The cover letter helps reading your CV by emphasizing the strong points of your experience. The cover letter must not repeat what’s already in the CV.

The cover letter must fit in one page.

Never improvise your letter writing. You must lay out a detailed plan in at least 3 paragraphs.

A/ THE CONTENT :

You don’t write the same letter if you’re answering an ad or if you send an unsolicited application.

- For an unsolicited application:

The cover letter is divided in 6 parts:

1/ Heading :

State your name and address on the top left and those of the addressee lower on the right. Identify the addressee: try to get the name of the person in charge of recruitment. An application must be sent to a specific person. The name must be correctly spelled (do not hesitate to call company’s reception to inquire).

There’s nothing more unpleasant than to start your letter with “Dear Sir” when the person is a woman.

Put the date below addressee’s address.

2/ Subject matter :

State the subject matter of your letter and the position for which you’re applying: “Unsolicited application – Product Manager Children’s wear.”.

3/ L’introduction :

Speak about the company, from the information you’ve gotten. .

4/ Development :

Speak about you, about your work experience. Clearly define the job you’re interested in and what you think you can bring the company and the post. Convey your motivation.

5/ Meeting proposal :

Propose a meeting at recruiter’s convenience. You may set a deadline to call company back and agree on an appointment in the near future.

6/ Letter ending :

Be simple and direct.

Don’t forget to sign your letter!

B/THE FORM:

Since most CV’s are sent by email these days, the cover letter may be typed. If the recruiter is interested in your application, he may ask you to send a hand-written letter. You may also state: “Hand-written letter sent upon request” in a PS.

If you wish, you can send your application by mail with a hand-written cover letter.

Take care over presentation. Use good quality paper, not squared paper. Leave right and left margins. Don’t forget to lighten by skipping lines. Have a few people read your CV to avoid spelling mistakes.

Don’t photocopy your motivation letters leaving a blank to change company’s name. The recruiter will easily see that it’s a copy.

CONCLUSION :

You letter must different and customized for each targeted company.
To stand out from other applications, it’s good to attach a report on the last mission carried out for your former employer.
Next month, find out how to write a cover letter in reply to an ad.