Making a cover letter in French

Do French-speaking markets need a letter?

A cover letter isn’t mandatory for all applications. However, it is pretty common to attach a cover letter when applying for jobs in French-speaking markets. Professional and white-collar roles often require that cover letters and resumes be included with your application. 

Expectations around cover letters vary by country. For example, in France, a cover letter is a standard part of most applications and is valued for how it showcases motivation and writing skills. Some nations where French is commonly spoken (e.g., Morocco and Belgium) may be more flexible regarding formatting requirements and tone. 

Some French recruiters may even require a handwritten cover letter in French.(1) Why a handwritten cover letter? French recruiters may use this approach to analyze your handwriting to detect personality traits. 

If you apply for a job that requires a handwritten cover letter, take your time so you can create a legible document and carefully review the letter for grammar and syntax. You may want to type your cover letter first and then transcribe it. This way, you can ensure that the letter has flawless grammar and spelling. 

Even if an employer doesn’t require a cover letter, you may want to include one. Doing so can differentiate you from other candidates and give you a chance to introduce yourself. Keep the letter concise and focused, just in case the hiring manager skims through the document or is inundated with applications. 

Understand the structure of a French cover letter

The first step to learning how to write a French cover letter (lettre de motivation) involves familiarizing yourself with the structure of the document. French cover letters have a structured format designed to make your points clear and concise. Here’s a breakdown of the main sections:

• Header (En-tête) : Include your contact information (vos coordonnées), the date (la date), and the employer’s information ( les coordonnées de l'employeur)
• Salutation (Salutation): Begin with a formal greeting (formule de politesse) like “Madame”/“Monsieur” — or, if possible, include the hiring manager’s name for a personal touch 
• Introduction (Introduction): Capture the reader’s attention by briefly introducing who you are and why you’re interested in the role (le poste) — for example, “Je me permets de vous écrire afin de postuler pour le poste de …” (“I am writing to apply for the position of …”) 
• Body (Corps de la lettre): Elaborate on your skills (compétences) and experience (expérience professionnelle) — aim for one to two paragraphs to summarize your qualifications and explain how you are a perfect fit for the role 
• Closing (Conclusion): Conclude your letter with a brief, polite closing statement (formule de clôture) expressing your hope for a meeting or interview (un entretien)

Each section should be clear and cohesive. You want the reader to understand your suitability and qualifications for the role. A well-structured letter demonstrates professionalism and makes a strong impression. 

While a resume (curriculum vitae) uses bullet points, a French visa cover letter uses a traditional paragraph structure. Look at cover letter examples to better understand the structural and formatting differences between the two documents. Pay close attention to the length of each section so your letter is balanced and focused. 

Language and tone

When writing a cover letter in French, maintaining a formal and professional tone is vital. French cover letters typically avoid slang (argot) and informal expressions. Instead, you need to use a polished, respectful tone (ton poli et respectueux) that conveys confidence and enthusiasm without coming across as boastful. Politeness (politesse) is key, so keep the tone courteous and focused on the employer’s needs. 

In French-speaking markets, using formal language shows respect and seriousness. Avoid cliches and focus on the concrete ways your background makes you suitable for the role. Instead of making generalized claims, support your statements with hard data. 

Keep in mind that direct, word-by-word translations can lead to syntax issues. To avoid this, use common phrases like “Je vous remercie de l’attention que vous porterez à ma candidature,” which means “Thank you for considering my application.”

You’ll also need to carefully read the job description (description de poste) and make note of any keywords. You should weave some of those keywords into your application so your cover letter demonstrates that you’ve reviewed the responsibilities of the position. If the hiring team scans your letter with an applicant tracking system (ATS), your application might never be seen if it lacks important keywords.

Highlighting relevant skills and experiences

When learning how to write a French cover letter, it’s vital to make your skills and experiences foundational parts of your document. Don’t just translate your skills to French. You need to prioritize abilities that are relevant to the job’s requirements. Start by identifying which skills are relevant to the role. If your previous experience was in a different industry, make note of the transferable skills you have that apply. 

Suppose that you worked in customer service but are applying for an administrative role. Emphasize skills like communication and problem-solving. Use French equivalents of these terms to illustrate your proficiency in the language. Employers value transferable skills because they show adaptability and the potential to succeed in new environments. 

When describing your experiences, be specific and give examples. Quantifiable achievements stand out and provide a clearer picture of what you bring to the table. 

Remember that your French resume needs to complement your cover letter. While both documents should highlight your skills and experiences, the documents must also provide new and varied information. Your resume should be a highlight reel of your professional journey, while your cover letter should link your skills and achievements to specific outcomes and your suitability for the role. 

"In French-speaking markets, using formal language shows respect and seriousness. Avoid cliches and focus on the concrete ways your background makes you suitable for the role."

Advice for creating a French cover letter

Here are a few tips to help you create a polished and professional cover letter.

Review grammar and spelling

French grammar can be challenging, especially if you’re not a native speaker. Proofreading is crucial. Spelling or grammar mistakes may suggest a lack of attention to detail, so double-check each section carefully. 

Even a seemingly small mistake can affect how the hiring team perceives you. Your cover letter is a chance to make a great first impression. Don’t waste this opportunity by cutting corners during your editing and grammar review process. 

Customize each letter for the role

Avoid sending a generic cover letter to multiple employers. Hiring managers want to see that you took the time to create a personalized document for that role. Subtly mention the company by name and weave a few important keywords from the job description into your letter. You can even include the hiring manager’s name to give your letter a personal touch. 

Check for market-specific requirements

Cultural nuances vary across French-speaking markets. A cover letter suitable for Canada may differ from one for France. Research the job market norms in the country you’re applying to, as they can influence how your cover letter is received. 

Use a formal template

Templates can save you a lot of time and ensure your document has a professional, crisp format. Choose a cover letter template to create a positive first impression and make your document easier to read. Make sure to select a template that aligns with the preferences and expectations of the company you are applying to. 

You can also choose a complementary resume template. Both documents should have the same font and general layout. 

Optimize your French cover letter with Jobseeker 

Creating a French cover letter requires attention to cultural expectations and proper use of formal language. You’ll need to follow a cohesive structure that effectively communicates your skills and experiences. By crafting a letter that leverages these best practices, you can demonstrate your qualifications and show respect for the language and professionalism valued in French-speaking markets. 

Jobseeker provides a wealth of resumes to help you create a great French cover letter and resume. Explore our cover letter templates and simplify the process of creating a great letter for your next job application. Make sure to check out our resume examples for inspiration about how you can create complementary documents that make you stand out. 

Sources:

(1) University of Exeter: Global Employability