How do you write a work experience request letter?

Keep it under 150 words and include six things: who you are, your school and year, the exact dates you need, one specific reason for choosing that employer, an offer to help with any task, and confirmation that your school provides the paperwork, insurance and risk assessment. Address a named person and give a contact number.

Should I email or post a work experience letter?

Email offices, schools, practices and anywhere with a website contact address. Print it and hand it in at shops, cafés, salons and workshops, where the person who decides is usually behind the counter.

How many places should I contact?

Build a list of twenty and expect most not to reply. Send five at a time, keep a log of who you contacted and when, and follow up once after a week.

Work Experience Request Letter and Email Templates

Q: What do I do if nobody replies?

Follow up once, then ask for a single half day instead of a week, approach charities, libraries and clubs, and tell your careers lead early so you can agree an alternative such as a virtual programme, volunteering or a self-directed project.

By Kim Loudon · 7 September 2026 · 7 min read · Category: For Teens

A work experience request works when it is under 150 words and contains six things: who you are, your school and year, the exact dates, one specific reason for choosing that employer, an offer to do any useful task, and confirmation that your school provides the paperwork and insurance.

What every request needs

Your name, school and year group. The exact dates, because employers decide on dates before they decide on the person. One specific reason for choosing them. An offer to do the unglamorous jobs. The reassurance that school handles forms, insurance and the risk assessment. A contact number so a yes takes one call.

The five templates

All free to copy from the page, nothing to sign up for: the main email that gets replies, a shorter version asking for a single half day, a one-time follow-up, a version for a parent or carer to send alongside, and the thank-you that gets you invited back for weekend or holiday work.

How to send them

Print and hand-deliver to shops, cafés, salons, garages and workshops. Email offices, schools, nurseries, vets and pharmacies, addressed to a named person from their website. Ask family and neighbours who to send it to first. Keep a log of business, contact, date sent, follow-up and outcome.

If nobody replies

Silence is normal. Switch to the half-day template, add charities, libraries and clubs, and tell your careers lead early so you can agree an alternative in writing. One option is running your own week - a real idea, costed, priced and put in front of customers - though your school, and only your school, decides whether that meets their requirement.