Cover Letter or "Self-Marketing"

A cover letter explains to the recruiter why you are applying to their company. It should encourage them to offer you an interview. Some letters are often met with reluctance: those that are several pages long, monotonous ones, those that replace the CV or lack coherence. But there are also letters that are disastrous. For example, those that falsely recommend someone or the one from the candidate who addresses the wrong recipient. To avoid clichés, irrelevant information, and commonplaces, you must keep it simple. This is the only way your letter will stand out.

1. A Classic Layout

Your name and address should appear at the top left of the letter. On the right, write your city and the date. Below, still on the right, indicate the name of your recipient, their company, and their address. This will show that you made the effort to learn about your contact person. Then comes the written part of the letter, which should occupy two-thirds of the page. Whether your letter is handwritten or typed, your signature is required at the bottom right.

2. All on One Page

Ideally, everything should fit on one page. To be effective, the style should be clear, the sentences simple and concise. Do not exceed fifteen lines, whether the letter is sent by email or mail. This makes the recruiter's job easier and shows your ability to synthesize.

3. A Short Hook

The first sentence is important. It should be written like a journalistic hook. There is no need to launch into a long tirade listing your education, position, and experience. Similarly, originality rarely pays off. It is customary to start by talking about the company, answering this implied question: "Why are you writing to this particular company?" You can demonstrate that you are interested in the company's evolution and its strategy.

4. Sure Skills

The heart of your letter consists of the passage mentioning your skills. What is your profile, and what do you want to highlight? What do you offer to the company you are applying to? Use action verbs. Project yourself into the position you are seeking. Show that you know what you want by targeting a particular sector of activity or specific responsibilities.

5. The Interview Request

The request for an interview and polite closing remarks come at the end. There are countless options: "Please accept, Mr. X, my distinguished greetings," "Please accept, Madam Y, the expression of my consideration." Finally, don't hesitate to follow up (see box). This will demonstrate your motivation.

Published April 20, 2007

Posted online May 26, 2009

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