Letter asking to delay a job start date
This is a model answer written to show what a Band 7 response looks like against the marking criteria. It is a worked example, not a graded submission. To see your own band, paste your writing into the free checker.
The prompt
You have accepted a new job, but you are unable to start on the agreed date. Write a letter to your new employer. In your letter:
- thank them for the offer and confirm your interest
- explain why you cannot start on the agreed date
- propose a new start date
Band 7 model answer (158 words)
Dear Ms Vickers,
Thank you again for offering me the position of logistics coordinator at Brightway Ltd. I remain delighted to accept and am very much looking forward to joining the team.
I am writing, however, to ask whether my start date could be moved. We had agreed on Monday 3 August, but my current employer has reminded me that my contract requires six weeks' notice rather than the four I had assumed. As I gave notice on the day I received your offer, I am obliged to remain here until 21 August.
I would therefore like to propose Monday 24 August as my new start date. I appreciate that this may cause some inconvenience, and I would be glad to complete any paperwork or introductory reading in the evenings before then, so that I can begin at full speed.
I apologise sincerely for the change and thank you in advance for your understanding.
Yours sincerely,
Ahmed Karim
Why this reaches Band 7
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Task Achievement
The tricky first bullet is handled before the problem: enthusiasm is confirmed ("I remain delighted to accept") so the delay cannot be read as cold feet. The reason is specific and blameless, and the new date is exact.
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Coherence and Cohesion
Reassurance, problem, solution, apology: the order is doing real work here, and "I am writing, however" turns the letter smoothly from thanks to business.
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Lexical Resource
Precise professional wording such as "obliged to remain", "cause some inconvenience" and "introductory reading", with no casual slips in a delicate situation.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Flexible complex grammar, including the indirect question "whether my start date could be moved" and a past-perfect contrast ("the four I had assumed"), used accurately.
The one fix to reach Band 7
Band 6 attempts open with the problem and leave the employer wondering whether the writer still wants the job. The single change that reaches Band 7 is running the first bullet first: reconfirm your acceptance warmly before you ask for anything.
Now check your own answer.
Paste your own attempt at this prompt and Examinerly names the single criterion keeping you below your target band, and shows the sentence-level fix. We never inflate your band.
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