how to write a job application letter in french

What is a cover letter/motivational letter in France?

In France as in many other countries, it is very usual and almost a must, to send a cover letter with you CV, when you apply for a job.

A cover letter, are used to introduce yourself to the persons that are hiring personnel for a job. In this letter, the candidate should explain reason why he/she considers that he/she is an appropriate candidate for the job offered.Employers or HHR personnel are looking for letter written by the candidate for the specific position, in a polite way, and showing good attitude and interest in the job offered.

These letters of introduction are used as first filter for the employers. That will discard anyone that doesn´t show interest, or have not the required communication skills required to write an appropriate letter.

Note that when you apply for a paid job, the letter used to be called “ Cover letter “. While when apply for an internship, master, university, etc. The kind of letter used is a “ Motivational letter “. In this articicle, we will focus in cover letters for job applications.

Cover letter in French examples

In the following list you can find examples of cover letters (In French “Lettres de motivation” ) written in French. Some on them generic, and other ones specific for different job positions or sectors.

French “lettres de motivación” (cover letters) has a tipical paragraph structure. Here you can find some classical templates of cover letters

Cover letter / Classical model
Classical cover letter II
Classical cover letter III
Cover letter IV
Cover letter / Direct introduction
Motivational cover letter
Cover letter V

Cover letters by job position / economic sector

Are you looking to apply for a job in a specific position and you need a cover letter in French ? In France it´s very usual to be required to send a cover letter with your CV, and to explain in this letter why you consider you are the appropiate person for the job

Cover letter samples for the Restaurant / Catering Industry in France

Restaurant / catering industry general cover letter
Cover letter for fast food industry
Cover letter for waiter/waitres positions
Cover letter for restaurant manager positions
Cover letter for dining room manager
Cover letter for Sommelier (sumiller)
Cover letter for pastry baker positions
Cover letter for kitchen head chef positions
Cover letter for fast food delivery positions
Cover letter for dining room assistant

Cover letter examples for Hotel & Tourism industry

Hotel and tourism industries in France are important economic activities and generated thousand of jobs each year.

Recepcionist
Manager assistant
Room service waiter/waitress
Hotel porter (bellman)
Retirement Village worker
Tourism office director
Tourism consultant
Cleaning personnel

Cover letter examples for Engineering / Industrial sector

In the engineering and industrial sector, a cover letter can make the difference when applying for a job. In the following list you can download cover letter for different positions in these sectors, and customize them for your specific job application.

Agricultural Engineer
IT Engineer
Engineering assistant
Industrial Designer
Logistic Coordinator
Food Industry worker

how to write a job application letter in french

French Cover Letter: Lettre De Motivation

If you’re applying for jobs in France as a student, immigrant, or ex-pat, you need a perfectly written French CV. But, that only will not get you a job in France. Most companies expect a cover letter written in French STYLE – a well-written French Cover Letter that complements your resume.

French Cover Letter Example

Jason Shah Assistant administratif [email protected] 01 34 75 83 51 Paris 20 juin 2022

Manon Lavigne Premier Contenx Paris, France

Lettre de motivation pour le poste d'assistant administratif

Monsieur Dupont,

Je suis une assistante administrative dévouée avec plus de 5 ans d'expérience dans l'administration générale et l'acquisition de talents - diplômée de l'Université de San Francisco avec une licence de première classe en RH et lisant pour le Master en Administration des Affaires en France.

Dans mon précédent poste d'assistante administrative pour Groupon à New York, je me suis occupée de l'acquisition de talents, de la formation et du développement, et de l'administration générale - j'ai travaillé pour le PDG en gérant son agenda, en programmant ses réunions et en l'aidant à gérer l'équipe.

J'ai toujours été passionnée par le fait de travailler pour une agence de marketing basée en France et j'ai été particulièrement amusée par le travail et la clientèle de Premier Contenx.

C'est avec plaisir que je discuterai de ce poste lors d'un entretien et j'espère pouvoir démontrer en quoi mes qualifications et mon expérience correspondent à vos exigences pour le plus grand succès de l'entreprise.

Salutations distinguées,

We’ve created this comprehensive guide to writing a French le modèle cover letter with plenty of examples tailored to different professions.

The article also includes:

French cover letter styling guide to impress the native hiring managers.
A step-by-step guide to writing each section of the cover letter.
Pro tips to make your cover letter better than 95% of the other applications.

Here’s the good news. Our resume builder is capable of creating your French cover letter in less than 10 minutes – starting with a modern cover letter template that you could tailor to your requirement.

Meantime, let’s dive into writing the best version of your lettre de motivation.

How to Write a French Cover Letter

Writing a cover letter for a French hiring manager would have significant differences in the style and the content of the letter. French hiring managers always prefer well-structured formal letters.

As in any other region, a cover letter in France should demonstrate the applicant’s academic and professional background and their ability to meet the roles and responsibilities of the job.

Here’re some general guidelines for writing your cover letter:

Keep your cover letter to a single page
Avoid using too complicated words and long sentences
Avoid being too salesy and self-promoting
Keep your content to 3-4 short paragraphs
Use conventional fonts such as Arial or Times

French cover letter structure

The content on a French cover letter is quite different from an American cover letter – especially the order in which the content is written.

Here’s the structure we recommend for a French-style cover letter:

Opening greeting
First Paragraph: Introduction
Second Paragraph: key skills and experience
Third Paragraph: why you’re interested in the job/ company
Fourth Paragraph: Call to Action (CTA)
Complimentary close

📌 Tip: A general French cover letter should sound polite, cautious, and formal. For example, when addressing someone, use “vous” instead of “tu” which is the formal version of the word “you”.

Now, let’s break down how to write your cover letter step by step.

Start with the Header

French recruiters consider your cover letter as a formal letter – therefore, start your header with the information of the sender (the applicant) and the receiver (the hiring manager) – the same way you start any formal letter.

Sender Information

Start with your name followed by the position you’re applying for. Put your contact information including your personal e-mail address, telephone number, and the physical address (only if applicable). Put the date on which you’re writing the letter.

Garry Smith

Directeur du magasin

[email protected]

01 56 67 82 45

12 août 2022

Receiver Information

Put the name of the hiring manager or the person who reads your application – their position – company name – and the address.

Juliette Zoe

Responsable du recrutement

Techno Care

Paris, France

You won’t find out details about the recruiters on some occasions – then, use the company name and the address.

However, if the company has posted the job advertisement on LinkedIn, you’ll probably be able to find the hiring manager’s information. Addressing the hiring manager by their name is a great way to show that you have done your research.

Put the Letter’s Subject

As in any formal letter, you should write the subject of your cover letter. In this case, the subject should be the job and the position you’re applying for.

Lettre de motivation pour le poste de responsable de l'ingénierie

Lettre de motivation pour le poste d'assistant administratif

Lettre de motivation pour le poste de comptable financier

Opening Greeting

We recommend using a formal French greeting in your letter. Address the reader with Madame or Monsieur without mentioning their name again. When you are unsure of the gender of the person you address, use both.

Madame/ Monsieur,

Refer to this article for more greeting styles and important French resume phrases.

Paragraph 01: Start by Introducing Yourself

In American-style cover letters, the first paragraph is often a sales pitch to the hiring manager explaining the key achievements and accomplishments of the candidate.

French recruitment practices are a little different – the job market is academic-focused, whereas your degree has more value than your achievements in a previous job. If your degree matches the job requirements set by the employer, you’ll have a great chance of getting an interview.

Therefore, highlight the relevant educational background in the first paragraph itself – give a brief introduction to your academic and professional experience – show that you have the basic qualifications listed on the job description.

See the following example first paragraph for a store manager position.

Nach meinem Bachelor-Abschluss in Marketing an der University of Massachusetts in Boston, den ich mit Auszeichnung bestanden habe, absolvierte ich einen Zertifikatskurs für fortgeschrittene Einzelhandelsoperationen an der Eastern Finland University, der es mir ermöglichte, bei Carrefour in Paris als Filialleiter zu arbeiten.

Ich habe 2015 meinen Bachelor-Abschluss in Marketing gemacht und 2019 meinen Master abgeschlossen. Danach habe ich bei der Supermarktkette Carrefour als Betriebsleiter in einer ihrer Filialen angefangen.

Be specific about your academic qualifications – state the name of the degree, the year you graduated, and the university or institution name.

If you possess a couple of key technical skills required to perform the job duties, you could mention them in the first paragraph.

Paragraph 02: Key Experience that Makes You the Best

Demonstrate your key experience and skills relevant to the job in the second paragraph. In this, you do not have to limit yourself to your most recent work experience – instead, pick the right information from your career and compose them into a couple of sentences.

Always focus on putting the most demanding skills for the job. Read the job posting and find out the objectives of the employer in making this hire – address those issues and show them how your expertise could help solve those problems.

Use this space to showcase one or two of your greatest and most relevant achievements – add numbers to demonstrate the impact of your decisions on key business metrics such as profit, sales, annual target, employee turnover, customer satisfaction, etc.

light your skills and expertise without overdoing it. French hiring managers hate to see job candidates trying to oversell them on their cover letters. In fact, they expect raw facts on the cover letter instead of boasting about the brilliance of the candidate.

Bei meiner früheren Tätigkeit bei Carrefour in Paris war ich an der Durchführung von Marketing- und Werbekampagnen in den einzelnen Filialen beteiligt, habe Kundenanfragen und Beschwerden bearbeitet und Strategien zur Steigerung der Produktivität der Mitarbeiter entwickelt. Meine Vorschläge zum bestehenden Ladenplan haben dem Geschäft geholfen, seinen Umsatz im Jahr 2021 um 6 % zu steigern.

Bei Carrefour habe ich vor allem Erfahrungen in der Kundenbetreuung und im Einzelhandel gesammelt. Ich war auch an der Planung von Marketingkampagnen für besondere Anlässe beteiligt.

Paragraph 03: Express Your Interest in Joining the Firm

Though you’re sending your CV to multiple employers, you can’t send your cover letter to two different vacancies – the cover letter addresses the particular employer, the job, and the industry.

One of the main objectives of your cover letter is to convey your interest in the firm and the position – this is especially important for the candidates who are applying for their first jobs and for those who are in career transitions.

Research about the industry, the company, and the job you’re applying for, and establish what makes you interested in applying for the position. Employers love to hire candidates who have a genuine passion for the job.

Talk about the company’s mission, vision, purpose, or the strategies they used and align them with your personal career objectives.

Als leidenschaftlicher Einzelhandelskaufmann und Logistiker möchte ich mein Interesse bekunden, das Carrefour-Team bei seiner Mission zu unterstützen, ein großartiges Kundenerlebnis zu schaffen.

Ich möchte mich dem Carrefour-Team anschließen, um meine Karriere im Einzelhandel in einer gut bezahlten Position als Leiter eines etablierten Geschäfts in Paris auszubauen.

Paragraph 04: Finish with a Call to Action (CTA)

In your last paragraph, you should tell the hiring manager what to do next – the Call to Action.

This does not mean that your hiring manager doesn't know what to do next – but, you should know what to expect. In most cases, there will be a couple of interviews in the hiring process. French recruiters often call the shortlisted candidates for formal interviews instead of informal chats or meetings.

By stating your CTA, you should manifest your interest and readiness to meet them and talk about the specifics.

Es wird mir ein Vergnügen sein, mit Ihnen über meine Rolle als Filialleiter in Ihrer neuen Filiale zu sprechen und Ihnen zu zeigen, wie meine bisherigen Erfahrungen problemlos in Ihr Projekt einfließen können, um einen größeren Erfolg zu erzielen.

Falsches Beispiel

Ich freue mich darauf, bald von Ihnen zu hören

The French Cover Letter Closing

End your cover letter with a salutation. Be respectful and use a standard closing statement as in a formal letter.

How to Finish Your Letter?

Consider using the following closing sentences based on the situation.

Yours faithfully: Veuillez agréer mes l'expression de mes salutations distinguées
Yours sincerely: Salutations distinguées
Respectfully yours: Veuillez agréer l'expression de mes sentiments respectueux

All above salutations are used in formal conditions while “Yours Faithfully” is used when the recipient's name is not known.

🛑Vermeiden Sie informelle Anreden wie "Mit freundlichen Grüßen" oder "Beste Wünsche".

Tips to Improve Your Cover Letter in French

Take your French cover letter to the next level using these tips:

Get your French cover letter proofread by a native French speaker.
Find out who reads your cover letter so that you can personalize it with their name.
Identify the most troubling questions your potential employer faces and address them in your cover letter.
Keep the French cover letter formal all the time.
Consider using a modern cover letter template to make your application stand out.
For consistency, use the same or similar template for the CV and the cover letter.

Key Points: Writing a Perfect French Cover Letter

Follow the time-tested cover letter structure we recommended.
Avoid casual and informal language – maintain a formal and respectful tone throughout.
Tailor your cover letter to the firm, job, and the industry you’re applying for.
Use 3 to 4 short paragraphs with clear objectives.
Include a CTA.
Showcase your excitement for the job throughout the letter.

Complement Your Cover Letter with the Right Resume

A French resume is a one or two page comprehensive document highlighting the candidate’s education, previous experience, and skills.

The resume is a part of every job application. You can send your resume without a cover letter, but not the other way around.

The resume draws an overall picture of the candidate while the cover letter addresses a specific job or an employer.

Create a great resume and a cover letter that complement each other. Pick a matching template and start creating both your resume and the cover letter on our ready-to-fill resume builder . Apply to hundreds of jobs in France faster than ever.

Do cover letters necessary for jobs in France?

Most job advertisements in France require you to submit a cover letter along with your resume. Even if the job posting does not explicitly mention the requirement of a cover letter, it's always safe to send one.

A cover letter conveys your interest to the hiring manager in the job. There is a clear difference between sending a generic CV to 100 job postings and sending a tailored cover letter with each application.

Should I include a photo on my French cover letter?

Not necessary, but there’s no harm in doing so. Candidates often include a picture on French resumes. If you’re using the same template for your cover letter, you may include one.

Most companies established in France are fine with candidates’ pictures on resumes and cover letters. However, if you’re applying for a USA, UK, Australia, or Ireland company based in France, consider not including a photo.

Read our complete guide to including pictures on your resume .

Should I include personal qualities in my cover letter?

You’re not required to include your personal qualities in the cover letter. However, you can write them on your resume as an additional section. You should only focus your cover letter on the specific job you’re applying for – the qualifications, experience, and the skills required to perform the tasks on the job.

Tasuta allalaetav kaaskirja mall

Motivatsioonikiri, millele on enamikul juhtudel lisatud CV, on iga töötaotluse põhielement. Seda tüüpi kiri peab lühidalt kirjeldama oskusi, võimeid ja teadmisi, mis teil on ja mis on teatud huviga seoses otsitava ametikohaga. Selles mõttes peab kaaskiri lihtsalt sisaldama sellele ametikohale kandideerimise motivatsiooni ja põhjendusi. See peab äratama värbajas huvi ja panema ta pidama teid selle töö jaoks parimaks võimaluseks.

Kuidas koostada lihtsat kaaskirja

1 Valige oma valitud CV mall.
2 Austab ühtset struktuuri. Näiteks kasutage kaaskirja struktuuriga "Sina-Mina-Meie".
3 Lisage järgmised osad, apellatsioonivorm, lühitutvustus, kirja sisu ja järeldus
4 Ärge unustage viimast viisakusvalemit. Vaadake kaaskirja viisakusvalemite näiteid.
5 Isiklikuma ja formaalsema ilme lisamiseks lisage lehe allossa oma allkiri
6 Kui soovite saata selle meili teel, eksportige oma kaaskiri PDF-vormingus.

Teised kaaskirjade näidised

Kaaskirja struktureerimise nõuanded.

Kaaskirja kirjutamise hõlbustamiseks pidage meeles, et koguge eelnevalt kogu vajalik teave. Näidake toimetaja loovust, järgides samal ajal tüpograafiliste reeglite õiget kasutamist ja jälgides, et ei tekiks kirjavigu. Sest hea kaaskiri peegeldab teie kuvandit inimese ja professionaalina. Olge oma kirjutamisel loominguline ja originaalne, jäädes samas lihtsaks, kokkuvõtlikuks ja täpseks. ‍ Näidake läbitud punktide ohutust, enesekindlust ja meisterlikkust. Rõhutage, mida saate ettevõttesse tuua ja mainige oma erialast kogemust vastavas valdkonnas. Märkige ka kõik põhipunktid, mis panevad teid end uute ideedega täitva transformeeriva agendina ilmuma. Täpsustage oma võimet saavutada kavandatud eesmärgid ja kohaneda uute suundumustega.

Näita ennast positiivselt. Ärge langege sellesse viga, et kasutate sama kaaskirja mitme ettevõtte jaoks. Koostage kaaskiri iga taotletava töö kohta. Seda tüüpi kiri võimaldab tööandjal kujundada teie isiksuse kohta arvamust, sest see annab teile võimaluse täpsustada oma motivatsioone, mida lihtsas CV-s tegelikult ei kirjeldata.

Lihtsa ja tõhusa kaaskirja kirjutamise soovitused

Laiendage Intro ‍ Pidage meeles, et pärast kõne valemit peate välja töötama sissejuhatuse, kus tutvustate end ametlikult ja isiklikult. Ärge unustage märkida peamist eesmärki, mis ajendas teid seda kirja kirjutama.
Struktureerige oma kirja sisu Laske end juhinduda järgmistest küsimustest: – Miks?, Mis eesmärgil?, Kuidas?, Miks soovite selles ettevõttes töötada? → selles osas peate kirjeldama, mida saate ettevõttele tuua. – Rõhutage, kuidas teie teadmised võivad oluliselt mõjutada ettevõtte funktsioonide arengut ja majandussektorit, kus ta tegutseb. - Kuidas te seda teeksite tee seda? → lihtsalt rõhutab teie teadmisi ja võimeid professionaalina – Rõhutage oma õnnestumisi, varasemaid kogemusi, diplomeid, saadud tunnustusi või auhindu.
Olge oma järeldustes otsekohene Andke teada, et olete vestluseks saadaval, esitades kontaktteabe, näiteks oma e-posti aadressi, telefoninumbri ja postiaadressi. Kui need kontaktandmed muutuvad, ärge unustage uuendada oma CV-d ja kaaskirja ning saata need uuesti ettevõtetele, kes on need juba saanud.
Hoolitse paigutuse eest Teie kaaskiri peab olema kooskõlas teie CV-ga. Värbaja peab esmapilgul nägema, et need 2 dokumenti moodustavad ühe taotluse. Kasutage oma kaaskirjas samu värve, fonti, ikoone jne, mis oma CV-s. See väike näpunäide aitab teil luua tõhusa ja professionaalse rakenduse.

Create your resume with the best templates

Domande frequenti sulle lettere di accompagnamento

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

Static and dynamic content editing

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

How to customize formatting for each rich text

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

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Job application letter of Motivation in France

Work in France

A letter of motivation is an essential component of the job application process in France.

Formality is the absolutely order of the day, extreme politeness is required. If you are not fluent in French or familiar with formal French greetings and sign offs, get help to make sure you do this right.

Get it wrong and your CV and letter are likely to at best go to the bottom of the pile, or more likely straight into the bin.

You can get free help with writing a letter of motivation from Pôle Emploi, the French employment agency (they also run free courses on how to create a French CV).

If you know the name of the person you are writing to start it Madame XX or Monsieur XX. Never Cher or Chère (as in Dear). If you don’t know the name write Madame, Monsieur.

Always use the formal “vous” form, never address someone with “tu” or by their first name unless specifically told to do so – it is considered rude in France.

Don’t be surprised if you are advised to use a very formal sign off like “je vous prie d’agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l’expression de mes sentiments distingués” – Please accept, Madame, Sir, the expression of my very highest regards.

It may seem old fashioned but it is necessary.

Plain paper, plain font – conservative approach.

The website http://www.letudiant.fr/ has lots of example letters and CVs that you may find useful.

Example letter de Motivation in French:

Grégoire Nom de Plume

44, rue Diane-de-Furstenberg, 38000 Grenoble

Tél. 06.00.00.00.00

[email protected]

À l’attention du responsable recrutement

Paris, le 28/04/2009

Objet : recherche d’un emploi saisonnier ou à temps partiel

Madame, Monsieur,

Suite à votre offre d’emploi pour des postes de conseillers presse étudiants pour l’OFUP Éducation, je me permets de vous proposer ma candidature.

En effet, étudiant à l’ISG, je souhaite approfondir mes connaissances acquises durant ma formation et lors de mes stages, et les consolider au sein d’une de vos équipes.

La discrétion, la rigueur, la facilité d’adaptation et le travail en équipe sont mes qualités pour mener à bien ce travail.

Je me tiens à votre disposition pour un entretien éventuel. Dans l’attente de votre réponse, je vous prie de croire, Monsieur, en l’expression de mes sentiments distingués.

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Write a cover letter in French

February 9, 2022
, A2 , B1 , B2 , Tips

In today’s lesson, let’s take a look at what a cover letter in French looks like. This lesson can be useful for A2 to B2 students (but if you are still wondering at C1 and C2, please feel free to stick around).

How to write a cover letter in French – Écouter

La lettre de motivation en français – cover letter in french, la structure de la lettre de motivation en français.

Expéditeur : Le nom et l’adresse de la personne qui envoie la lettre / Name and address of the person sending the letter

Destinataire : Le nom et l’adresse de la personne qui reçoit la lettre / Name and address of the person receiving the letter

Par exemple, le nom de la personne et son poste:

Monsieur Dupont

Directeur des ressources humaines

[Nom de l’entreprise]

Si vous ne connaissez pas le destinataire, écrivez directement le poste:

À l’attention du directeur des ressources humaines

Date : La date de rédaction / Date of writing

Objet : L’objet, le titre de la lettre / The subject, the title of the letter

Généralement, vous allez y écrire une phrase simple, sans verbes, comme :

Candidature pour un poste de cuisinier

Candidature pour l’offre d’emploi ABC25X

Formule d’appel : Les salutations / Greetings.

Si vous connaissez le destinataire, écrivez directement:

Madame (si c’est une femme)

Monsieur (si c’est un homme)

Si vous ne connaissez pas le destinataire, vous pouvez y écrire:

Madame, Monsieur,

Contenu de la lettre : Le contenu de votre lettre de motivation / The content of your cover letter

Formule de politesse : Avant de signer, une formule pour prendre congé / Before signing, an expression to say goodbye

Signature : La signature de l’expéditeur / Sender’s signature

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Le plan de la lettre de motivation en français

Pour le contenu de votre lettre de motivation en français, il est généralement conseillé de l’écrire en trois parties: MOI, VOUS, NOUS .

For the content of your cover letter in French, it is generally advised to write it in three parts: ME, YOU, US .

Moi : le candidat. Il doit se présenter d’une manière intéressante pour l’employeur (ou le recruteur). Il doit mettre en avant ses points forts : expérience professionnelle, cursus universitaire, études, formations… Il faut savoir se mettre en valeur (sans en faire trop !).

Moi : the candidate. They must present themselves in an interesting way for the employer (or recruiter). He/she must put forward his/her strong points: professional experience, academic background, studies, training… You have to know how to highlight yourself (without doing too much!).

Vous : L’entreprise. Il faut mettre en avant les aspects positifs de l’entreprise. Pourquoi répondez-vous à l’annonce de l’offre d’emploi ? Ceci n’est pas “juste une candidature”. Vous visez le poste que vous rêvez de décrocher ! Pour réussir cette partie, il est indispensable de d’abord faire quelques recherches sur l’entreprise et son secteur d’activité.

Vous : The company. You should highlight the positive aspects of the company. Why are you responding to the job posting? This is not “just an application”. You are aiming for the job you dream of getting! To succeed in this part, it is essential to first do some research on the company and its sector of activity.

Nous : La collaboration. Il faut synthétiser votre collaboration avec l’entreprise. Que pouvez-vous vous apporter mutuellement ? Soulignez la compatibilité de votre profil avec le poste recherché, le domaine d’activité. Le candidat mettra au service de l’entreprise toute son expérience. C’est l’idée qu’il faut appuyer afin d’encourager l’employeur à rencontrer le candidat.

Us : Collaboration. You need to synthesize your collaboration with the company. What can you bring to each other? Emphasize the compatibility of your profile with the position that they’re trying to fill in, the field of activity. The candidate will put all their experience at the service of the company. This is the idea that must be supported in order to encourage the employer to meet the candidate.

La formule de politesse

Saying goodbye

Il existe énormément de formules de politesse pour terminer une lettre de motivation en français. N’oubliez pas de remercier le destinataire !

Je vous remercie de l’attention que vous avez porté à ma candidature.

Je vous remercie de l’attention que vous avez accordé à ma candidature.

(Vous pouvez aussi les écrire au futur simple)

Je vous remercie de l’attention que vous porterez à ma candidature.

Je vous remercie de l’attention que vous accorderez à ma candidature.

Pour prendre congé, celles que j’utilise le plus souvent sont:

Veuillez agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l’expression de mes sentiments distingués.

Je vous prie de croire, Madame, Monsieur, à ma considération distinguée.

Je vous prie de recevoir, Madame, Monsieur, mes salutations distinguées.

Dans l’attente de votre réponse, je vous prie d’agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l’expression de mes sincères salutations.

Let’s now take a look at an example of cover letter in French.

An example of cover letter in French

Mme. Marie Dupont

35 avenue de la Liberté

M. Jean Martin

Agence ML Communications

23 rue des Lilas 69004 Lyon

Le 5 décembre 2022

Objet : Candidature pour le poste d’assistante de direction

Je me permets de vous soumettre ma candidature pour un poste d’assistante de direction au sein de votre entreprise. Je suis actuellement titulaire d’un diplôme professionnel d’Assistante de Direction.

Grâce à mon expérience professionnelle de 5 ans, j’ai acquis et développé des compétences que je souhaite mettre à votre disposition, notamment en informatique et comptabilité.

Mes années d’expérience en tant qu’assistante de direction ont également contribué à renforcer mon sens de l’organisation mais aussi mon sens de l’anticipation et ma réactivité, des compétences que je juge indispensables dans ce domaine.

J’ai donc l’habitude de collaborer avec un grand nombre de services et de directions. J’ai entendu parler de votre agence spécialisée dans la communication et l’histoire de votre entreprise ainsi que votre façon de travailler m’ont fortement interpellée. Votre expertise et votre professionnalisme ont su former votre réputation.

C’est pour cette raison que je pense que mon profil pourrait convenir au poste d’assistante de direction. Je souhaiterais intégrer votre équipe afin de vous apporter mon expérience au profit de votre agence.

Je souhaite ainsi vous rencontrer afin de vous faire part plus longuement de mes motivations et de ce que je pourrais vous apporter dans le cadre de futures collaborations.

Je vous remercie de l’attention que vous porterez à ma candidature. Dans cette attente, je vous prie de recevoir, Monsieur, mes salutations distinguées.

Marie Dupont

How to write a cover letter in French – Conclusion

I hope that you enjoyed today’s lesson on how to write a cover letter in French !

À bientôt !

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Learn To French

French Cover Letter: Lettre De Motivation

You’ll need a flawless French CV if you’re a student, immigrant, or expat looking for work in France. However, this will not get you a job in France. Most employers expect a cover letter written in French STYLE – a well-written French Cover Letter that complements your resume.

What Is A Cover Letter? (And Why Is It So Important?)

When submitting an employment application, a cover letter is typically a one-page document that is attached to a resume. Many applicants mistakenly believe that a cover letter is not required, but it is critical in presenting your application to the recruiter.

While most applicants believe that the resume is the most important document for any application, the cover letter is just as important. The cover letter supplements your resume and brings you closer to landing your dream job.

Your qualifications and skills are already listed on your resume, but your cover letter allows you to stand out from the crowd even before you are interviewed.

Simply put, your cover letter gives the hiring manager an overview of the contents of your resume. At the same time, it may be an opportunity to further introduce and sell yourself. This letter must persuade your potential employer that you are worthy of being interviewed and, eventually, hired.

Tip: Your cover letter should accompany your resume. It does not take the place of your resume. It enhances it.

Bonus Tip: Most recruiters go through an applicant’s cover letter before reviewing their resume. If your cover letter is convincing or impressive enough, they will look over your resume to see if you are qualified for an interview.

How To Write A French Cover Letter

The style and content of a cover letter written for a French hiring manager would be significantly different. Hiring managers in France always prefer well-structured formal letters.

A cover letter in France, like any other region, should demonstrate the applicant’s academic and professional background and ability to meet the job’s roles and responsibilities.

Here are some general tips for writing a cover letter:

Limit your cover letter to one page.
Use simple words and short sentences as much as possible.
Avoid being too pushy and self-promotional.
Limit your content to three to four short paragraphs.
Use standard fonts such as Arial or Times New Roman.

6 Tips To Improve Your Cover Letter In French

Use the following tips to elevate your French cover letter:

Get a native French speaker to proofread your French cover letter.
Determine who will read your cover letter so you can personalize it with their name.
Determine your prospective employer’s most difficult questions and address them in your cover letter.
Always keep the French cover letter formal.
Consider using a modern cover letter template to make your application stand out.
Use the same or a similar template for the CV and cover letter for consistency.

6 Key Points: Writing A Perfect French Cover Letter

Use the tried-and-true cover letter structure we recommended.
Avoid using casual or informal language; keep a formal and respectful tone throughout.
Make your cover letter specific to the firm, job, and industry you’re applying for.
Use 3 to 4 short paragraphs with specific goals.
Include a call to action.
Throughout the letter, demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job.

French Cover Letter Structure

The content of a French cover letter differs significantly from that of an American cover letter, particularly in the order in which the content is written.

The following is the format we recommend for a French-style cover letter:

Opening greeting
First Paragraph: Introduction
Second paragraph: key skills and experience
Third paragraph: why you’re interested in the job/ company
Fourth Paragraph: Call to Action (CTA)
Complimentary close

Tip: A general French cover letter should be formal, cautious, and polite. Use “Vous” instead of “tu” when addressing someone, for example. Let’s go over how to write a French cover letter step by step.

Start With The Header

Because French recruiters consider your cover letter to be a formal letter, begin your header with the sender’s (the applicant’s) and receiver’s (the hiring manager’s) information, just as you would with any formal letter.

Sender Information

Begin with your name, then the position you’re applying for. Include your contact information, such as your personal email address, phone number, and physical address (only if applicable). Include the date you’re writing the letter.

Garry Smith

Directeur du magasin

[email protected]

01 56 67 82 45

12 août 2022

Receiver Information

Include the hiring manager or the person who reads your application’s name, position, company name, and address.

Juliette Zoe

Responsable du recrutement

Techno Care

Paris, France

On some occasions, you will not be able to obtain information about the recruiters; in this case, use the company name and address.

If the company has posted the job advertisement on LinkedIn, you will most likely be able to find the hiring manager’s contact information. Addressing the hiring manager by name is an excellent way to demonstrate that you have done your homework.

Put The Letter’s Subject

You should write the subject of your cover letter as you would any formal letter. The subject, in this case, should be the job and the position you’re applying for.

Opening Greeting

In your letter, we recommend using a formal French greeting. Address the reader as Madame or Monsieur without repeating their name. Use both when you are unsure of the gender of the person you are addressing.

Paragraph 1: Start By Introducing Yourself

The first paragraph of an American-style cover letter is frequently a sales pitch outlining the candidate’s key achievements and accomplishments to the hiring manager.

French hiring practices are a little different; the job market is academic-focused, so your degree is more valuable than your previous job achievements. You will have a good chance of getting an interview if your degree matches the job requirements set by the employer.

As a result, emphasizing the relevant educational background in the first paragraph – providing a brief introduction to your academic and professional experience – demonstrates that you have the basic qualifications listed in the job description.

Be specific about your academic credentials; include the name of the degree, the year you graduated, and the name of the institution or university.

You could mention a couple of key technical skills required to perform the job duties in the first paragraph.

Paragraph 2: Key Experience That Makes You The Best

In the second paragraph, demonstrate your key experience and skills relevant to the job. You don’t have to limit yourself to your most recent work experience; instead, select relevant information from your career and summarize it in a couple of sentences.

Always prioritize the most difficult skills for the job. Read the job posting and determine the employer’s goals in making this hire – address those issues and demonstrate how your expertise can help solve those problems.

Use this space to highlight one or two of your most significant and relevant accomplishments – include numbers to show the impact of your decisions on key business metrics such as profit, sales, annual target, employee turnover, customer satisfaction, and so on.

Showcase your abilities and expertise without going overboard. French hiring managers despise candidates who try to oversell themselves in their cover letters. In fact, they expect raw facts in the cover letter rather than boasting about the candidate’s brilliance.

Paragraph 3: Express Your Interest In Joining The Firm

Even if you’re sending your CV to multiple employers, you can’t send your cover letter to two different positions – the cover letter should address the specific employer, job, and industry.

One of the primary goals of your cover letter is to convey your interest in the company and the position – this is especially important for candidates applying for their first jobs or in career transitions.

Investigate the industry, the company, and the job you’re applying for, and determine what piques your interest in the position. Employers prefer candidates who have a genuine interest in the job.

Discuss the company’s mission, vision, purpose, or strategies and how they align with your personal career goals.

Paragraph 4: Finish With A Call To Action (CTA)

In the final paragraph, tell the hiring manager what to do next – the Call to Action.

This does not imply that your hiring manager is unsure of what to do next; however, you should be mindful of what to expect. In most cases, the hiring process will include a couple of interviews. Instead of informal chats or meetings, French recruiters frequently call shortlisted candidates for formal interviews.

By stating your CTA, you should demonstrate your interest and readiness to meet with them and discuss the details.

The French Cover Letter Closing

A salutation should be included at the end of your cover letter. As in a formal letter, be respectful and use a standard closing statement.

How To Finish Your Letter?

Depending on the situation, consider using the closing sentences listed below.

Yours faithfully: Veuillez agréer mes l’expression de mes salutations distinguées
Yours sincerely: Salutations distinguées
Respectfully yours: Veuillez agréer l’expression de mes sentiments respectueux

All of the preceding salutations are used in formal situations, whereas “Yours Faithfully” is used when the recipient’s name is unknown.

Checklist Of Your Cover Letter

Do you want to ensure that your cover letter is properly written? It is the first opportunity you will have to persuade hiring managers that you are qualified for a position in their company, so make the most of it.

Check the following checklist to ensure that your cover letter is written properly and correctly:

Your header should include the following essential information, which should be accurate, up-to-date, and clear:

Name and surname
Professional email
Profession, occupation, or position title
Contact number
Name and address of the letter recipient
Social networks or relevant websites (Optional)

Start your cover letter with a simple yet respectful salutation that includes the recruiter or hiring manager’s name and title. Your professional profile should also be highlighted in your introduction.

Introduce yourself and what you do briefly.
Mention your professional background or previous work experience.
Include only the skills and accomplishments that support your work experience and are relevant to the job description.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cover letters necessary for jobs in france.

In France, most job postings require you to submit a cover letter accompanied by your resume. Even if the job posting does not specifically state that a cover letter is required, it is always prudent to send one.

A cover letter showing your interest in the job to the hiring manager. The difference between sending a generic CV to 100 job postings and sending a tailored cover letter with each application is clear.

Should I Include A Photo On My French Cover Letter?

It’s not necessary, but there’s no harm in trying. On French resumes, candidates frequently include a photograph. You may include one if you’re using the same template for your cover letter.

Most French companies are fine with candidates’ photos on resumes and cover letters. However, suppose you are applying for a company based in France that is based in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, or Ireland. In that case, you should consider not including a photo.

Should I Include Personal Qualities In My Cover Letter?

You are not required to include any personal characteristics in your cover letter. You can include them as an additional section on your resume. Your cover letter should only address the job you’re applying for – the qualifications, experience, and skills required to perform the tasks on the job.

JobinBerlin .

How To Write a Cover Letter in French? Tips & Examples

The cover letter is one of the most difficult parts of an application. So, when it has to be in French... What formal and informal greetings should I use in my French cover letter? How to start and end it? What are the dos and don'ts in your application email to find an internship, a job or a position in France?

We will explain how to write a cover letter in French that will help you get a job. In addition to our tips and examples, you will find at the end of the article a sample cover letter in French in word and PDF to download for free.

🚀 12 French CV Examples & Templates to Download in Word

How to say cover letter in French?

The translation of cover letter in English is lettre de motivation .

The application is called la candidature and the applicant is called la candidate or le candidat.

Salutations and greetings in a French cover letter

The cover letter in French is formal and you must be careful to respect the words and phrases when you apply in an French-speaking country.

If you don't know the person's name, for example for an unsolicited application, write:

Madame, Monsieur,

Please note: The abbreviation for Monsieur (Mister) is M. and not Mr. (even French people make the mistake).

If you know the person's name, simply write:

Madame, (or Monsieur,)

but do not write his or her last name. This could be perceived as a lack of education.

Do now write either:

Chère Madame, cher Monsieur, (or Cher Alexandre)

This greeting is informal and should only be used if you know the person very well.

In your application email, you may be less formal and write:

Bonjour Madame, (or Bonjour Monsieur,)

If you are applying to a startup or a young and non-traditional company, you can start your email like that:

Bonjour Alexandre, (or simply: Bonjour,)

It's not difficult so make sure you get this right!

💡 Our advice: Start your email with "Bonjour Monsieur," and if your interviewer changes to "Bonjour Nicolas", then do the same.

How to start your cover letter in French?

The first paragraph serves as an introduction. You should explain what position you are applying for, where you saw the job offer and possibly why you are applying, what your main motivation is.

Here is an example of a strong opening paragraph:

Ayant 5 ans d’expérience en Marketing B2B et stratégies publicitaires de grands comptes (eBay, France Télécom) avec une spécialisation en optimisation de la conversion des publicités Google et Facebook, je souhaite postuler au poste de Responsable Marketing B2B chez Amazon France.

Another very good example:

Actuellement chef de projet marketing junior chez Job in Berlin et passionné par le SEO, l'A/B Testing et les techniques de growth hacking, je serais ravi de rejoindre votre équipe Marketing et contribuer à la croissance de votre site de ecommerce.

If you have seen an offer on Linkedin, you can write this for example:

Je suis tombé sur votre profil Linkedin et j'ai vu que vous recrutez des analystes marketing (cela fait 5 ans que je travaille en tant qu'analyste marketing chez Google où j'étais responsable de la veille marketing des outils d'emailing).

99% of the candidates write almost the same thing so make sure you write a strong, original introduction to stand out from the other candidates.

💡 Our advice: Put yourself in the recruiter's shoes and show what you can bring to the company, what your assets, your qualities and your fields of expertise are.

What to put in your cover letter for a job application in France?

The objective of the cover letter is to convince the recruiter that you are the right person for the job and that your skills are perfectly suited to what is required. You should explain why you are the ideal candidate (see our tips for writing a cover letter).

Do not repeat what you have already written in your resume but present the skills you have acquired or developed from your various experiences and how these could be useful to the company.

For example :

J'ai 4 ans d'expérience en tant qu'analyste marketing e-commerce chez Fashionista. Durant cette période, j'ai été responsable de la stratégie SEO de la boutique en ligne, augmentant l'acquisition de clients de 12% par mois en moyenne et optimisant le taux de conversion de 45%.

En tant que responsable marketing de la boutique en ligne Fashionista, j'ai acquis une connaissance approfondie des techniques d'optimisation de vente en ligne et j'ai appris à rédiger des textes simples et convaincants.

This second example is very good because the candidate does not insist on his professional experience, which has (surely) already been presented in his CV, but on the skills he has acquired and which he will be able to bring to the company he is applying for.

You can also list your key skills, i.e. those that interest the recruiter, in a list format.

Mes compétences clés sont : - Acquisition de clients en ligne (SEO, Content Marketing / Stratégie de contenu) - Techniques d'optimisation du taux de conversion - Rédaction de textes simples et convaincants - Présentation simple et visuelle de données complexes ou de statistiques

The recruiters quickly sees what interest them: it's clear, simple and effective.

💡 Our advice: Be concise and precise. Avoid length and repetition. Do not exceed one page. Many recruiters even prefer to receive cover letters of half a page (250 words).

How do you conclude a cover letter in French?

You can end your cover letter on a positive note, about what you could bring to the company:

Je serais heureux d'en savoir plus sur le poste et de vous parler plus en détail de la manière dont je pourrais contribuer à améliorer l'efficacité du processus de recrutement.

Or finish by emphasizing your value:

Je serais heureux d'en savoir plus sur cette opportunité et de vous expliquer pourquoi mon dernier employeur a dit que j'étais irremplaçable.

There are many end-of-letter greetings in French. If you want to be safe, use the most common one:

Je vous prie de croire, Madame, Monsieur, à l'expression de mes sentiments distingués.

In a professional email in French, the most common informal greeting is:

Cordialement,

Sample cover letter in French to download

Here is a sample cover letter in English in PDF and Word to download for free.

Lexicon and vocabulary to translate your English cover letter to French

See our tips for writing a CV in French .

Jerome Feys

Job in Berlin's Founder

As a recruitment expert and founder of Job in Berlin, I have corrected over 1,000 resumes. Since 2015, I've been sharing my expertise and delivering tips on resume and cover letter writing, as well as techniques for a successful job interview.

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How to write a French cover letter for a Recruitment position in France
By Rohan Singh
in France Guide for Expats

How to Write a French Cover Letter for a Recruitment Position in France

Welcome to Faruse, the premier recruitment services provider dedicated to connecting startups with the finest English-speaking and multilingual talent. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of writing an effective French cover letter tailored for a recruitment position in France.

1. Understand the French Cover Letter Structure

Before you begin crafting your cover letter, it's important to understand the typical structure used in France. A French cover letter, known as "Lettre de Motivation," generally consists of the following sections:

Heading: Provide your contact information and the recipient's details.
Introduction: Greet the hiring manager and introduce yourself.
Motivation: Clearly state your interest in the recruitment position and the company.
Qualifications: Highlight your relevant skills, education, and experience in recruitment.
Alignment: Showcase how your expertise aligns with the specific requirements of the recruitment role.
Closing: Express appreciation for considering your application and your availability for an interview.
Signature: Sign off with a professional closing remark.

2. Personalize the Greeting

Start your cover letter with a personalized greeting that addresses the hiring manager directly. Avoid using generic greetings like "To whom it may concern" to demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.

3. Highlight Your Recruitment Expertise

Emphasize your skills and experience in recruitment, including sourcing, interviewing, and assessing candidates. Showcase your ability to identify top talent and effectively match candidates with job opportunities.

4. Demonstrate Your Language Proficiency

Since you are applying for a recruitment position in France, it's essential to showcase your language proficiency. Fluent French language skills are often required for effective communication with candidates and colleagues.

5. Showcase Your Knowledge of French Labor Laws

Recruitment in France involves adherence to labor laws and regulations. Demonstrate your understanding of French employment laws and your commitment to compliance in the recruitment process.

6. Mention Your Interest in the Company

Express your genuine interest in the recruitment company and its mission. Research the company's recruitment strategies, reputation, and employer branding to show your alignment with their goals.

7. Tailor Your Cover Letter for Each Application

Avoid using a generic cover letter for multiple job applications. Tailor your letter for each recruitment position you apply for, emphasizing how your skills and experience match the specific needs of the company.

8. Be Concise and Clear

Avoid lengthy paragraphs and use clear and concise language. Focus on relevant information that highlights your recruitment expertise and potential contributions to the company's success.

9. Close with a Professional Salutation

Conclude your cover letter with a professional and courteous closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name and signature.

Writing a compelling French cover letter for a recruitment position in France requires showcasing your recruitment expertise, language proficiency, and genuine interest in the company. By following the tips provided in this blog post, you can increase your chances of securing a rewarding recruitment role in France.

If you're ready to explore exciting recruitment opportunities in France, Faruse can assist you in finding the perfect match. Our expert team is dedicated to connecting exceptional candidates like you with ambitious startups and companies in need of recruitment talent. Visit Faruse.com today to explore our innovative job board trusted by over 200,000 users and experience our personalized approach to recruitment.

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What are the essential qualifications and skills that should be highlighted in a French cover letter for a Recruitment position in order to stand out to potential employers?

1. recruitment experience:.

Showcase your experience in end-to-end recruitment, including sourcing, screening, and hiring candidates.

2. Multilingual Proficiency:

Emphasize your language skills, particularly proficiency in French and English, as this is valuable for communicating with candidates and clients.

3. Market Knowledge:

Demonstrate your understanding of the French job market and recruitment trends.

4. Relationship Building:

Highlight your ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and candidates.

By emphasizing these qualifications and skills, you demonstrate that you are a capable and competitive candidate for a Recruitment role in France.

How can I demonstrate my experience and success in sourcing, hiring, and placing candidates in the cover letter to show that I am a suitable candidate for a Recruitment role in France?

1. quantify achievements:.

Include specific metrics, such as the number of successful placements or time-to-fill ratios, to showcase your achievements.

2. Describe Recruitment Strategies:

Explain the recruitment strategies you have employed to attract top talent.

3. Mention Client Satisfaction:

Highlight feedback from clients expressing satisfaction with your candidate selections.

4. Share Success Stories:

Include anecdotes or case studies of successful placements and how they contributed to business growth.

By using these approaches, you provide concrete evidence of your expertise in recruitment and demonstrate your suitability for a Recruitment role in France.

Are there any specific recruitment laws or regulations in France that I should be aware of and mention in my cover letter to showcase my understanding of the local hiring landscape?

1. non-discrimination laws:.

Highlight your awareness of laws that prohibit discrimination based on factors such as gender, age, or ethnicity.

2. Employment Contracts:

Demonstrate your knowledge of the various types of employment contracts used in France.

3. Data Protection Laws:

Mention your understanding of data protection regulations and the importance of handling candidate information with confidentiality.

4. Working Hours and Leave:

Discuss your familiarity with laws related to working hours, vacation, and other employee benefits.

By mentioning these regulations, you indicate that you are well-informed about the legal aspects of recruitment in France.

Should I mention any specific recruitment software or tools commonly used in the industry, such as applicant tracking systems or candidate assessment tools, to highlight my technical proficiency in the cover letter?

1. applicant tracking systems (ats):.

Highlight your experience with popular ATS platforms that help streamline the recruitment process.

2. Candidate Assessment Tools:

Mention any tools you are skilled in for assessing candidate skills and suitability.

3. Recruitment Analytics:

Showcase your ability to use data and analytics to make informed recruitment decisions.

4. Communication Platforms:

Discuss your proficiency in using communication tools to engage with candidates and clients.

By mentioning these software and tools, you demonstrate your technical acumen and adaptability to modern recruitment practices.

If you need further assistance in crafting your cover letter for a Recruitment position, feel free to contact the Faruse team at Faruse.com.

Try our AI Tools: Cover Letter Generator , Interview Answer Generator , Interview Question Generator, Job Seeker Personality , LinkedIn Bio Generator , LinkedIn Post Generator, Resume Matcher , Salary Estimator , Faruse ChatGPT

Opportunities in France: English speaking jobs in France , English speaking internships in France , English speaking partime jobs in France , English speaking remote jobs in France , English speaking remote internships in France

About the Author

Rohan singh.

Founder of Faruse

Rohan Singh, a resilient 2X bootstrapped founder, and full-stack marketing expert, established Faruse with a vision to bridge the gap between recruiters and international talent while enabling job seekers to find English-speaking jobs in Europe effortlessly, transcending language barriers. His unwavering passion for technology, nurtured since his early days, led him to create a cutting-edge platform powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning. With Faruse's innovative approach, Rohan strives to redefine talent acquisition and empower individuals and organizations to unlock their true potential in a globally interconnected world.

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Your French coach

Bonjour, I’m Joanna! I’m a native French speaker, born and raised near Paris.

I teach you the French that really matters, so you can travel and live in France with confidence.

You can find me at @speakfrenchlikeaboss on:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this ebook for me?

This ebook gives you the keys to write your own application in French, whether you want to apply for a job in France or apply to a universty in France.

What is in this ebook exactly?

This step-by-step guide (113-pages PDF) is designed to teach you exactly how to write your resume and cover letter in French from start to finish.

All you need to do is follow the guide!

There’s also plenty of helpful tips and concrete examples to help you along the way.

What is your refund policy?

Due to the electronic nature of this product, all purchases are final and no refunds will be available.

I want to boost my French application!

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How to Write a Resume in French – French CV Guide

Have you ever dreamed of living and working in France? If you’ve read the first part of this guide about How to Find Jobs in France , you already know why: It’s not just the elegant charm of the City of Love or the amazing cheesy meals of the Savoie. It’s also the numerous advantages of working for a French company and benefiting from our labor laws.

But how do you go about writing a resume in French or creating a French CV?

In the first chapter, you’ve seen that there are many job opportunities for foreigners. You’ve also learned what kind of work you can find in France, and how to search for it using a wide range of job-hunting tools and resources. Now that you know how to find a job, let’s see how to get that job!

This guide will go through everything you need to know to land your dream job, from the application process with a French resume, to the specifics of the job interview and the perks of the local working culture.

1. How to Apply for a Job

J’aime mon travail. (“I love my job”)

1- Create Your French-Style Resume

The French resume is called CV for “Curriculum Vitæ” and doesn’t differ too much from its North American counterpart. But there are a few things you need to know to make it perfect! First, here’s a French CV example:

(1) Personal information

As you can see from this sample CV in French, all basic contact information goes on the top left corner. Note that the contact information in French resumes can vary from person to person, but these are the basics:

Your age You’re allowed to give this information in France, but it’s not mandatory. As this is still a discriminating factor, I would recommend not including it.
Physical address

This could be omitted as well. In most cases, it doesn’t really make a difference whether you include it or not. But in some cases, it could work against you if, for example, you’re living remarkably far from the company you’re applying for.

Phone number

That’s it! No need to add your IQ, blood type, or astrological sign.

(2) Photo or no photo?

Unlike in other countries, it’s perfectly fine to put your photo on your French resume. You can smile, but keep it serious and professional, unless you’re applying in a specific work field where creativity is valued. If you have a photo you would like to use, this would be the place to put it.

However, it’s not mandatory and it’s better not to have a photo than to have a bad one!

(3) Give a title to your CV!

This is often overlooked, but with more and more French companies going through resumes with automated search tools , it’s becoming important. It’s also the line that will stand out when your recruiter opens the resume.

Ideally, the title of your resume should highlight the most important degree or skill of experience relevant to the job you’re trying to get. For instance, even if you’re a graduate programmer from a top-notch school, don’t make it your title if you’re looking for a job in real-estate!

Here are some examples:

Guide Touristique Certifié – Trilingue (Certified Tour Guide – Trilingual)

Assistant Commercial Immobilier (Real-estate Sales Assistant)

The usual list of sections in a French CV is as follows:

(4) Expérience Professionnelle (Work Experience)

You can mention everything, but only add details when it’s relevant for the job.

(5) Formation (Education) List your degrees and certifications in chronological order (or reverse), with the years and cities/countries. You might want to put this section first if your work experience section seems short.
(6) Compétences (Skills)

The section for skills in French resumes is usually short and is divided into sections, such as Langues (Languages) or Informatique (IT). It’s also a good place to mention your Permis de conduire (Driver’s license).

(7) Centres d’intérêts (Personal interests) This is not as straightforward as you might think. If you have dangerous or notoriously time-consuming hobbies, better leave them out. I recommend including those that seem to fit with the job you’re applying for or the company’s values.

Take the time to customize your CV for the specific job and company, and of course, make it flawless and easy to read! You’ll find enormous amounts of resources online about how to write a perfect resume.

Except for what I’ve mentioned above, it should apply to the French CV!

Make it flawless and easy to read!

2- The Subtle Art of Cover Letters

The French Lettre de motivation (Literally “Motivation letter,” or “Cover letter” in English) is a delicate exercise of balance. On one hand, it’s highly codified and somewhat artificial; on the other hand, it needs to feel genuine and original enough to catch your reader’s attention. But on a third hand, you can’t be too different, because it’s highly codified!

Let’s have a look at the unavoidable classics of cover letters and let’s debunk some of the nonsense you might come across while researching about French cover letters online.

First, keep in mind that the French letter is almost never more than one page long.

It should look roughly like this:

(1) Remind your reader who you are by reusing the personal information from your CV.
(2) Put the company name and address, followed by the date and where the present letter is written from.
(3) Remind what documents are attached to this letter (most likely your CV).
(4) Under Objet (Topic), be perfectly explicit about why you’re writing with a sentence such as Candidature au poste de ____ (Application for the position of ____) followed by the exact name of the position as mentioned in the job offer (if any). If there’s a reference code, you can add it there for extra clarity.
(5) If you know the name of your reader, you can use it here. For instance: Monsieur Fontaine, (Mister Fontaine,). Always use the last name (with the proper spelling!). Never use Cher Monsieur Fontaine, ( Dear Mister Fontaine, ). It’s not formal enough. And if you don’t know who’s going to read it, or have any doubts, go for the fool-proof: Madame, Monsieur, ( Madam, Mister, ).

Hold on! The perfect cover letter is only one page long.

Next comes the body of your letter. In France, it’s typically made of three paragraphs, each with a specific purpose:

(6) The first one is about your target company: Why are you applying? Why this specific company?

If you’re passionate about it, it’s time to explain why. If not, a bit of hypocrisy doesn’t hurt—but don’t go too heavy on the soft-soaping! Researching about the company will help you to avoid being too vague.

You can use sentences such as:

Intégrer la société ___ au poste de ___ m’attire tout particulièrement pour ___.

“Joining the ___ company in a position of ___ is especially tempting because ___.”

(7) The second paragraph is about you, and more specifically, what you have to offer. Sell yourself without sounding like a bombastic jerk! Always the delicate balance.

Ma formation en ___ m’a permis d’acquérir de nombreuses compétences en ___ .

“During my studies in ___, I developed strong skills in ___.”

(8) The last paragraph explains why your personality and unique set of skills make you the perfect candidate for the job. This is where you outshine the competition by keeping the target company above any further temptation of self-glorification. Make it about what you can give them and how you can help them, not just about yourself.

It could include:

___ mettre mes compétences à votre service .

“___ to put my skills at your service.”

But really, there’s no template for this part. Be specific, be genuine, and don’t use empty words just because they sound good.

(9) The salutations section is trickier than it seems in a French letter, and you’ll read a lot of garbage about it online, ranging from old-fashioned or submissive to straight-up grammatically incorrect.

My personal favorites are:

Veuillez agréer, Madame, Monsieur, mes meilleures salutations.

Veuillez recevoir, Madame, Monsieur, mes respectueuses salutations.

“Please receive, Madam, Mister, my best / respectful salutations.”

(10) Sign here with your full name. If the letter is printed, I like to hand-sign it.

3- Professional Social Networks & Online Reputation

Although French employers aren’t as crazy about LinkedIn as North Americans, your online presence on such networks can absolutely be a plus! The most popular in France are:

LinkedIn : A massive network of professionals where you can put your resume, join communities, and follow the careers of your contacts. Depending on your profile, you may get contacted directly by employers or Headhunters.
Viadeo – France : The French cousin of LinkedIn, and although not as popular, it’s preferred by some companies.

Once you have a bright and shiny profile with a stunning photo, it doesn’t hurt to add a link on your resume!

Réseau social professionnel (“Professional social network”)

If you’re not already registered on one of these networks, take a moment to consider whether it makes sense in the context of your job search. Small local businesses shouldn’t care too much about it, while big corporations will appreciate the extra mile.

One last note: Be careful with what you publicly publish on social networks . More and more frequently, French recruiters are browsing social media to get a better idea of the applicants; thus, displaying controversial opinions or outrageous photos might be unwise!

2. Interviewing for a Job in France

You’ve sent a beautiful French-style CV attached to an elegant Lettre de motivation (Cover letter) and you got an appointment to a job interview? Well done! The hardest part is behind you, but you still have to capitalize on your success and land the job! Here’s some information on how to interview in French with prospective employers.

1- Research! Knowledge is Power

The first thing to do before a job interview in French is to do some serious homework. This is as true in France as it is in any country. Recruiters will gauge your enthusiasm and interest for the company just as much as they will your capacity to fill the position.

Research thoroughly about the company. Find out about its history, how it operates, its current contacts, and general health. Anything you find out might come in handy!
Research about the position. This involves reading the job offer about a hundred times, researching about professionals who are assuming a similar role on professional social networks, and finding out about the average salary.
Research about your recruiter: This is the person you’re about to meet. You don’t want to be a Facebook stalker and compliment him on his beautiful wife, but being aware of his position and role within the company is a plus.

2- How to Ace Your French Job Interview

Assuming that you already know how to conduct a job interview, I’ll mainly cover the specifics of the French culture when it comes to meeting a recruiter on a typical job interview.

1. Greetings – Keep it Formal and Kiss-free!

I know we kiss a lot in France! We do La bise to our friends and family, and during many casual (or even professional!) situations. But you should, under no circumstances, initiate a kiss toward a recruiter during a job interview. Instead, go for a firm handshake, with a smile and confident eye contact.

The usual greetings for a job interview are:

Bonjour. (Good day)
Bonjour Monsieur . or Bonjour Madame. (Good day mister or madam)
Bonjour Monsieur Fontaine. or Bonjour Madame Fontaine. , (Using their last name after the greeting)

Pick one depending on the meeting’s level of formality. If your recruiter seems very relaxed and friendly, is wearing an old t-shirt, and opens the conversation on a first name basis, Bonjour Monsieur may be too uptight.

Check out our free vocabulary list on FrenchPod101 to find out how to introduce yourself for your job interview!

You can’t go wrong with a firm handshake.

2. Tu or Vous ? Follow Their Lead

In French, you can address a person with one of two types of “you.” Tu is the casual “you” while Vous is for formal and professional encounters.

In the context of a job interview, always open with Vous . Then, if your interlocutor wants to switch to Tu , simply follow their lead. But most interviews are conducted with the Vous from start to finish.

Some examples are:

Comment allez-vous ? (How are you doing?)
Ravi de vous rencontrer. (Nice to meet you.)

3. Classic French Questions & Answers

Unlike other countries, where you can warm up with a bit of small talk, French recruiters usually have a no-chit-chat policy. They’ll cut straight to the chase and start asking questions.

Also, be prepared to be asked about what you may consider to be personal topics, such as your marital status, kids, or hobbies. This is perfectly acceptable in France!

Here are some of the most common questions asked during a job interview, so you can prepare and think about how to answer them:

Parlez-moi de votre expérience professionnelle. “Tell me about your job history.”
Parlez moi de vos études. “Tell me about your studies.” Quels sont vos diplômes ? “What degrees do you have?” Quel est votre parcours scolaire? “What is your educational background?”
Que savez-vous sur notre entreprise ? “What do you know about our company?”
Pourquoi pensez-vous être un bon candidat pour ce poste ?

“What makes you think you are a good fit for this position?”

Pourquoi pensez-vous que nous devrions vous embaucher ? “Why do you think we should hire you?”
Quelles langues parlez-vous ? “Which languages do you speak?” Quel est votre niveau en Anglais ? “What is your level in English?” Parlez-vous couramment Anglais ? “Are you fluent in English?”
Quand seriez vous disponible pour commencer ? “When could you start working with us?”
Quelles sont vos prétentions salariales ?

“What kind of salary are you expecting?”

Quelles sont vos forces ? Votre principal défaut ? “What are your strengths? Your biggest flaw?”
Pourquoi avez-vous quitté votre dernier emploi ? “Why did you leave your previous job?” Pourquoi souhaitez-vous quitter votre employeur actuel ? “Why do you wish to leave your current employer?”
For more resources on how to talk about jobs, be sure to check out our free vocabulary list on FrenchPod101 .

Quels sont vos diplômes ? (“What degrees do you have?”)

3. French Work Culture

1- a strong work ethic.

The French work culture is by no means perfect, but I want to highlight some of its strengths as well as the kind of qualities you’ll have to develop if you want to thrive in this environment.

French employees have a reputation for being hard workers . You may smile after reading about our avalanche of days off and our 35-hour weeks , but you want to make the best of these hours. You want to end up being more productive than you would be if you were sleep-working sixty hours a week while ruminating on your unpaid overtime.
Autonomy and creativity are highly regarded qualities in a French company. You’re expected to be technically proficient and to quickly learn how to handle yourself without constant supervision. Collective work is still a thing, but your individual performance is more important than in some other countries.
Having a critical mind isn’t seen as an annoying flaw of character, but as an important asset. It’s perfectly fine, and even encouraged, to comment and criticize the work and ideas of your colleagues as long as you’re bringing value to the table. This critique-based approach can put you off if you’re used to more agreeable work cultures, but it’s for the greater good!

2- A Friendly Work Environment

Although very vocal with their critiques, French workers tend to keep their work environment as friendly and relaxed as possible. It’s not to say that you can’t end up in horrible, hostile work environments, as it happens in any country; but overall, the French are very relational with their peers.

You’re likely to develop strong bonds with your coworkers that extend way beyond your workplace and last much longer than your employment period.

Lunchtime is serious business! No, really. Lunchtime in the middle of your work day can easily take up to two hours, but it’s not just casual conversation and joyful wine-tasting: Many work-related discussions happen over lunch, and business deals are frequently signed over a cheese platter! Don’t get me wrong. French lunches ALSO have casual conversations and glassfulls of wine. Hard to go back to your quick sandwich lunch after that.
After-hours mingling also takes an important part in the workplace social life of many companies. It’s common to go for a drink after a hard day of labor, and one beer leading to the next, you might spend more time with your coworkers than with your spouse!

Connecting with your colleagues.

4. How FrenchPod101.com Can Help You Get a Job in France

In this guide, you’ve learned how to expertly craft your French CV and cover letter in order to apply for a job in France, as well as how to handle yourself during the job interview. Do you feel ready to go job-hunting and make friends in your new workplace? How about to create a French CV and interview with your potential employer? FrenchPod101.com has tons of free vocabulary lists with audio recordings that can help you prepare for your interview:

How to introduce yourself
How to talk about jobs
Agreeing or disagreeing in a conversation
Professional meetings

And much more!

If your job interview is conducted in French (and in most cases, it will be), the best way to maximize your chances of landing the job is to carefully prepare yourself for the interview .

A good exercise is to ask yourself the typical questions for a French job interview and try to write down your answers using all of the free resources that you can find on FrenchPod101 . It will make you much more confident when it comes time for your interview!

Remember that you can also use our premium service, MyTeacher , to get personal one-on-one coaching and have your private teacher check your answers to make them perfect!

Or sign up using Facebook

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How to write a letter in French - start to finish [formal + informal]

Elinor Zucchet

Some will say letters are old-fashioned. But there’s something special about taking the time to write a letter, mail it, and then wait for the recipient’s reaction.

Personally, I’ve always loved to send and receive snail mail, even more so since the arrival of the Internet! As a teen, when we got the Internet at home — yes, I’m a certain age — I used chat rooms… to find pen friends all over the world with whom to exchange traditional letters!

On a more practical note, letters are still widely used for formal matters in France, not only in a professional setting, but also for daily tasks such as canceling a bank account or claiming a refund from a utility provider.

This article will teach you how to write a letter in French , and before you argue that emails are faster and save some paper, remember: you can also send a letter digitally!

Why learn how to write a letter in French?

In general, French tends to be more formal than English. And writing a letter in French is no exception.

Each language has its own layout, formalities and tone when it comes to writing a letter, whatever the context.

It’s even more important to know how to draft a letter in French in a professional or formal setting, as it will help you to be taken seriously and make your point.

From the main vocabulary and greetings to formatting, keep reading to learn how to write the perfect formal or informal letter in French.

Key letter writing vocabulary to keep in mind

First things first: below are a few key terms related to letters in French.

Formatting a letter in French

When writing a formal letter in French, your goal should be to be as brief and clear as possible, while respecting the basic formalities.

Obviously, you have more freedom for formal letters, but maybe not 18 pages… front and back !

In a nutshell, here is how you should format a letter in French:

Top left: First name, last name, address, phone number and email address.
Top right: Name and contact details of the recipient.
Below your contact details: “ Objet : ”, followed by a short summary of the reason why you are writing.
Below the object, on the right: Place and date.

In a formal letter, you may also include elements like a reference/order number, a job ad number or a folio number, for example. This would go below the recipient and above the place and date.

Here is an example of a formal letter formatting in French.

How to write the date on a letter in French

In French, the date format is quite different from the American one.

Instead of MM-DD-YYYY, French people — and Europeans in general — use DD-MM-YYYY.

It seems simple, but it gets confusing for expiration dates on food, believe me!

Coming back to our topic, in the case of a formal letter, it’s best to actually write the date: “Lyon, le 3 juin 2023” .

Unlike in English, months and days in French are never capitalized, except when they start a sentence.

For example:

Lundi 11 mai.

Je viendrai ce lundi 11 mai.

Our article on “ Days of the week in French ” might be useful too!

How to write a formal or business letter in French

The rule of thumb when writing a formal or business letter in French is to stay formal. Use ready-made greetings —- called formules de politesse — and stay super polite, even if you’re writing a complaint.

Basically, write on eggshells!

Formal letter greetings

So, how to start a letter in French? No surprise there, you’ll need a salutation!

You’ll find a bunch in this article on French greetings , but we’ve summed up the main ones for a formal letter in the table below.

Important: Never use “ cher/chère ” (dear) in a formal letter in French.

How to start a formal letter in French

Remember the writing on eggshells concept? Here is a good example.

You should never get straight to the point in a French formal letter or email, but rather use something like “Je me permets”, “J’aurais souhaité”, or one of the start lines below.

Cover letters when applying for a job

Letter of enquiry, letter of complaint.

Note: French people are renown for complaining. It doesn’t mean they’re having a bad day or are in a bad mood. It’s just the national sport — or an art?

So, if you want to sound like a real Frenchie, learn how to complain like a French !

8 FRENCH IDIOMS TO USE WHEN YOU'RE ANGRY

Letter of apology

Note: For more ways to apologize in French, check out this article . It’s the hardest word , after all.

Letter of response

Letter of sales / promotion, how to sign off or end a formal letter in french.

Ah, my favorite: How to sign a letter in French.

These expressions sound completely outdated and pompous , but are still widely used nowadays!

Example of a formal letter in French

The example below is for a letter of application.

PJ : Curriculum Vitae Objet : Candidature au poste de fromager

Madame Reblochon, Actuellement en recherche d’emploi, je me permets de vous proposer ma candidature au poste de fromager.

En effet, mon profil correspond à l’offre d’emploi publiée sur le site Lesvaches.com. Ma formation en produits laitiers m'a permis d'acquérir de nombreuses compétences parmi celles que vous recherchez. Passionné de fromage depuis tout petit, je me distingue par ma motivation, ma rigueur et mes capacités de travail en équipe. Intégrer votre entreprise représente pour moi non seulement un objectif de carrière, mais le rêve de toute une vie.

Je me tiens à votre disposition pour toute information complémentaire, et je serais ravi de vous rencontrer pour un entretien si ma candidature retient votre attention.

Veuillez agréer, Madame, l’expression de mes sentiments les meilleurs. Signature

How to write an informal letter in French

I’m sure some of your relatives or friends don’t use the Internet to communicate. Come on, think about it. What about your grandma, or great grandpa? Ok, maybe they don’t speak French.

Embrace the vintage trend and send a letter, or even just a postcard, to your francophone friends. You’ll make their day!

On a more serious note, you may need to send a letter or an email to a colleague.

Keep reading to learn how to write a informal letter in French!

A collection of letters from friends and family.

Informal letter greetings

You’re just a word away from a big faux pas . I’m kidding, it’s no big deal if you make a mistake in an informal letter!

However, I do recommend you to learn the greetings below to avoid any awkwardness . And, again, you’ll find more greetings in French in this article .

How to start an informal letter in French

If you wonder how to start an informal letter in French , below are a few ideas for inspiration, depending on the context.

How to sign off or end an informal letter in French

Below are the most typical ways to end an informal letter in French. You’ll find many more ways to say goodbye en français in this article .

Note: XOXO doesn’t mean anything in French. Try the very common “biz” — short for bisous — instead!

While emails and texts are undoubtedly convenient, written letters have a je ne sais quo i. In fact, they’ve inspired countless writers, musicians and other artists over the centuries. Check out this list of French songs about letters !

Old-fashioned, romantic, formal or not, letters are still used by many people nowadays. They can even save lives… when they arrive on time !

So, we hope this article will be useful to you at some point, hopefully not in such a drastic situation!

And remember, you’ll find plenty of vocab articles in our French blog to enhance your letters and make an impression.

May 03, 2022

62 ways to apologize, excuse yourself and say sorry in French

December 09, 2021

A complete guide on how to say the days of the week in French

December 07, 2021

23 useful ways to say hello in French, no matter the situation

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How To Write A Résumé in French Posted by Transparent Language on Mar 25, 2010 in Grammar , Vocabulary

Are you thinking about trying to get a job in a French-speaking country? It would be a great language learning-experience, that’s for sure! If you are, then you will need to know a few important things about writing a résumé for your prospective employer(s).

1. The first order of business? Résumé literally means “summary”, so you should never submit a résumé to a French-speaking employer. Instead, submit un C.V. (curriculum vitae). The word résumé has been adopted in English to refer to job application documents, but in French the common terminology is un C.V.

2. A proper French “résumé” (again, C.V.) requires a fair amount of si tuation personnelle et état civil ( personal information). Oftentimes pictures and other extraneous information is needed more so than you may be accustomed to in other parts of the world. Examples of this are providing your nationalité (citizenship) or s ituation de famille ( marital status). For the latter, you may include célibataire (single), marié(e) (married), divorcé(e) (divorced), or veuf /veuve (widowed). Âge (age) might also be useful, or simply your date de naissance (date of birth).

3. The contact information part is fairly simple, but critical. A well-written French C.V. has your numéro de téléphone (phone number) in as many varieties as possible — portable (cell phone, mobile); domicile (home phone); bureau (work phone) — as well as your adresse e-mail (email) .

4. The meat of your C.V. will include brief sections for e xpérience professionnelle (work experience), f ormation (education background), c onnaissances: linguistiques et informatiques (skills: languages and technology), your p roject professionnel or o bjectif (career goals), centres d’intérêt, passe-temps, loisirs, activités personnelles/extra-professionnelles (i nterests, pastimes, leisure Activities, hobbies).

5. For describing your level of language mastery, it is always best to be honest. If you happen to get an interview, your employer wouldn’t want to be taken off guard so it pays to be conservative here. Below are some helpful qualifiers:

Maîtrise convenable, Bonnes connaissances: Intermediate:

Lu, écrit, parlé: proficient

Courant: fluent

Bilingue: bilingual

Langue maternelle: native language

6. I’ve found it’s useful on any C.V. to put your références (references/referees) and their nom et coordonnées (name and position).

7. Since there are a plethora of ways to format your r ésumé in French-speaking countries, I’ve provided a link of some examples for your convenience.

Bonne chance!

Build vocabulary, practice pronunciation, and more with Transparent Language Online. Available anytime, anywhere, on any device.

About the Author: Transparent Language

Transparent Language is a leading provider of best-practice language learning software for consumers, government agencies, educational institutions, and businesses. We want everyone to love learning language as much as we do, so we provide a large offering of free resources and social media communities to help you do just that!

very very helpful – thank you!

I really like the way this was put together. The inclusion of immediate English translations was useful. The link to examples was also a nice touch.

Keep on blogging.

Interesting things about how to write a resume

myfrenchresume.com:

My French Resume ( http://www.myfrenchresume.com ) translates and adapts your resume and cover letter to french standards. Get the free ebook “10 Innovative ways to find a job in France” !

Thanks a lot for your help. It is very useful!

That was very helpful

What You Really Need to Know About Writing French Letters and Emails

When I was learning French in school, writing letters was one of the most intimidating things we covered. There were so many formules de politesse (polite phrases and salutations) and all of them seemed absolutely required to be included in any formal or business correspondence.

Then, I came to France and found that letter (and now email) writing in French was actually a lot simpler than I’d been led to believe. I just had to be familiar with some key phrases and remember the purpose of letters and emails in the first place: to communicate.

Let’s look at what you really need to know about writing letters and emails in French.

The two rules of writing letters and emails in French

I could describe what it was like to come to France and have to write and read letters and emails of all sorts, entirely in French. I could talk about the way emails began to influence letter-writing in several ways. But that would make this a veeeery long article.

So, let’s break it down to two simple things you must remember:

1. Email and text messaging have influenced the rules of French business and formal correspondence

There will still be some situations where you will have to compose an old-fashioned, super-stuffy letter in French, maybe. But these situations are very rare.

Instead, over the past twenty years or so, I’ve seen an evolution of most French formal and business correspondence. While there will always be at least a few formules de politesse that French people will include (and expect) in professional and formal letters and emails, things have become a lot less formal in general.

Nowadays, for instance, that clunky ending formula Veuillez agr éer… à mes salutations distingu ées has become somewhat of a rarity. Additionally, some companies have opted to eschew formal salutations like Madame, Monsieur, (To Whom It May Concern) for the much more relaxed Bonjour , to seem more approachable.

This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be polite – French people are notoriously polite. But you can do it in a more relaxed way. So don’t worry if you don’t include a ton of formules de politesse in your email or letter, and don’t expect to receive correspondence peppered with them. (Although in my experience, you should ALWAYS include Cordialement as a sign-off, even in only somewhat formal situations.)

Again, there are exceptions and it’s never a bad thing to veer on the side of caution. But overall, French correspondence is a bit more relaxed than you might expect.

2. Remember your intention

The main goal of a letter or email is to communicate. Whether that’s asking a question, sharing information, or requesting a service, the most important thing is to convey what you mean in a clear way. The formules de politesse won’t let you do this; they’re just there to show your respect and politeness.

So make sure, first and foremost, that your French letter or email is easy for your correspondent to understand. Then check to make sure of the politeness basics:

Did you open with a polite greeting that matches the gender and number of the person or people you’re addressing?
If necessary, did you thank them?
Did you make your request politely?
Did you sign off with a polite closing (usually Cordialement) ?

If you’ve done all these things, in most cases that’s all you need to worry about. Always focus on making sure your correspondent understands what you need to get across. A letter full of empty, polite phrases and no information is of no use to anyone.

Essential phrases for writing a formal or business French letter or email

A man's hands on a computer keyboard, seen from above. His smartphone sits beside the computer.

There are many formules de politesse – and variations of them – that you might find if you look up “How to write a letter in French” online. But in my experience, the ones I’m including here are the ones you really need to know, either because you’ll use them a lot or because you’ll come across them often.

But first off, make sure you know how to write the date in French . If you’re writing a formal or business letter (not email), don’t forget to include the date, on the top right of the page above the body of the letter.

One more thing: The exact way to say and spell “email” in French is incredibly varied. The strictly Francophone word is un courriel , but this is rarely used. You will also see the Anglophone-influenced un e-mail or sometimes un é-mail from time to time. But the two most frequent ways I see this word in most formal, professional, and informal correspondence is either un mail or un mél.

Okay, now onto the list….

Essential phrases to start a formal letter in French

Madame, Monsieur – To Whom It May Concern.

As in English, this is used if you don’t know the gender(s) or name(s) of the person or people you’re writing to. Otherwise, use one of these:

Madame [Last name]
Monsieur [Last name]

These formal greetings are used in lieu of Madame, Monsieur if you are absolutely certain of the gender, number, and/or last name of the person or people you’re writing to.

For example, when I write an email or note to my son’s school principal, because I know her gender and last name, I would begin my message: Madame Dupont ,

Other important phrases to include in a business letter

Je vous écris pour.

I’m writing to/I’m writing in order to

Example: Je vous écris pour résilier mon abonnement. (I’m writing to cancel my subscription.)

Suite à votre lettre/votre message/notre dernière conversation/votre courriel/votre mél

Following up on/Regarding your letter/message/our last conversation/your email

This could also be translated as “As per”, although to my knowledge it doesn’t have the subtly rude connotation that it’s sometimes given in English.

Example: Suite à votre lettre, je vous confirme la résiliation de votre abonnement. (Following your letter, I confirm that your subscription has been cancelled.)

Je vous prie de…

I humbly request that you…

Although you may write this phrase, it’s more commonly used by companies or anyone who would be making a demand or request. It’s often used with the phrase bien vouloir to form the ultra-polite mega phrase Je vous prie de bien vouloir… , which roughly translates to “I humbly request that you kindly oblige by…”

Example: Je vous prie de lire le contrat ci-joint. (I humbly request that you read the enclosed contract.)

ci-joint(e)(s)

enclosed or attached. (Note that this must agree with the word it’s referring to.)

You may also see something like:

Veuillez trouver-ci-joint(e)(s)

Please find attached/enclosed…

Example: Veuillez trouver ci-jointe une photocopie de mon passeport. (Please find attached a photocopy of my passport.)

Merci de bien vouloir

Please have the kindness to…/Please be so kind as to…

This is another ultra-polite phrase, but there is a sense of authority behind it. There really isn’t a choice here; you have to do what’s asked.

Example: Merci de bien vouloir remplir les documents ci-joints. (Please be so kind as to fill out the enclosed documents.)

Je vous remercie de/Merci pour…

I thank you for/Thank you for….

These phrases, especially the first one, are formal to general register. You can write Merci pour in a message to a friend as well as in a somewhat formal email or letter. Je vous remercie is a bit more formal.

Example : Je vous remercie de votre lettre. (I thank you for your letter.)

Merci de ta compréhension/Merci de votre compréhension

Thank you for understanding./I appreciate your understanding.

This can be used for personal matters, or in a more general way, a bit like “We apologize for the inconvenience.”

Example: Nous vous informons que notre bureau sera ferme la semaine prochaine. Merci de votre compréhension. (We kindly inform you that our office will be closed next week. We appreciate your understanding.)

donner suite à (dans les plus brefs délais)

to respond/to follow up on something (as quickly as possible)

Example: Merci pour votre message. Nous y donnerons suite dans les plus brefs délais. (Thank you for your message. We will reply to it as quickly as possible.)

N’hésitez pas à me contacter pour tout renseignement complémentaire

If you need additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

This is an extremely common statement to make towards the end of a formal or business letter or email (depending on the context, of course).

This is an extremely polite way to ask someone to do something and is commonly found in business correspondence or instructions.

Example: Veuillez trouver ci-joints les documents demand é s. (Please find attached the documents you requested.)

You’ll also see it tied to an extremely formal sign-off….

Veuillez agréer, ___, l’expression de mes salutations distinguées

Please accept my sincerest salutations.

This very formal closing statement or sign-off has many, many variations.

The phrase has to be completed with the title you used in the greeting of your letter. So for instance, if I addressed the person I was writing to as “Madame Dupont” at the start of the letter, I would write:

Veuillez agréer, Madame Dupont, l’expression de mes salutations distinguées

Most French letters and emails today won’t use this formula, opting to simply go to the all-purpose closing Cordialement instead. But you will still find it or one of its variants from time to time, and you’ll need to write it if you’re being ultra-polite/groveling/applying for a job in French.

Merci par avance

Thanks in advance.

This is a bit of a loaded phrase because it implies certainty that whatever is being requested will get done. Personally, I use it for things like routine procedures that the person I’m writing to would be expected to do.

Example: Veuillez trouver ci-joint la confirmation de ma demande de renouvellement d’abonnement. Merci par avance. (Please find attached the confirmation of my renewal request. Thanks in advance.)

How to end a formal French letter

Cordialement – Sincerely/Regards/Best Regards/Respectfully

This is the formal and business French letter or email sign-off par excellence. Even extremely formal correspondence may include it (after an extremely formal closing statement). And on the other hand, it’s often used in friendly yet somewhat formal correspondence between people in everyday life matters, as well.

For instance, if you’re contacting someone about something they’re selling online, you’ll use it and they’ll use it to close at least your initial messages. It’s also used in text messages of this kind, often abbreviated as Cdlmt or sometimes cdlt or cdt . It’s so common that there’s even some backlash against it .

If you or your correspondent really want(s) to emphasize your good will, Bien can be added to the beginning: Bien Cordialement,

Three real-life examples of French formal letters and emails

Here are a few short formal or professional French letters and emails I’ve received recently (with specific names and references removed or replaced).

You’ll notice that none of them contain every single essential or word or phrase I’ve listed above. To me, this is the best way to show you not to panic. A letter or email in French is the same as it is in any other language; its primary goal is to communicate. It’s not just a patchwork of typical phrases, although you will still come across several of them in each example.

See which ones you find in these three messages:

I. An email regarding school registration

(Note: All names and other personal information have been removed/replaced):

Madame, Monsieur, Je vous envoie un message de la part de Mme Dupont concernant l’inscription pour le CP. Cordialement, Laure Martin

II. An email from my son’s school principal

Madame, Monsieur, Votre enfant ira au CP l’an prochain et vous avez reçu de la Mairie le certificat d’inscription pour les écoles de secteur. Je vous prie de bien vouloir remettre ce document à la maternelle 8, rue du Louvre où j’assurerai une permanence lundi 20 avril et mercredi 22 avril de 10h à 11h. Prenez soin de vous et vos proches. N DUPONT

III. A registered letter from our building management company

This is a letter sent to my husband by our building management company ( Syndic ), calling for an annual meeting of our building board (again, all names and personal information have been removed or replaced):

Monsieur Nous avons l’honneur de vous convoquer à l’Assemblée Générale de votre immeuble, qui se tiendra le : VENDREDI 2 OCTOBRE 2020 à 18H00 Nous vous prions d’agréer, Monsieur, l’expression de nos sincères salutations. LE SYNDIC

Tips to write a formal French letter or email

Overhead view of half a laptop computer, a smartphone, some pens and a block of sticky notes.

I hope that this list of phrases and the idea that the most essential thing is to clearly communicate will make it easier for you to write a formal or business French letter or email.

If you still don’t feel confident, you may be able to find templates for certain letters by doing an online search for the phrase mod èle de , followed by the type of letter or email you have to write – for instance: mod èle de lettre de motivation (cover/job application letter template).

You can also ask Francophone friends or use online forums to see if your letter or email is written correctly. If you’re using a forum or talking to someone you don’t know well, of course be sure to leave out any specific personal information.

Keep in mind that in many cases — for instance if you’re sending a message to request information — the person on the other end just needs to understand you and understand that you’re being polite and respectful; if you make a few small errors, it’s not the end of the world. Don’t let your fear hold you back from asking for something important.

If it is holding you back, one thing I used to do was to start my letter or email with an explanation like:

Je m’excuse par avance pour d’éventuelles erreurs dans cette lettre/ce m é l, le français n’est pas ma langue maternelle. (I apologize in advance for any possible errors in this letter/this email; French isn’t my native language.)

Informal French letter closings and openings

Writing a friendly email, card, or letter in French is a lot easier than writing a formal or professional one – after all, you’re communicating with people you know and probably are close to, so there’s less pressure and less formality required. Still, there are a few common things you may want to know how to say, and a few that should probably be included in your message, as well.

Here are the essential words and phrases for opening and closing informal French letters:

Cher(s)/Chère(s) – Dear

Keep in mind that this should agree with the number and gender of the person/people you’re writing to. Although this is a standard way to start a friendly letter or email in French, I’ve personally found that it’s a bit old-fashioned. People of older generations use it in cards or letters, but younger people tend to use greetings like Bonjour , Salut , or Coucou .

Bonjour/Salut/Coucou – Hello, Hi, Hi there

These greetings are more commonly used by French people in informal or friendly correspondence, especially people of younger generations. Check out our article on French greetings to learn more about the specific uses and connotations of each one.

Je vous/te remercie de/pour OR Merci pour (I thank you for/Thank you for).

As you might have guessed, Merci pour is the more informal, general way to thank someone, while Je te remercie de/pour is a bit more formal. I would use the latter, for instance, with a very old French acquaintance or relative.

Example: Merci pour ta carte. (Thanks for your card.) -I would write this to a friend. Or Je te remercie pour ta carte. (Thank you for your card.) – I would write this to an older French friend or acquaintance.

Passe le bonjour de ma part à – Say hi to ___ for me.

You may also see this written as Passe le bonjour or Passe-lui le bonjour , where the de ma part is understood.

Example: Passe le bonjour à toute ta famille.

Amitiés – Warm Regards/Kind Regards

This is a friendly yet still somewhat formal way to sign off in non-professional correspondence. You can use it with acquaintances or a group of friends, for example.

Bien à vous – Sincerely yours/Best Wishes

The literal translation of this sign-off is “Good [things] to you.” You can also use it in some friendly business correspondence. Apparently, it’s even more common in Belgian French than in the French spoken in France. Still, I encounter it quite a lot here in letters and emails from people who are quite fond of me and/or my family, but who don’t know us extremely well.

Bisous (à tous) – Love (to you all)

As in English, this is a sign-off that’s used with people you’re very close to, like family and good friends.

Bises – Kisses

This is a bit less formal.

Je t’embrasse/Je vous embrasse/On t’embrasse/On vous embrasse/Nous t’embrassons/Nous vous embrassons – All our love/With love.

This phrase literally means “I/We kiss you”. It’s a bit more formal than the other closings on this list, but I sometimes find that even people close to us, or family members, use it. You’ll sometimes see bien fort added to the end, for instance: Je t’embrasse bien fort. This is the rough equivalent “Big kisses” or “Lots of Love” and, to me, shows a bit more affection and familiarity.

If you want even more options, this article is a good source of additional openings, phrases, and closings for informal or friendly French letters and emails.

Three examples of informal or friendly French emails and letters

Here are three emails or letters that I’ve recently received from friends and family in France, as well as an example of an informal exchange about selling an item online.

I. An email from a French friend

(Note: All personal information has been removed or replaced):

Bonjour Alysa, J’ai mis le temps, mais ça y est, j’ai enregistré nos photos de l’anniversaire d’Antoine dans un album Google. Et vous, comment ça va ? Avez-vous pris des vacances pour la Toussaint ? Antoine et moi sommes partis 4 jours au Portugal. Ça nous a fait un bien fou ! Nous vous faisons des bises et vous disons à bientôt, Carole & Antoine

II. A card from French relatives

Alysa, [my husband], [my son], Merci pour votre carte. Nous vous souhaitons de joyeuses fêtes de Noel. On vous embrasse très fort, Nadine et Charles

III. A reply from someone selling a bookshelf online

This is a reply to a message I left on famous French classifieds site Le Bon Coin, regarding some bookshelves I was interested in buying:

Bonjour, les bibliothèques ne sont plus disponibles. Merci pour votre message. Cdt

As you can see from the last message, informal correspondence, especially online, is often very influenced by French texting slang and abbreviations .

Still, the messages on these sites are almost always polite – French people typically take the time to at least end the first one with some form of Cordialement .

Essential French phrases for specific occasions

A woman's hands hold an open envelope from which a red paper heart emerges.

Here are a few French phrases you’ll commonly see or use for specific occasions and situations:

Félicitations/Toutes mes félicitations – Congratulations/My heartfelt congratulations
Joyeux anniversaire – Happy Birthday
Bonne année – Happy New Year
Bonnes fêtes/Joyeuses fêtes – Happy Holidays
Meilleurs vœux – Best wishes/Season’s greetings

Meilleurs vœux shows goodwill for a specific event, for instance, if someone graduated school. But it’s also typically used during the winter holiday season to mean “Season’s greetings”.

Sincères condoléances/Toutes mes condoléances – My condolences/My sincere/heartfelt condolences
Merci/Mes remerciements – Thank you/My sincere thanks
Tu me manques/Vous me manquez – I miss you.
Je t’aime – I love you.

I’ll end this guide to writing a French letter with a short, somewhat formal note:

Chers lecteurs,

J’espère que vous avez trouvé cet article utile, et que vous ne serez pas (ou ne serez plus) intimid é s quand vous devez é crire une lettre ou un m é l en français.

Bonne continuation et bon courage !

Cordialement,

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Alysa Salzberg

Alysa Salzberg is an American writer, worrier, teacher, and cookie enthusiast who has lived in Paris, France, for more than a decade. She has taught English and French for more than ten years, most notably as an assistante de langue vivante for L'Education Nationale. She recently published her first novel, Hearts at Dawn , a "Beauty and the Beast" retelling that takes place during the 1870 Siege of Paris. You can read about her adventures here , or feel free to stop by her website .

Writing a Business Letter in French

Pronunciation & Conversation
Resources For Teachers

Writing a job letter ( une lettre d'emploi) in French can be a challenge. You need to be professional, but if you're still learning the language, this can be difficult to convey. At times, it is best to look at an example so you know where to begin.

When writing the letter, remember to be as polite as possible and follow the formula outlined in this sample. With a little attention to the details, like the salutation and opening of your letter, you will be constructing great correspondence in no time.

Sample Correspondance Commerciale

This sample business letter, or correspondance commerciale, is to give you an outline for using business letter formulas in French. The various sections are notated using brackets and it is much easier if you construct the letter piece by piece.

You can use this sample as a template for your own letter. Simply replace the sentences as needed to fit your particular requirements. The formula works well for job applications as well as other types of formal business correspondence.

New York, le 10 novembre 2012 Monsieur Georges UNTEL Entreprise fictive 46, rue Jenesaisquoi 12345 UNEVILLE Sonpays Monsieur Untel [salutation] , J'ai l'honneur de vous informer [open letter] que j'ai bien reçu votre lettre du 6 novembre 2000 [confirm receipt] . C'est avec plaisir [express pleasure] que j'accepte le poste de traductrice de votre site web que vous m'offrez [accept/refuse offer] . Je regrette vivement de ne pas pouvoir commencer immédiatement [express regret] . Je serais disponible à partir du 20 novembre [availability/contact info] . J'espère que vous voudrez bien me faire savoir si cette date vous conviendra [make request] . En vous remerciant de la confiance que vous me témoignez [pre-close] , je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur Untel, l'assurance de ma considération distinguée. Laura K. Lawless mon adresse, mon numéro de téléphone et cetera

Salutations (Les saluts)

Just as it is in English, the salutation you use in the letter is extremely important. Your choice will leave an impression on the reader that may influence how they interpret the rest of the letter. Be sure to choose wisely and use the appropriate address.

It would be impossible to list every possible title, but this list should give you an idea of how to address your letter.

*In so-called "standard" French, the word professeur is always masculine. However in Québec and parts of Switzerland, there is a feminine version: la professeure , so pay attention to the country of the person you are addressing.

Opening the Letter (Pour commencer la lettre)

As important as the salutation, your opening sentence sets the tone for the letter. Compose this carefully or the reader may not bother reading the entire thing.

The following phrases are good choices when your letter's intent is to inquire about employment. They cover most job application situations, from responding to an advertisement to inquiring about open positions at a company.

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French Vocabulary Lesson: Banking and Money
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An Introduction to French Articles

How to Write Letters and emails in French For Any Occasion

By: Author Calli Zarpas

Posted on Published: July 11, 2022 - Last updated: August 3, 2023

How to Write Letters and emails in French For Any Occasion

Guide to writing letters and emails in French

If you’re looking to learn how to write letters and emails in French, you’ll need to learn a few key components: a proper salutation, a polite introduction, and a formal closing sentence. Everything else in your letter will depend on the reason you’re writing it.

And if you’re wondering if the French are really writing letters anymore. They are! Even though you might be looking to learn cool slang words or how to order a delicious French meal as a new French learner, you’ll be surprised by how much learning how to write letters and emails in French will come in handy–especially if you plan to live here.

Why to Learn How to Write Letters and Emails in French

For a quick example, I’m currently in the process of applying for a new visa here in France. When I was applying from the United States for past visas, the visa department had a phone helpline, an email address, and an easy online messaging system for questions and concerns.

But here in France, things are a little bit more complicated. When I was applying last month, there was no phone number (or even email!) so I had to physically go into the office to ask a question and apply for my visa. When I got to the prefecture they told me I couldn’t turn in my application there, but I instead had to mail it to them.

I didn’t understand why I had to physically mail them my application when I could’ve quite literally reached my hand across the table and given it right to them at my appointment. But, I digress.

But it’s not just the French government that loves letters. When canceling a French phone line, you have to mail a letter to the phone carrier. When you want to move out of your apartment, you have to mail a letter to your landlord. And when you close a bank account, you have to send your bank a letter in order to do so.

In the United States, all of these things could be done with either a quick trip to the physical location or just with a phone call. Here in France, it’s letters only. Hopefully, now you’re convinced of the importance of learning letter (and occasionally email) writing in France so let’s dive into exactly how to do it.

Writing a French Letterhead

If you’ve ever written a formal letter, it’s likely you’ve included a letterhead ( un en-tête in French) in the top left corner. A letterhead usually includes important details like where and when the letter was written.

In French, there are a few different formatting options, but usually, you’ll write your name and address on the top left and then the name of your recipient underneath it on the right like this:

Your name Your address Your phone number/email

Recipient’s name Recipient’s address

For an email, you don’t have to worry about this since the time and destination are known automatically.

Learning How to write letters and emails in French: A Proper Salutation

As you know, when writing any letter or email, it’s important to start off with who you’re addressing. In English, we almost exclusively say “dear” before the name of whoever we’re writing to, but in French you’ll usually only use “dear” or “very dear” for people you know.

Cher (m.) / Chère (f.) = Dear
Très cher (m.) / Très chère (f.) = Very dear

If you’re writing to somewhere you don’t know, you’ll usually just start off with their title like Madame (Mrs.), Monsieur (Mr.), Docteur (Dr.), etc. When I received a letter back from the French visa office saying I was missing a few papers for my application they simply addressed the letter, “ Madame .”

Learning How to write letters and emails in French: A Polite Introduction

Now that you’ve chosen the right salutation, it’s time to start off with a polite introduction. You don’t want to dive into the letter without introducing the subject first, so here are a few ways to do so.

Je vous contacte pour = I’m contacting you to…

Le but de cette lettre est de = The goal of this letter is to…

Je vous informe par la présente que = I hereby let you know..

If you’re sending you letter after a specific event you can also start your letter with some context like this:

Suite à notre conversation téléphonique du = After our phone conversation…

À la suite de notre dernière rencontre … = After our last meeting…

Je vous remercie de votre courrier du … = Thank you for your letter…

Learning How to Write Letters and Emails in French: A Formal Conclusion

Once you’ve added your en-tête , written your polite introduction, and explained why you’re writing your letter or email, it’s time to start writing. The content of this part of the letter/email will be totally dependent on your subject and there aren’t any specific rules to be aware of (besides using formal language if you’re writing to someone you don’t know).

But, there are a few rules when it comes to the conclusion. The difficult thing about choosing a concluding sentence is that depending on where you fall in the hierarchy of the relationship and the customs of the organization/business, the conclusion might differ.

If I’m responding to a letter or email, I’ll usually just use the same conclusion they use since that’s usually the safest choice. But here I’ll list a few formal conclusions, which will always be the last sentence of your letter, from most formal to least formal.

Very Formal:

Veuillez recevoir, Monsieur, l’assurance de ma considération distinguée.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my distinguished consideration.

Je vous prie de croire, Madame, en l’assurance de mes sentiments les meilleurs.

Please believe, Madame, the guarantee of my best intentions.

Veuillez recevoir, Madame/Monsieur, l’expression de mes sentiments distingués.

Please accept, Madame/Sir, the exprespression of my distinguished intentions.

Veuillez agréer, Monsieur, l’assurance de mes sentiments respectueux.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my respectful intentions.

Croyez, chère Madame, à mes sentiments les meilleurs.

Believe, dear madam, my best intentions.

Least Formal:

Amicalement.

Bien amicalement.

Amitiés.

Bien à vous.

Sincères salutations.

Sincèrement.

Bien sincèrement.

Cordialement.

Bien cordialement.

These can all be used to replace “Yours,” “Best wishes,” “Kind regards,” “Regards,” and “Best,”.

Now that your letter is complete you can sign your name. For really formal emails and letters, especially those used for administrative purposes, you can add the date and the place you wrote the letter/email underneath your name like this:

[Signature]

Fait le [date] à [location]

And that’s it! You’ve learned all of the basics of writing a French letter. Happy writing!

Become an expert in French letter writing! Our good friend, Camille, at Frenchtoday.com and the creator of the À Moi Paris audio course, does also excellent job teaching how to write letters in French. This post on her site offers is a wonderful compliment to this page !

Calli Zarpas

Calli Zarpas, blogger, producer, and content creator, is a lover of all things travel, wellness, and French. Having begun traveling in her teens, Calli visited 30 countries before settling down in France post-college. When she's not writing French-language content for French Learner or traveling the world, you can find Calli creating content for herself and others on Instagram , Tiktok , and her blog, Wooish .

See all posts by Calli Zarpas

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Discover our tips for perfecting your application and showing recruiters the best of you!

How to write a CV?

The CV (curriculum vitae) is a document that is intended to present your know-how to an identified audience. It highlights your skills and answers the following question: how does my background as a pupil and/or student correspond to my application to study in France? Simply put, it presents you in the best light!

The contents and format of a CV

There are two parts to your CV: the contents and the format.

The format is what is seen first. Your CV should be short, readable, attractive, colourful and pleasant to read.

Preferably, your CV should be 1 page , written in a classical font ( Arial or Times New Roman in size 11 or 12) on a white background .

The content is what gives meaning, what is essential. Your CV should express your identity and your background, make the reader want to know more, to ask you questions. Beware of spelling mistakes! Have someone you know proofread it.

In a good CV, the recruiter finds all the information that is useful at a glance. You have to be eye-catching, clear and concise. Always put yourself in the shoes of the person who is going to read it and who does not always have much time. Don't forget that the CV is a pre-selection tool to get an interview.

The essential sections of a CV

The introduction.

Start your CV with an introductory sentence or two about who you are to attract attention. This can be a simple headline, your personal statement or you can also develop a quick presentation, making sure you are clear and concise. Mention your experience if it is significant, your field of specialisation or strengths, the responsibilities you can take on and/or your professional objective.

The headline serves to distinguish and therefore enhance your CV.

Personal information

Place your personal information at the top left of your CV:

first name and SURNAME (in capital letters),
date of birth,
nationality,
e-mail address,
phone (specify What's App and Viber),
*your digital footprint, your presence on social networks (be careful what they might find about you!)

To not risk being left out, avoid fancy email addresses: achiever365@gmail .com, and be careful with avatars (favourite dog, nickname).

Your education and skills

Qualifications, education and training (including DELF-DALF) - Give an overview of your education, starting with your most recent university degree, before listing previous degrees in chronological order. Indicate the type and title of the degree, the name of the institutions, the subjects of the thesis or dissertation you have written and the year of completion.

Work experience, internships in companies, associations and NGOs - If you are a recent graduate, you may not have much to mention in this section. In this case, you can mention your voluntary work experience, your unpaid jobs or your extracurricular activities.

Personal skills (strengths, motivations, soft skills),

Office tools / digital skills ,

Languages spoken ,

Hobbies and interests - This section of your academic CV is not compulsory. You should only include it if you feel that your hobbies and interests support your application and are relevant to the position you are applying for. Highlight hobbies that have potentially contributed to the development of your technical and interpersonal skills. Do not be too generic if you choose to add this section to your CV. Rather than stating that you like sport, mention the sports you play, the number of years you have been playing and whether you compete. If you mention that you like reading, specify what kind of books you read and who your favourite authors are.

Don't write anything that you can't easily justify if you are asked a question. For example: what was the last book you read?

How to write a motivation letter?

The motivation letter , also known as the application letter or cover letter , highlights the skills and qualities of the candidate necessary for the success of his/her professional project. The letter is an essential tool for structuring your speech during the interview.

The format and contents of a motivation letter

In terms of format , you should state your surname, first name, nationality, e-mail address and telephone number. Underline your subject: Motivation letter for admission to L1 (L2, Master, ... ) .

Don't forget to use a classic font such as Arial or Times New Roman, it is also important to justify paragraphs (rather than left-align) and use accents if writing in French. Respect spelling and syntax and avoid too many bold characters.

Regarding the content , the addressee/ recipient must be specified, the purpose must be given and the plan must be stated.

Look for templates for addresses and formal greetings. To write a successful cover letter, you should think about your plan before you start writing.

Our advice:

General rules to follow for your cover letters: number of pages, clarity, personalisation, keywords and formal greetings.

Keep in mind: 1 page, not more

A motivation letter should never be longer than one page, the opposite would be a sign of a lack of synthesis and would not motivate the recruiter to read it.

No spelling mistakes

Spelling is of the utmost importance: be aware that at the first mistake, 90% of recruiters stop reading your letter.

Transparency

Try to show off, but don't be disingenuous, as this will not help and could embarrass you at the interview or even afterwards.

Get straight to the point in your letter, no need to paraphrase to make your letter a little longer. Give strong arguments that are consistent with your profile, your objective and the offer you are responding to.

Relevance and personalisation

Show that you have done your homework and that you do not write the same letter to every university you apply to.

Be original in your cover letter to stand out from the crowd, and your letter will have a greater impact (but without going overboard!).

Motivate and engage the reader

Your letter should be positive and should motivate the recruiter to meet you.

Politeness

Be courteous and polite: always end your cover letter by saying that you are at the reader's disposal for further information and by concluding with the standard formal greeting.

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How To Write a Resume for France – Applying for a Job in France? Here's the Right Resume Format and Rules To Follow!

In This Guide:

What is the french resume format, what sections to include in your resume, example resume.

Are you looking to create a French resume? It can be intimidating to attempt composing in a foreign language, particularly when it relates to something as essential as your job application. However, with the correct format and sections included, you'll find that creating a successful French resume is easier than ever.

Learn what makes up an effective french resume, including how to structure yours for maximum impact. Plus, get examples and final tips to feel confident submitting your own professional-looking document.

Visionary Digital Marketing Strategist resume example

A French resume is a document job seekers in France use to apply for jobs. It's comparable to a conventional resume that includes data such as academic credentials, employment history, and other pertinent details.

Including personal information such as name, address , contact details (phone and email) , date of birth, and nationality is the initial step in a French resume. This should be followed by an objective statement that outlines the applicant's career goals and aspirations.

When creating a resume for French job applications, knowing the distinctions from the standard American-style format is essential. The most crucial difference between an American and a French resume is the length. A French resume should be at most two pages , while an American one should mostly fit on a single page.

Like an American resume, a French resume includes a personal statement or summary at the top of the page.

When listing work experience on a French resume, start with your current or most recent position and then list each prior job in reverse chronological order (with dates).

Be sure to include all relevant details, such as the company name, the title held within that company, primary duties performed during the employment period, and any notable accomplishments achieved during this time frame.

Regarding education history on a French resume : Start with the highest degree earned first (listing school attended), followed by any other degrees obtained after that, along with dates of completion for each degree listed if applicable.

Suppose you have completed professional certifications or training courses related to your field of interest/expertise. In that case, you should also include these and their respective completion date(s) here.

Finally, when creating your unique version of a French-style resume, ensure it looks clean and professional. Avoid using fancy fonts, as they will only detract from the resume's overall appearance. Also, use simple formatting techniques such as bolding text where appropriate so employers can quickly scan through it without getting overwhelmed by too much information.

Remember that although this type of document may seem intimidating at first glance, crafting one tailored specifically toward potential employers could ultimately help land you more interviews than ever before.

The French resume format is an effective way to showcase your skills and qualifications, and by following the guidelines above, you can ensure that your application stands out from the crowd. Now let's explore what sections to include in your resume for maximum impact.

It should be concise and include only relevant information about your education, experience, and skills. The format of a French resume is slightly different from other countries resumes.

In constructing your French CV , be sure to include the following components:

Personal Information

This section includes basic contact information such as name, address, phone number, email address, etc. Also, include any professional affiliations or memberships here if applicable.

Personal Statement

The personal statement , which can be either an objective statement or a summary, serves as the beginning of your resume. It ought to give the reader an engaging presentation.

If you have accomplishments and professional experience to bolster your application, use the summary. If not, utilize the aim to describe your career goals and interest in the job.

List all educational qualifications, including degrees obtained (with dates), diplomas earned (with dates), and certificates acquired (with dates). In addition, include any pertinent training you have received for the position to which you are applying, specifying the institution, program name, and completion date.

Work Experience

Include all previous work experience starting with the most recent first; provide details of each role, including company name/location/dates employed/position held, etc., plus any achievements or responsibilities that demonstrate your suitability for the position you are applying for now.

For example, you could include "Increased sales by 20% over three months period" or "Managed team of ten people."

Your work experience should be listed in reverse chronological order, with your most recent position first.

Skills and Competencies

Here, you can highlight critical skills which will help employers understand why you would be suitable for their vacancy.

For example, "Fluent in English & Spanish" / "Excellent communication skills both written & verbal" / "Proficient user of Microsoft Office Suite applications."

Additional Information

Use this section to add anything else that could give an employer more insight into who you are — hobbies and interests, languages, voluntary work, awards won, and so on.

Following these guidelines when writing your French resume will ensure that it stands out from other applicants while demonstrating why you would make an ideal candidate for the role.

References (Optional)

Although references are not required to be mentioned on French resumes, employers nearly always request them before hiring you. So, you can either provide your best recommendations along with their contact details or just state that they are available upon request.

If you choose to do so, list each reference's name, relationship to you, current job, and area of expertise. Whether it be an email address or a phone number, you should only provide one means of contact. Three references are the standard amount to include.

Let's say you don't want to provide references. If so, you can include the line "References available upon request (références disponibles sur demande)" at the bottom of your resume. Doing it this way will also indicate the employer's interest in you, as they will only request references if they think you are a good fit for the role.

Additional Tips for Writing Your French Resume

Along with the above information, here are some tips to help make your French resume shine.

Proofread Carefully

Before submitting your French resume, proofread it carefully for any spelling or grammar mistakes. This will help ensure that the document is professional and error-free.

Moreover, obtaining another individual to scrutinize your CV can be beneficial in discovering any mistakes you may have neglected.

Tailor Your Resume

Tailoring your resume to each job you are applying for can be beneficial in highlighting the most relevant qualifications and experiences that match the position's requirements.

For instance, if a job necessitates experience with customer service, it is important to focus on this in your resume by furnishing precise illustrations of how you have supplied outstanding client assistance in prior roles.

Use Keywords

Using keywords throughout your French resume can also be helpful when applying for jobs, as many employers use automated systems to scan resumes for certain words related to their open positions.

Ensure that the abilities detailed in your CV are pertinent to the position you're seeking, and incorporate any industry-specific terminology or expressions utilized in the job advertisement whenever feasible.

When writing a French resume, it is important to be concise and not go into too much detail about each role or responsibility. This can take up valuable space on the page and distract from other key points included in the document.

Instead, focus on providing brief descriptions of each position while emphasizing accomplishments rather than day-to-day tasks completed during employment periods.

Once you have identified the components that you should include in your resume, it is time to arrange them into a polished, professional presentation that will make you stand out from other applicants.

Your Full Name

Mailing address

Phone number

Email address

Your Job Title

Personal Statement (Profil)

Under this section, you'll want to:

Describe the goals you have for your application.

Professional Experience (Expérience Professionnelle)

List all previous employment history, including job title, company name, dates employed, and a brief summary of duties performed at each position held in France or abroad in chronological order.

Education (Formation)

List all relevant educational qualifications such as degrees earned, courses taken, and any other special training received in France or abroad.

Skills (Compétences)

A bullet list of relevant skills, up to ten.

Languages (Langues)

Any other languages you speak

References available on request (références disponibles sur demande)

To ensure your resume stands out, use the example resume as a guide and apply it with creativity and flair.

Writing a French resume can be daunting, but with the correct information and tips, you can make sure your application stands out.

When writing a French resume, it is important to remember that accuracy and attention to detail are key factors when submitting applications. Therefore, make sure you proofread multiple times before sending out any documents. Additionally, ensure that all relevant information has been included; leaving out important details will only hurt your chances of being considered further down the line.

Finally, keep it concise—try not to exceed two pages unless absolutely necessary since recruiters often have hundreds if not thousands of CVs to go through when shortlisting candidates for interviews. Keeping things brief yet informative will help you stand out from the crowd.

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Writing a Professional Email in French (Sample template included)

Updated: April 24, 2021 by Mylene in Guides and Tips Array ▪ English Français

Writing a formal email in French can be a challenge. Many people send multiple emails per day to recap an important meeting, to relay an important update, or simply to contact someone. If you’re looking for a job, you’ll also have to compose and send a cover letter.

Whether you want to make a good first impression or you want to write emails that get replies, you have to learn the basics. Sounding professional in French is not always easy. The key is to use the right formula for the right situation.

In France, the term “e-mail” is commonly used.

In this article, I’ll give you the sentences you need to write a professional email in French:

Use the proper greeting
Introduce yourself
Be 100% Formal
How to write “enclosed” for an attached file
Choose the right object
Re-read your email
Useful phrases
Add your signature
Infographic

Sample Email in French

How to write a formal email in french, 1. use the proper greeting.

Being polite is important.

If you don’t know the name nor the gender of the recipient (le destinataire), use:

Madame, Monsieur,
Mesdames, Messieurs,

If you know the gender but not the name , then only Madame or Monsieur should be used.

Even if you know the recipient’s name , then Madame or Monsieur is still appropriate.

A formal relationship with someone whose title you know :

Madame la directrice,
Monsieur le Président,

A formal relationship with someone whose name you know :

Monsieur Untel,
Madame Dupont,

how to write professional email in french

2. Introduce yourself

You have to explain the purpose of your email at first.

After the greetings, introduce your reason for writing. For instance, you can refer to an earlier in-person conversation with the recipient (le destinataire). For example:

Suite à notre entretien du 14 juin: Following up on our interview on June 14th…
The following phrases are good choices when your letter’s intent is to inquire about employment Je vous propose ma candidature pour le poste: I would like to submit my candidacy for the position
Je me réfère à votre annonce parue dans: with reference to your post advertised in
Votre annonce parue dans… a retenu toute mon attention: Your post advertised in… caught my attention
Je me permets de poser ma candidature pour le poste de… / au poste de: I wish to apply for the post of…
Je vous serais très reconnaissant/reconnaissante de : I would be very grateful if you could…

3. Be 100% Formal

When writing formal letters, always use “vous” and never “tu”.

When using you in the singular form, tu implies intimacy and informality, whereas vous is used in formal contexts.

Vous is always used when referring to a group.

4. How to write “enclosed” for an attached file

Most official documents have a title, so look for the title to insert the appropriate name of the document .

Veuillez trouver le document demandé en pièce: Please find the requested document as asked
Je vous joins mon CV: I enclose my resume
Veuillez trouver ci-joint mon CV: Please find attached my resume

5. Choose the right objet

However, just like an email in English, you’ll have a subject or in French “objet” which tells the recipient what the email is about. Choose a keyword that is professional . For example:

Candidature pour le poste de chef de projet: Application for the position of project manager
Location appartement: Apartment rental
Demande de renseignements: Information request

A French business email always ends with a formule de politesse, a closing formula .

Some typical formal ending formulas are:

Je vous prie d’agréer, (repeat the title as you started your letter), l’expression de mes salutations distinguées.: Yours sincerely.
Je vous prie d’agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l’expression de mes salutations distinguées.
Je vous prie d’agréer, Madame Intel, l’expression de mes salutations distinguées.

Another formal sentence would be:

Je vous prie d’agréer, (repeat the title as you started your letter), l’expression de mes salutations dévouées.
Je vous prie d’agréer, (repeat the salutation), l’expression de mes sentiments distingués.

The following sentence adds an extra thank you at the beginning for some extra respect points.

Avec mes remerciements, je vous prie de trouver ici, Madame, Monsieur, l’expression de mes sentiments distingués.

If you’re waiting on a response from someone in a formal situation, you can add “waiting for your response” to the beginning of one of these expressions:

Dans l’attente de votre réponse, je vous prie d’agréer, Monsieur/Madame, l’expression de mes salutations distinguées.

7. Re-read your email

Re-read your email out loud to ensure it makes sense. By reading the whole email, it will save a lot of stress for you, your colleague, and the client. To avoid any complications and awkward situations you have to always read business-related emails very carefully. Keep in mind that he or she may be having a super busy day so you need to be concise and provide all the necessary information.

So proofread your e-mail before sending. Take your time ! Check the list of recipients, title, content, attachments.

8. Useful phrases

You can embellish an email with the following common phrases :

J’ai une question concernant: I have a question about
Je serai disponible le: I’m available on
Je reste à votre entière disposition pour tout renseignement complémentaire: Please do not hesitate to contact me should you need any further information.
Nous vous remercions de votre compréhension: Thank you for your understanding

9. Add your signature

The signature is a tool to maintain contact with an interlocutor.

It can be found at the very end of your email. This is to provide the recipient with more detailed information and contact details of the sender. There are compulsory information which must appear in the signature, and which are the following:

First name and name
Position in the company
Legal status of the company
Full company address
Company Website
Sender or company phone number and email address

Additionally, you can include links to social media or the company logo in the signature. However, some users have blocked image files in emails for security reasons, it should therefore be ensured that the signature is acceptable without the logo.

5 ways to improve Your Professional email in French

Be 100% formal
Use the proper closing

useful steps writing formal email french

Objet : Candidature – Chef de projets

Madame Intel, Votre annonce pour un poste de chef de projets a retenu toute mon attention.

Mes précédentes expériences m’ont permis de développer des compétences que je souhaite aujourd’hui mettre au service de votre entreprise.

Participer à l’évolution de votre structure serait une très belle opportunité.

En m’appuyant sur mes connaissances, mon sens de l’adaptation et mes expériences dans divers secteurs d’activités je suis convaincue d’avoir les qualités requises pour ce poste.

Je vous laisse le soin de découvrir mon parcours à la lecture de mon CV et j’aurais le plaisir de discuter de ce poste avec vous.

Dans l’attente de vous faire part de mes motivations, veuillez agréer, Madame, l’expression de mes sentiments distingués.

Mylène Bidule

Here how the French version translates to English:

Your job posting for a project manager position caught my attention.

My previous experiences have allowed me to develop skills that I now want to put at the service of your company.

Participating in the evolution of your structure would be a great opportunity.

Based on my knowledge, my adaptability and my experience in various business sectors, I am convinced that I have the qualities required for this position.

I leave it to you to discover my background by reading my resume and I would have the pleasure to discuss this position with you.

Yours sincerely, Mylène Bidule

Keep learning

This guide gives you the flexibility to tweak and the freedom to use any of the suggested sentences. In addition, the template is a good start for you to get inspired when writing a professional email in French. So, hope you’ll find it useful.

I have also published a number of how-to articles that you can check to learn how to think in French or also how to be successful when taking online courses .

How to learn French better: 5 keys for success

French Teacher Cover Letter Example (Free Guide)

Create an french teacher cover letter that lands you the interview with our free examples and writing tips. use and customize our template and land an interview today..

Are you applying for a French teaching position? Our cover letter guide will help you create an effective and impressive document that will take your application to the next level. Follow our tips to ensure you present yourself as the perfect candidate and get your foot in the door. With our help, you'll be well on your way to landing the job!

We will cover:

How to write a cover letter, no matter your industry or job title.
What to put on a cover letter to stand out.
The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
How to build a cover letter fast with our professional Cover Letter Builder .
What a cover letter template is, and why you should use it.

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Dear [Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the French Teacher position at [School Name]. With a strong passion for the French language, I am confident that I possess the necessary qualifications to be a successful addition to your team.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in French Language and Literature, and I have been teaching French for the past 8 years. During this time, I have had the opportunity to teach students of all ages, from elementary to adult learners. I am confident in my ability to create dynamic and engaging lesson plans that will help my students reach their full potential. Additionally, I have experience in developing and administering assessments, and I am comfortable with both traditional and online learning platforms.

I have a passion for helping students reach their goals. I strive to create an environment in which students feel comfortable and supported as they learn, and I enjoy introducing them to the beauty of the French language and culture. I am also well-versed in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), and I am committed to helping my students progress through the different CEFR levels.

I believe that my qualifications and experience make me the ideal candidate for this position. I am confident that I can be a valuable addition to the [School Name] community, and I am excited for the opportunity to share my love of French with the students.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Why Do you Need a French Teacher Cover Letter?

A French Teacher cover letter is an essential document when applying for a teaching job in a French-speaking environment.
It provides the employer with an insight into your qualifications, experience and skills, as well as your enthusiasm for the role.
It is also an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the language, as well as your ability to teach it effectively.
A French Teacher cover letter can also highlight your cultural awareness and any relevant professional development courses or qualifications you have undertaken.
It is important to show that you have a good understanding of French culture and customs, and that you can demonstrate your commitment to the job.
Your French Teacher cover letter should also include a brief description of any relevant teaching experience you have, as well as any qualifications you may have.
Finally, it is important to demonstrate your commitment to the role and your enthusiasm for the job, as this can be a deciding factor for an employer.

A Few Important Rules To Keep In Mind

Keep your letter brief and to the point – no more than one page.
Address your letter to a specific person – if you don’t know the name of the hiring manager, call the school to find out.
Highlight your qualifications and credentials, such as a degree in French or a teaching certification.
Mention your teaching experience, including volunteer work or tutoring.
Showcase your enthusiasm for teaching French and explain why you are the best candidate for the position.
Proofread your letter carefully – typos or grammatical errors will not make a good impression.
Close your letter with a polite thank you for considering your application.

What's The Best Structure For French Teacher Cover Letters?

After creating an impressive French Teacher resume , the next step is crafting a compelling cover letter to accompany your job applications. It's essential to remember that your cover letter should maintain a formal tone and follow a recommended structure. But what exactly does this structure entail, and what key elements should be included in a French Teacher cover letter? Let's explore the guidelines and components that will make your cover letter stand out.

Key Components For French Teacher Cover Letters:

Your contact information, including the date of writing
The recipient's details, such as the company's name and the name of the addressee
A professional greeting or salutation, like "Dear Mr. Levi,"
An attention-grabbing opening statement to captivate the reader's interest
A concise paragraph explaining why you are an excellent fit for the role
Another paragraph highlighting why the position aligns with your career goals and aspirations
A closing statement that reinforces your enthusiasm and suitability for the role
A complimentary closing, such as "Regards" or "Sincerely," followed by your name
An optional postscript (P.S.) to add a brief, impactful note or mention any additional relevant information.

Cover Letter Header

A header in a cover letter should typically include the following information:

Your Full Name: Begin with your first and last name, written in a clear and legible format.
Contact Information: Include your phone number, email address, and optionally, your mailing address. Providing multiple methods of contact ensures that the hiring manager can reach you easily.
Date: Add the date on which you are writing the cover letter. This helps establish the timeline of your application.

It's important to place the header at the top of the cover letter, aligning it to the left or center of the page. This ensures that the reader can quickly identify your contact details and know when the cover letter was written.

Cover Letter Greeting / Salutation

A greeting in a cover letter should contain the following elements:

Personalized Salutation: Address the hiring manager or the specific recipient of the cover letter by their name. If the name is not mentioned in the job posting or you are unsure about the recipient's name, it's acceptable to use a general salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Company Name] Recruiting Team."
Professional Tone: Maintain a formal and respectful tone throughout the greeting. Avoid using overly casual language or informal expressions.
Correct Spelling and Title: Double-check the spelling of the recipient's name and ensure that you use the appropriate title (e.g., Mr., Ms., Dr., or Professor) if applicable. This shows attention to detail and professionalism.

For example, a suitable greeting could be "Dear Ms. Johnson," or "Dear Hiring Manager," depending on the information available. It's important to tailor the greeting to the specific recipient to create a personalized and professional tone for your cover letter.

Cover Letter Introduction

An introduction for a cover letter should capture the reader's attention and provide a brief overview of your background and interest in the position. Here's how an effective introduction should look:

Opening Statement: Start with a strong opening sentence that immediately grabs the reader's attention. Consider mentioning your enthusiasm for the job opportunity or any specific aspect of the company or organization that sparked your interest.
Brief Introduction: Provide a concise introduction of yourself and mention the specific position you are applying for. Include any relevant background information, such as your current role, educational background, or notable achievements that are directly related to the position.
Connection to the Company: Demonstrate your knowledge of the company or organization and establish a connection between your skills and experiences with their mission, values, or industry. Showcasing your understanding and alignment with their goals helps to emphasize your fit for the role.
Engaging Hook: Consider including a compelling sentence or two that highlights your unique selling points or key qualifications that make you stand out from other candidates. This can be a specific accomplishment, a relevant skill, or an experience that demonstrates your value as a potential employee.
Transition to the Body: Conclude the introduction by smoothly transitioning to the main body of the cover letter, where you will provide more detailed information about your qualifications, experiences, and how they align with the requirements of the position.

By following these guidelines, your cover letter introduction will make a strong first impression and set the stage for the rest of your application.

Cover Letter Body

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the French Teacher position you recently posted. With my Bachelor’s Degree in French and my teaching experience, I am confident that I am the right candidate for the job.

I have been teaching French for the past four years in a variety of educational settings. My experience has included teaching in both public and private schools, as well as language centers. I have developed curricula for all levels of students and have been successful in providing them with the tools they need to learn and apply the language. My teaching style is engaging, fun, and encourages student participation.

In addition to my teaching experience, I am also proficient in a variety of French language tools and technologies, including online programs, e-learning platforms, and interactive whiteboards. I have a great deal of patience and I am committed to helping my students reach their learning goals. I am also familiar with the French educational system, which I believe will be an asset to your school.

I am confident that I can make a positive contribution to your school and I am excited to learn more about the opportunity. Please find my resume attached and do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Complimentary Close

The conclusion and signature of a cover letter provide a final opportunity to leave a positive impression and invite further action. Here's how the conclusion and signature of a cover letter should look:

Summary of Interest: In the conclusion paragraph, summarize your interest in the position and reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the organization or school. Emphasize the value you can bring to the role and briefly mention your key qualifications or unique selling points.
Appreciation and Gratitude: Express appreciation for the reader's time and consideration in reviewing your application. Thank them for the opportunity to be considered for the position and acknowledge any additional materials or documents you have included, such as references or a portfolio.
Call to Action: Conclude the cover letter with a clear call to action. Indicate your availability for an interview or express your interest in discussing the opportunity further. Encourage the reader to contact you to schedule a meeting or provide any additional information they may require.
Complimentary Closing: Choose a professional and appropriate complimentary closing to end your cover letter, such as "Sincerely," "Best Regards," or "Thank you." Ensure the closing reflects the overall tone and formality of the letter.
Signature: Below the complimentary closing, leave space for your handwritten signature. Sign your name in ink using a legible and professional style. If you are submitting a digital or typed cover letter, you can simply type your full name.
Typed Name: Beneath your signature, type your full name in a clear and readable font. This allows for easy identification and ensures clarity in case the handwritten signature is not clear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a French Teacher Cover Letter

When crafting a cover letter, it's essential to present yourself in the best possible light to potential employers. However, there are common mistakes that can hinder your chances of making a strong impression. By being aware of these pitfalls and avoiding them, you can ensure that your cover letter effectively highlights your qualifications and stands out from the competition. In this article, we will explore some of the most common mistakes to avoid when writing a cover letter, providing you with valuable insights and practical tips to help you create a compelling and impactful introduction that captures the attention of hiring managers. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, understanding these mistakes will greatly enhance your chances of success in the job application process. So, let's dive in and discover how to steer clear of these common missteps and create a standout cover letter that gets you noticed by potential employers.

Using slang or informal language
Using incorrect grammar or misspelling words
Failing to research the school or district you are applying to
Forgetting to include relevant certifications or qualifications
Not including information about your teaching experience
Not tailoring the cover letter to the position you are applying for
Not demonstrating your knowledge of the French language
Making generalizations or unsupported claims
Making the letter too long or wordy
Not proofreading the cover letter before submitting it

Key Takeaways For a French Teacher Cover Letter

Highlight your ability to teach French language and culture fluently
Outline your experience teaching French in a variety of settings
Demonstrate your commitment to student success
Emphasize your ability to create engaging lesson plans
Mention any additional language skills or specialties that you possess
Showcase your strong communication skills

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Example of Cover Letter in french on left and in english on the right
Cover Letter In French Wordreference
How To Write Cover Letters And Emails In French? Examples
French Teacher Cover Letter Template
Job Application Letter Format & Samples

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30 Samples/templates of ️Motivational Letter in French FOR FREE
Some on them generic, and other ones specific for different job positions or sectors. French "lettres de motivación" (cover letters) has a tipical paragraph structure. Here you can find some classical templates of cover letters. Cover letter / Classical model. Classical cover letter II. Classical cover letter III. Cover letter IV.
French Cover Letter: Complete Writing Examples [+Pro Tips]
Keep the French cover letter formal all the time. Consider using a modern cover letter template to make your application stand out. For consistency, use the same or similar template for the CV and the cover letter. Key Points: Writing a Perfect French Cover Letter. Follow the time-tested cover letter structure we recommended.
Job application letter of Motivation in France
A letter of motivation is an essential component of the job application process in France. Formality is the absolutely order of the day, extreme politeness is required. If you are not fluent in French or familiar with formal French greetings and sign offs, get help to make sure you do this right. Get it wrong and your CV and letter are likely ...
Write A Cover Letter In French
Le plan de la lettre de motivation en français. Pour le contenu de votre lettre de motivation en français, il est généralement conseillé de l'écrire en trois parties: MOI, VOUS, NOUS . For the content of your cover letter in French, it is generally advised to write it in three parts: ME, YOU, US. Moi: le candidat.
French Cover Letter: Lettre De Motivation [April 2024 Update]
3 6 Tips To Improve Your Cover Letter In French. 4 6 Key Points: Writing A Perfect French Cover Letter. 5 French Cover Letter Structure. 5.1 Start With The Header. 5.2 Sender Information. 5.3 Receiver Information. 5.4 Put The Letter's Subject. 5.5 Opening Greeting. 5.6 Paragraph 1: Start By Introducing Yourself.
How To Write a Cover Letter in French? Tips & Examples
The application is called la candidature and the applicant is called la candidate or le candidat. Salutations and greetings in a French cover letter. The cover letter in French is formal and you must be careful to respect the words and phrases when you apply in an French-speaking country. If you don't know the person's name, for example for an ...
How to write a French cover letter for a Recruitment position in France
Writing a compelling French cover letter for a recruitment position in France requires showcasing your recruitment expertise, language proficiency, and genuine interest in the company. By following the tips provided in this blog post, you can increase your chances of securing a rewarding recruitment role in France.
Writing a French CV and interview tips
How do you write a French CV? Of course, when looking for a job in France, it is crucial to have a great French CV that stands out from the crowd and helps you to make a great first impression.With this in mind, below are some tips you can follow to get noticed. Structure. You should send your French CV and cover letter in the language the job listing is written in unless it is otherwise ...
French Resume And Cover Letter Ebook Landing Page
This ebook gives you the keys to write your own application in French, whether you want to apply for a job in France or apply to a universty in France. What is in this ebook exactly? This step-by-step guide (113-pages PDF) is designed to teach you exactly how to write your resume and cover letter in French from start to finish.
How to Write a Resume in French
Voyage, photographie, écriture. (1) Personal information. As you can see from this sample CV in French, all basic contact information goes on the top left corner. Note that the contact information in French resumes can vary from person to person, but these are the basics: Your full name. Your age.
How To Write Cover Letters And Emails In French? Examples
Steps To Write And Structure An Email. #1 Pay attention to the spelling and never use familiar language. #2 Divide the information into maximum four short paragraphs; one paragraph per each idea treated. Respect your recipient's time! The order to follow is: Greeting: use an appropriate salutation. P1: Why you write.
How to write a letter in French
In a nutshell, here is how you should format a letter in French: Top left: First name, last name, address, phone number and email address. Top right: Name and contact details of the recipient. Below your contact details: " Objet : ", followed by a short summary of the reason why you are writing. Below the object, on the right: Place and date.
How To Write A Résumé in French
1. The first order of business? Résumé literally means "summary", so you should never submit a résumé to a French-speaking employer. Instead, submit un C.V. (curriculum vitae). The word résumé has been adopted in English to refer to job application documents, but in French the common terminology is un C.V. 2.
What You Need to Know About Writing French Letters and Emails
But overall, French correspondence is a bit more relaxed than you might expect. 2. Remember your intention. The main goal of a letter or email is to communicate. Whether that's asking a question, sharing information, or requesting a service, the most important thing is to convey what you mean in a clear way.
How to Write a French Resume (With Examples)
Keywords in the skills section of a French resume. 7. Choose hobbies and interests that fit the job requirements (' centres d'intérêt ') Just like any other information in your CV, the hobbies section of your French CV should be job-relevant or demonstrate highly sought-after transferable skills.
Learn How to Write a Business Letter in French
This sample business letter, or correspondance commerciale, is to give you an outline for using business letter formulas in French. The various sections are notated using brackets and it is much easier if you construct the letter piece by piece. You can use this sample as a template for your own letter. Simply replace the sentences as needed to ...
French Resume: How to Write Your French CV (Examples)
Learn to craft a job-worthy French resume based on French CV examples. Grab our guide with a French resume template and stop worrying about your future. ... CV Maker Create a CV in 5 minutes. Get the job you want. Cover Letter Builder Write a cover letter that convinces employers you're the best. Resume. Resume Builder Create a resume in 5 ...
How to Write Letters and emails in French For Any Occasion
In French, there are a few different formatting options, but usually, you'll write your name and address on the top left and then the name of your recipient underneath it on the right like this: Your name. Your address. Your phone number/email. Recipient's name.
How to Write a Letter in French: A Simple Guide
Do you want to learn how to write letters in French? Whether it's for personal or professional purposes, this webpage will teach you the basics of French letter writing, such as the format, the salutations, and the closing. You will also find some useful phrases and examples to help you write your own letters in French.
How to write a CV and Motivation Letter?
The motivation letter, also known as the application letter or cover letter, highlights the skills and qualities of the candidate necessary for the success of his/her professional project.The letter is an essential tool for structuring your speech during the interview. The format and contents of a motivation letter. In terms of format, you should state your surname, first name, nationality, e ...
How To Write a Resume for France
When creating a resume for French job applications, knowing the distinctions from the standard American-style format is essential. The most crucial difference between an American and a French resume is the length. A French resume should be at most two pages, while an American one should mostly fit on a single page.
Writing a Professional Email in French (Sample template included)
Je vous joins mon CV: I enclose my resume. Veuillez trouver ci-joint mon CV: Please find attached my resume. Email: application job offer. 5. Choose the right objet. However, just like an email in English, you'll have a subject or in French "objet" which tells the recipient what the email is about.
French Teacher Cover Letter Example (Free Guide)
Cover Letter Header. A header in a cover letter should typically include the following information: Your Full Name: Begin with your first and last name, written in a clear and legible format. Contact Information: Include your phone number, email address, and optionally, your mailing address.
How to Write a Chief Executive Officer Cover Letter
Here is a cover letter template you can modify to write your own letter: [Your Name] [City, Province/Territory] [Your Phone Number] [Your E-Mail Address] [Today's Date] [Recipient's Name] [Recipient's Company] Dear [Recipient's Name], I am highly motivated to be applying for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position at [Company's Name].
How To Write a Produce Clerk Cover Letter (With Examples)
Tailor your cover letter to the job Customize your cover letter to the needs of the specific role. Describe your skills and experiences that align with the requirements of the job posting. Keep it concise Aim for a well-organized, clear and concise cover letter. The rule of thumb is to keep your letter one page long.

What is a cover letter/motivational letter in France?

Cover letter in French examples

Cover letters by job position / economic sector

Cover letter samples for the Restaurant / Catering Industry in France

Cover letter examples for Hotel & Tourism industry

Cover letter examples for Engineering / Industrial sector

French Cover Letter: Lettre De Motivation

French Cover Letter Example

How to Write a French Cover Letter

French cover letter structure

Start with the Header

Sender Information

Receiver Information

Put the Letter’s Subject

Opening Greeting

Paragraph 01: Start by Introducing Yourself

Paragraph 02: Key Experience that Makes You the Best

Paragraph 03: Express Your Interest in Joining the Firm

Paragraph 04: Finish with a Call to Action (CTA)

The French Cover Letter Closing

How to Finish Your Letter?

Tips to Improve Your Cover Letter in French

Key Points: Writing a Perfect French Cover Letter

Complement Your Cover Letter with the Right Resume

Do cover letters necessary for jobs in France?

Should I include a photo on my French cover letter?

Should I include personal qualities in my cover letter?

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Job application letter of Motivation in France

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Write a cover letter in French

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Le plan de la lettre de motivation en français

An example of cover letter in French

How to write a cover letter in French – Conclusion

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French Cover Letter: Lettre De Motivation

What Is A Cover Letter? (And Why Is It So Important?)

How To Write A French Cover Letter

6 Tips To Improve Your Cover Letter In French

6 Key Points: Writing A Perfect French Cover Letter

French Cover Letter Structure

Start With The Header

Sender Information

Receiver Information

Put The Letter’s Subject

Opening Greeting

Paragraph 1: Start By Introducing Yourself

Paragraph 2: Key Experience That Makes You The Best