Many students looking for a work-study program put a lot of effort into their CV, but forget to write a good cover letter. Although not always mandatory, this letter is an important differential in an application. In this article, we give you the best tips for writing it.
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The cover letter is usually the recruiter’s first impression of you. It can therefore be decisive for your chances of moving on to the next phase of the company selection process. To find a alternation, the process is very similar to that of job search.
What is a good cover letter?
Increasingly requested in the recruitment process, the cover letter is a document that generally accompanies the CV at a candidate recruitment. It is the instrument used to present their motivations in relation to the vacant post. Each cover letter must therefore be unique and prepared according to the specifics of the desired position and of the company.
It is a brief document, but one where you must keep a tone of formality in the writing. In addition to the function of introducing yourself, the difference that the cover letter brings to the CV is the emphasis placed on candidate’s personality.
Thus, the letter should present who you are, highlighting your qualities and experiences, instead of just listing them by topic, as is the case in CVs, which are very direct and brief.
When should I send a cover letter?
The cover letter is usually sent in three situations: candidacy.
- When you send your CV by email to respond to a job offeralternation.
- When making contact for a free application through the “Join us” sections, located on the sites web enterprises.
- Through work-study websites such as APEC, Monster, Indeed or others.
How should the cover letter be structured?
The structure of a cover letter is essential. At the first strokeeye, a recruiter can put aside a candidate who does not respect the writing codes specific to the cover letter. The cover letter generally follows the following order of information:
- top left: your last name, first name, full address and telephone number;
- top right: surname, first name, title and address of the recipient (the company);
- then, in the middle: place and date;
- finally, in the body of the text:
- initial greeting: “Madam, Sir,” or the name of your interlocutor if you know him;
- letter text: between 300 and 500 words, between three and five paragraphs, approximately;
- your name and signature.
What to write in the cover letter?
The body of the letter, which will include the message to send to the recruiter and the information that you have deemed relevant to your subject, should be divided as follows:
Explain your interest inalternation and show your motivation.
Experiences and references
Objectively summarize your academic training and professional experience, relating your knowledge and skills to the position to be filled. Explain why you would be a good candidate for a work-study program within the company.
Mention the relevant experiences obtained during your studies and your various internships or student jobs. If you want to be more specific in your information, you can insert references from your former managers.
Make it clear that you are available for a maintenance or to participate in the organization selection process. End your cover letter with a cordial greeting.
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