INTRODUCTION :

The cover letter must allow the recruiter to understand why you’re answering is job offer or why you send it to him. You must make him understand that you know who he is and what he’s looking for and that you match his needs.

The cover letter helps the reading of 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.
- In reply to an ad:

In an ad company’s needs are clearly presented, lots of answers will be received. So you have to try and put yourself in the recruiter’s shoes: analyse company, their needs and why you can meet those needs.

1/ Heading :

State your name and address on the top left and those of the addressee lower on the right (it’s usually stated in the ad).

Put the date below addressee’s address.

2/ Subject matter :

State the reference number of the job you’re applying for.

3/ Your motivation :

Show what’s of interest to you in the ad and how it relates to your work experience.

4/ Your contribution :

Mention your strong points and skills that may be of interest to company.

Make your plus points clear, and put emphasis on the differences you feel you have with other applicants: motivation, language, knowledge of the branch.

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.

Carole GLASMAN

CG CONSEIL R.H.