Cover letters

How to write?

The crucial points concerning the general layout of your cover letter follow these rules:

Essential:

• your contact data
• a specific recipient
• a plain white background
• use politeness (general text and formula)
• date and signature
• perfect spelling and grammar
• ventilate the presentation (space between paragraphs, margins...)

To proscribe:

• going over one page
• repeat information from your CV
• visible crossings-out or corrections
• using clichés
• negative words or expressions

Handwritten or typed ?

• In the UK & in the US cover letters are always typed. Even though handwritten letters are less used in France today due to the growth of on-line job applications, they are still required for applications sent by post. You may also be asked to provide a handwritten letter at a later stage of the recruitment process.
• Our advice : don't cheat with your writing!
  eg. Don't ask a friend to write your letter for you, as this could have negative consequences for you later.
  Just try to adopt a clean and legible handwriting.

When you apply on Internet, you often have to choose between several different ways of sending your application:

• Using your personal e-mail account
  
  You have several possibilities, it's up to you to choose:
  - include your letter as an attachment.
  - copy the contents of your letter (minus the addresses) into the body text of your e-mail.
  - write your main reason for applying in the body text of your e-mail (giving a brief summary to interest your recipient) and then send your letter in its entirety as an attachment.
  
  
• Directly online via an Internet website
  
  Depending on the website you use, you will have the choice between:
  - copy and paste your letter into a form
  - attach your document by uploading your personal files

• When should a cover letter be used?
• What should a cover letter be like?
• What should a cover letter say?