(when you know their name). 'Yours faithfully' is most common in job applications.

H. Signature and Name

Sign below the complimentary close and write your name in capital letters beneath the
signature.
I. Enclosures
After the signature, list all documents being attached:
Encl.: i. Bio-data ii. Copies of certificates iii. Passport-size photograph

4. Format of the Biodata / CV / Resume

The biodata is always written on a separate section after the covering letter. Write 'BIO-
DATA' or 'CURRICULUM VITAE' as the heading (centred and underlined).
The biodata is divided into four main parts:

Part 1 — Personal Details

NAME : ___________________________
FATHER'S NAME : ___________________________
DATE OF BIRTH (in full: e.g. 5 April 19XX) :
___________________________
AGE : ___________________________
ADDRESS : ___________________________
CONTACT NO. : ___________________________
EMAIL ID : ___________________________
NATIONALITY (Indian) : ___________________________
MARITAL STATUS : ___________________________

Part 2 — Educational Qualifications

Always present in tabular form with the following columns:

Examination Board/University Institution Year Percentage

Class X (AISSE) CBSE XYZ School 20XX XX%

Class XII (AISSCE) CBSE XYZ School 20XX XX%

Graduation University Name College Name 20XX XX%

Part 3 — Work Experience

Write from the most recent to the oldest. Mention the name of the organisation, role,
and duration.
Example: Worked as Sales Executive at ABC Enterprises, Delhi (2020–2023)

Part 4 — Additional Information

• ACHIEVEMENTS / EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
• HOBBIES
• LANGUAGES KNOWN
• SKILLS
 • SALARY EXPECTED (write: Negotiable)
• REFERENCES (give two — name, designation, organisation)
DECLARATION (OPTIONAL)
I hereby declare that the above mentioned information is true and correct to the
best of my knowledge and belief.
Place: ___________ Signature: ___________
Date: ___________ Name: ___________

5. Useful Phrases for the Covering Letter

Opening Lines (Paragraph 1)
• With reference to your advertisement published in [newspaper] dated [date], I
wish to offer my candidature for the post of [post].
• In response to your advertisement in [newspaper], dated [date], requiring [post], I
offer myself as a suitable candidate.
• This is with reference to the advertisement published in the esteemed daily,
[newspaper], on [date]. I intend to apply for the post of [post].
• I am writing to express my keen interest in the post of [post] advertised in
[newspaper] on [date].

Middle Lines (Paragraph 2 — Suitability)

• I fulfil all the conditions laid down in your advertisement.
• I possess the requisite qualifications and experience for the said post.
• I am a young, dynamic, and hardworking individual with sound health and a
pleasing personality.
• I have a good command of both Hindi and English and possess excellent
communication skills.
• I am confident that I shall prove to be an asset to your esteemed organisation.

Closing Lines (Paragraph 3 — Enclosure & Request)

• I am enclosing my biodata for your perusal and kind consideration.
• I have attached my detailed biodata for your review.
• I assure you that if selected, I shall work with full sincerity and dedication.
• I am available for an interview at any day and time convenient to you.
• I look forward to a favourable response from your end.
• Hoping to hear from you at the earliest.
6. Do's and Don'ts
✔ Do's
✔ Follow the correct CBSE format strictly — format carries 1 mark.
✔ Write within the word limit: 120–150 words for the letter; 150–200 overall.
✔ Use formal, polite, and precise language throughout.
✔ Always mention the newspaper name, advertisement date, and post clearly.
✔ Highlight relevant qualifications and personal qualities in the body.
✔ Always include a biodata (CV) unless the question says not to.
✔ Draw a pencil box around the biodata section.
✔ Use a pencil and scale to underline the subject line after finishing.
✔ Leave adequate spacing between paragraphs for a neat presentation.
✔ End on a positive note — request an interview and assure sincerity.

✘ Don'ts
✘ Do NOT mention your own real name, school name, or personal address in the
exam.
✘ Do NOT brag excessively or use a humble, ingratiating tone — be balanced and
confident.
✘ Do NOT use slang, abbreviations, or informal language.
✘ Do NOT write in a single paragraph — always use separate paragraphs.
✘ Do NOT mix formats — stick to one consistent style throughout.
✘ Do NOT exceed the word limit.
✘ Do NOT write qualifications in prose — always use a table for educational
details.
✘ Do NOT forget the declaration in the biodata.
7. Solved Samples
Sample 1 — Post of Receptionist (Hotel)
Question: You are Sudha/Sudhir Sharma, residing at 32, Dilshad Garden, Lucknow.
You read an advertisement for the post of a Receptionist in The Radisson Hotel,
Amritsar in The Times of India dated 28 August 20XX. Write a letter to the Managing
Director applying for the same. Attach a biodata.

32, Dilshad Garden

Lucknow – 226001

1 September 20XX

The Managing Director

The Radisson Hotel
Amritsar – 143001

Sir

Sub: Application for the post of Receptionist

With reference to the advertisement published in The Times of

India, dated 28 August 20XX for the post of a Receptionist in
your esteemed hotel, I would like to offer my candidature for the
same.

I am a graduate with a Post-Graduate Diploma in French Language

from IGNOU. I have been working as a Receptionist at Oberoi
Hotel, Lucknow since 2017. I am fluent in Hindi, English,
Punjabi, and French. I possess excellent communication skills and
a pleasing personality.

I am enclosing my biodata for your perusal and kind

consideration.
I am available for an interview at your convenience. I assure you
that if selected, I shall work with utmost sincerity and
dedication.

Yours faithfully
Sudha Sharma

Encl.:
i. Bio-data
ii. Copies of certificates

BIO-DATA
NAME : Sudha Sharma
FATHER'S NAME : Sh. Ramesh Sharma
 DATE OF BIRTH : 15 March 1993
AGE : 27 years
ADDRESS : 32, Dilshad Garden, Lucknow – 226001
CONTACT NO. : 9425094250
E-MAIL ID : sudhasharma@[Link]
NATIONALITY : Indian
MARITAL STATUS : Unmarried

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Examination Board/University Institution Year Percentage

AISSE CBSE XYZ School, 2009 81%

Lucknow

AISSCE CBSE XYZ School, 2011 85%

Lucknow

B.A. Lucknow Govt. College 2014 75%

University

PG Diploma IGNOU IGNOU, Delhi 2016 88%

(French)

WORK EXPERIENCE : Receptionist, Oberoi Hotel, Lucknow (2017 –

Present)

EXTRA-CURRICULAR : Secretary, Three-Arts Club, Govt. College,

Lucknow (2013)

HOBBIES : Reading and Trekking

LANGUAGES KNOWN : Hindi, English, Punjabi, French

SALARY EXPECTED : Negotiable

REFERENCES :
(1) Dr. Ashutosh Sharma, General Manager, Oberoi Hotel, Lucknow
(2) Dr. Surekha Roy, HOD, Political Science, Govt. College,
Lucknow

DECLARATION: I hereby declare that the above information is true

to
the best of my knowledge and belief.

Place: Lucknow Signature: ___________

Date : 1 September 20XX Name: Sudha Sharma
Sample 2 — Post of Political Science Teacher
Question: Bal Vidya Public School, Bhilai, urgently requires a post-graduate teacher to
teach Political Science, advertised in The Bhilai Express. You are Sanjay/Sanjana
Sharma, 21, Vasant Marg, Bhilai. Draft a letter with CV. (120–150 words) [CBSE 2018]

21, Vasant Marg

Bhilai – 490001
Chhattisgarh

2 June 20XX

The Principal
Bal Vidya Public School
Ravidas Marg, Bhilai – 490001

Sir/Madam

Sub: Application for the post of PGT (Political Science)

With reference to your advertisement in The Bhilai Express, dated

25 February 20XX for the post of a Post-Graduate Teacher in
Political Science, I wish to offer my candidature for the same.

I am a post-graduate in Political Science with a [Link]. degree

from a recognised university. I have five years of teaching
experience in senior secondary classes. My students have
consistently performed well in board examinations. I have
excellent communication skills and am well-versed in
co-curricular activities.

I am enclosing a copy of my bio-data and testimonials for your

perusal.
I am available for an interview on any day of your convenience.
I assure you of my utmost sincerity and dedication.

Yours faithfully
Sanjana Sharma

Encl.: i. Bio-data
ii. Copies of certificates

BIO-DATA
NAME : Sanjana Sharma
FATHER'S NAME : Sh. Deepak Sharma
DATE OF BIRTH : 10 July 1990
AGE : 33 years
ADDRESS : 21, Vasant Marg, Bhilai – 490001
 CONTACT NO. : 98XXXXXXXX
E-MAIL ID : [Link]@[Link]
NATIONALITY : Indian
MARITAL STATUS : Married

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Examination Board/University Institution Year Percentage

Class X CBSE Govt. School, 2005 88%

Bhilai

Class XII CBSE Govt. School, 2007 82%

Bhilai

B.A. (Pol. Sci.) Pt. RSU Govt. College 2010 79%

M.A. (Pol. Sci.) Pt. RSU Govt. College 2012 81%

[Link]. IGNOU IGNOU 2013 76%

WORK EXPERIENCE :
• PGT (Pol. Sci.), Springfield School, Bhilai (2014 – 2019)
• PGT (Pol. Sci.), DPS, Raipur (2019 – Present)

ACHIEVEMENTS : Won Best Teacher Award, DPS Raipur (2022)

HOBBIES : Reading, Writing, Debate

LANGUAGES KNOWN : Hindi, English, Chhattisgarhi

SALARY EXPECTED : Negotiable

REFERENCES :
(1) Dr. Priya Joshi, Principal, DPS Raipur
(2) Dr. A.K. Verma, HOD, Pol. Sci., Pt. RSU, Raipur

DECLARATION: I hereby declare that the above information is true

to
the best of my knowledge.

Place: Bhilai Signature: ___________

Date : 2 June 20XX Name: Sanjana Sharma
Sample 3 — Post of Marketing Executive (Fresh Graduate)
Question: You are Vihan/Vandana Kapadia, a recent Commerce graduate from
National College of Commerce, Surat. You see an advertisement in The Times of India
for the post of Marketing Executive. Apply with biodata. [CBSE 2024 Pattern]

27, Lal Bungalow

Surat – 395001
Gujarat

16 May 20XX

The HR Manager
Sunrise Sales Pvt. Ltd.
Ring Road, Surat – 395002

Sir/Madam

Sub: Application for the post of Marketing Executive

With reference to your advertisement published in The Times of

India, dated 12 May 20XX for the post of Marketing Executive, I
wish to submit my application for the same.

I am a recent Commerce graduate from the National College of

Commerce, Surat, with strong communication and analytical skills.
During my studies, I developed a keen interest in market analysis
and brand promotion. I also possess working knowledge of AI and
digital marketing tools. I am a young, energetic, and highly
motivated individual.

I have attached my detailed biodata for your consideration. I am

confident that my skills and enthusiasm will be a valuable asset
to your organisation. I am available for an interview at your
convenience.

Yours faithfully
Vihan Kapadia

Encl.: i. Bio-data ii. Copies of certificates

BIO-DATA
NAME : Vihan Kapadia
FATHER'S NAME : Sh. Ramesh Kapadia
DATE OF BIRTH : 3 January 2002
AGE : 22 years
ADDRESS : 27, Lal Bungalow, Surat – 395001
CONTACT NO. : 98XXXXXXXX
E-MAIL ID : [Link]@[Link]
 NATIONALITY : Indian
MARITAL STATUS : Unmarried

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Examination Board/University Institution Year Percentage

Class X CBSE Sunrise 2018 91%

School, Surat

Class XII CBSE Sunrise 2020 88%

School, Surat

[Link] (Hons) Veer Narmad Uni. Nat. College, 2023 82%

Surat

SKILLS : Digital Marketing, MS Office, AI Tools, Data

Analysis

ACHIEVEMENTS : College Topper – [Link] 2023; Won inter-

college
debate competition, 2022

HOBBIES : Travelling, Stock Market Analysis, Reading

LANGUAGES KNOWN : Hindi, English, Gujarati

SALARY EXPECTED : Negotiable

REFERENCES :
(1) Dr. Meena Shah, HOD Commerce, Nat. College of Commerce,
Surat
(2) Mr. Arvind Patel, Placement Officer, Nat. College, Surat

DECLARATION: I hereby declare that the information provided above

is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

Place: Surat Signature: ___________

Date : 16 May 20XX Name: Vihan Kapadia
8. Practice Questions
📌 Attempt all questions within 120–150 words for the covering letter. Always
attach a biodata. Invent necessary details.

1. You are Anand/Arti of 14, Model Town, Delhi. You have seen an advertisement
in The Hindu for the post of Chief Chef in a 5-Star Hotel. Apply for the job with
complete biodata in 125–150 words.
2. You are Prem/Parul, 16, TT Nagar, Bhopal. You want to apply for the post of
Marketing Manager in a reputable firm in Mumbai. Write a letter to the Public
Relations Officer, Chaitanya Enterprises, Mumbai, in 120–150 words. Give your
biodata.
3. You are Arvind/Aarti Sinha, Marine Vihar, Mumbai. You come across an
advertisement in 'The Times Today' for the position of School Counsellor at New
Dawn Public School, Mumbai. Write an application with a detailed resume in
120–150 words.
4. You are Damanjit Singh, a fresh graduate of Film-Making (BFA) from JTTI,
Chandigarh. You saw an advertisement for the post of Assistant Director in Mili
Johar Arts, Mumbai. Write a letter of application with your bio-data in 120–150
words.
5. Sunshine Public School, Pune, requires a Sports Coach. You have seen their
advertisement and possess a degree in Physical Education along with SAI
certification. You are Ankit/Ankita Verma, 45, MG Road, Pune. Write the
application with biodata. (120–150 words) [CBSE Board Question]
6. You are Shilpa/Sameer, Bangalore. While browsing The Hindustan Times, you
see an advertisement for a Receptionist in an upcoming food processing unit in
Golagaon. The requirement mentions: fluency in English, good communication
skills, and 2–3 years of computer experience. Apply with biodata.

9. Quick Revision Checklist

Before submitting your answer in the exam, run through this checklist:

✔ Sender's address is written correctly (top-left, no name).

✔ Date is below the address.
✔ Receiver's address includes designation and organisation.
✔ Subject line is clear, concise, and underlined.
✔ Salutation is 'Sir' or 'Madam'.
✔ Paragraph 1 — Source, date of advertisement, and post mentioned.
✔ Paragraph 2 — Qualifications, experience, and qualities stated.
✔ Paragraph 3 — Biodata mentioned as enclosure; interview requested.
✔ Complimentary close is 'Yours faithfully'.
✔ Name is written in CAPITALS below the signature.
✔ Enclosures are listed after the signature.
✔ Biodata heading (BIO-DATA) is written, centred and underlined.
✔ All personal details are filled in the biodata.
✔ Qualifications are in tabular form.
✔ Declaration is included at the end of the biodata.
✔ Biodata is enclosed in a pencil box.
✔ Word limit is within 120–150 words for the letter.

— End of Study Material —