Letter of application in the French language. General informations
In French, a letter of application or a cover letter is called lettre de motivation or lettre d'accompagnement.
When writing a letter of application for a job in a French speaking country, begin by placing your personal details in the top left-hand corner of your sheet of paper:
o First name, last name; in this order
o Address
o Telephone, fax
o Email
Then place the basic details of the company in the top right-hand of the letter. If addressed to a particular person, indicate their name above the address. Example: Monsieur le Directeur du personnel
Write the city you are writing from and the date below the company info. Example: Paris, le 3 avril 2005
If answering a job advertisement with a reference number, indicate the number on the left side, after the date, with "Ref. :" or "Objet :"
If your contact is a man, address him by "Monsieur", or "Cher Monsieur". You should address a woman with "Madame", or "Chère Madame". If you don't have a contact name, address your letter of application with "Monsieur, Madame".
Avoid beginning your letter using the pronoun "je". Try to avoid using the pronoun "je" too often.
Always remember that the letter of application should get the interest of the employer in order to obtain an interview. Therefore, try to keep it short (one page maximum) and clear.
If you answer an ad, specify where and when you found the ad.
Develop a separate paragraph for each of the characteristics listed in the ad and explain why you are applying.
It is indicated to show interest regarding the company.
Strengthen your application with concrete examples of your professional experience or education
When writing the letter of application, you can suggest an interview.
End your letter with an appropriate "formule de politesse" (a ready-made phrase which is the French equivalent of "Yours Faithfully"):
If you started your letter with "Madame, Monsieur," end with: "Je vous prie d'agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées." This is the most neutral and proper ending.
If you know you are writing to a woman, use, "Je vous prie d'agréer, Madame, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées."
If writing to a man, end with: "Je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées."
Do not forget to sign your letter.
If you are sending a cold-calling letter follow the 3-axes line :
The first paragraph should be about the employer: Get some information on the company beforehand and demonstrate in your letter that you know the company, its activities, its foreseen evolution.
The second paragraph is about you as a suitable candidate: describe the qualities you will bring to the company (experience, education). Specify the type of position you are seeking; it is not the company's task to find your position for you.
The third paragraph is about how you will be a good match with the company: discuss how your employment will be mutually beneficial for both you and the company. Suggest you would be glad to discuss such issues in further details during an interview.
Always end your letter of application with an appropriate "formule de politesse".
