how to write an application letter in french

How to Write Letters and emails in French For Any Occasion

By: Author Calli Zarpas

Posted on Published: July 11, 2022 - Last updated: May 13, 2024

How to Write Letters and emails in French For Any Occasion

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.

Guide to writing letters and emails in French

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 FrenchLearner or traveling the world, you can find Calli creating content for herself and others on Instagram and her blog, Wooish .

See all posts by Calli Zarpas

how to write an 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.

All cover letter examples in this guide

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

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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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Our free collection of expertly designed cover letter templates will help you stand out from the crowd and get one step closer to your dream job.

Sample letters to download

Cover Letter

Advice for getting a job, instructions.

Writing a job application letter in french

Personal statement for job.

ACCESSIBILITY

Mailing Address: Laishley | Reed LLP 3 Church Street, Suite 505 Toronto, ON M5E 1M2

T. 416.981.9401 F. 416.981.0060

Laishley Reed LLP is committed to excellence in serving all clients including people with disabilities.

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.


Format A4	A4 size
Format A5	A5 size
Enveloppe	Envelope
En-tête	Letterhead
Courrier électronique/E-mail/Courriel	Email
Courrier postal	Post mail
Timbre	Stamp
Timbrer	To stamp
Expéditeur	Expeditor/Sender
Destinataire	Recipient
Bureau de poste	Post office
Adresse	Address
Boîte aux lettres	Letterbox

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.


Dear Sir / Madam (Dupont)	Monsieur, Madame (Dupont)
To whom it may concern	À qui de droit
Dear Sirs	Messieurs
Dear Mr President	Monsieur le Président
Dear Mrs President	Madame la Présidente

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


I take the liberty of writing you regarding…	Je me permets de vous contacter au sujet de...
I wish to apply for the post of…which you advertised in…on…	Je souhaite présenter ma candidature au poste de... que vous avez publié dans... le...
I am writing in response to your advertisement posted on…	Je vous écris en réponse à votre annonce publiée le...
I am glad to apply for the advertised position, as…	J'ai le plaisir de présenter ma candidature au poste annoncé, car...
I would like to apply for the job …	Je souhaite postuler à l’emploi...

Letter of enquiry


I’m writing to enquire in regards to…	Je vous contacte pour me renseigner sur...
I take the liberty of contacting you for an enquiry regarding…	Je me permets de vous contacter pour une demande de renseignements concernant...
I’m interested in your product, and I have a question regarding…	Je suis intéressé(e) par votre produit et j'ai une question concernant...
I would like to know…	J'aimerais savoir...
I have a few questions regarding the description of….	J'ai quelques questions relatives à la description de ...
I would appreciate if you could clarify…	Je vous saurais gré de bien vouloir clarifier...

Letter of complaint


I’m writing regarding the order… placed on May 1st. Unfortunately, I still haven’t received it.	Je vous écris au sujet de la commande... passée le 1er mai. Malheureusement, je ne l'ai toujours pas reçue.
I’m contacting you regarding the product… This product fails to work properly, and I would therefore like to ask for a refund or a replacement.	Je vous contacte au sujet du produit… Ce produit ne fonctionne pas correctement et je souhaiterais donc demander un remboursement ou un remplacement.
This letter is regarding the poor service received in your store of … this past July 29.	Cette lettre concerne le service médiocre reçu dans votre magasin de ... le 29 juillet dernier.
I would like to inform you of my dissatisfaction regarding the cancellation of flight….	Je tiens à vous faire part de mon mécontentement concernant l'annulation du vol....
With this letter, we would like to inform you that unfortunately, we still haven’t received the payment for the invoice nº…	Par cette lettre, nous souhaitons vous informer que malheureusement, nous n'avons pas encore reçu le paiement de la facture nº....
I believe there is an error in the invoice… and I would kindly ask you to revise it as soon as possible.	Je pense qu'il y a une erreur dans la facture... et je vous prie de bien vouloir la rectifier dans les plus brefs délais.
I am contacting you for the 3rd time regarding… In the absence of an answer in the next 10 days, we will have to take legal action.	Je vous contacte pour la troisième fois concernant.. En l'absence de réponse dans les 10 jours à venir, nous nous verrons dans l'obligation de prendre des mesures juridiques.
I would like to express my disagreement regarding…	Je souhaite vous faire part de mon désaccord concernant...

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


I’m writing to apologize for the poor service you received on your recent visit to…	Je vous contacte pour vous présenter mes excuses pour le mauvais service que vous avez reçu lors de votre récente visite de…
I am very sorry for the lengthy delay in sending your order.	Je vous présente toute mes excuses pour le long délai d'envoi de votre commande.
First, let me apologize for my late reply.	Tout d'abord, permettez-moi de vous présenter mes excuses pour ma réponse tardive.
My apologies you didn’t receive the report you requested.	Je suis désolé(e) que vous n'ayez pas reçu le rapport que vous aviez demandé.
I am very sorry I could not attend the meeting.	Je suis vraiment désolé(e) de ne pas avoir pu assister à la réunion.
I would like to apologize sincerely for the issues you encountered with our product.	Je tiens à m'excuser sincèrement pour les problèmes que vous avez rencontrés avec notre produit.

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

Letter of response


I’m writing in response to your enquiry on the..	Je vous écris en réponse à votre demande de renseignements sur le...
Following our phone conversation, I am contacting you….	Suite à notre conversation téléphonique, je vous contacte....
I would like to follow up on your letter of March 28…	Je souhaite donner suite à votre lettre du 28 mars...
To answer your order…	Pour donner suite à votre commande...
I would like to address the request you sent on January 14…	Je souhaite répondre à la demande que vous avez envoyée le 14 janvier...

Letter of sales / promotion


I take the liberty of contacting you to present our services.	Je me permets de vous contacter pour vous présenter nos services.
As you purchased …, I believe this new product might be of interest.	Comme vous avez acheté..., je pense que ce nouveau produit est susceptible de vous intéresser.
As a manager, I understand your time is valuable. So I’ll be quick: our time management software could be your best ally.	En tant que responsable, je sais que votre temps est précieux. Je serai donc bref/brève : notre logiciel de gestion du temps pourrait bien être votre meilleur allié.
As any company, you’re probably looking to get more leads while optimizing costs. We can help.	Comme toute entreprise, vous cherchez probablement à obtenir plus de prospects tout en optimisant les coûts. Nous pouvons vous aider.
Would you like to be a client magnet?	Vous rêvez de devenir un aimant à clients ?
Would you like to rank number 1 on Google? It’s easier than you think.	Vous aimeriez être numéro 1 sur Google ? C'est plus facile que vous ne le pensez.
I’m writing to offer my help with…	Je vous écris pour vous offrir mon aide avec...

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!


I look forward to hearing from you. Yours faithfully.	En attendant une réponse de votre part, je vous prie d’agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l’expression de mes salutations distinguées.
I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely.	En attendant une réponse de votre part, veuillez accepter mes sentiments les meilleurs.
I look forward to hearing from you. Yours faithfully/sincerely.	Dans l’attente de votre réponse, veuillez accepter l’expression de mes sentiments les meilleurs.
Warm regards	Bien à vous
Kind regards	Cordialement

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 .


Hi	Salut	Friends
Hey	Coucou	Friends
Good morning	Bonjour	Colleague/friend
Good evening	Bonsoir	Colleague/friend
Dear	Cher/chère	Friend
My darling	Mon chéri/ma chérie	While some friends might call each other “chéri(e)”, this is normally used in a romantic context.
My friend	Mon ami(e)	Friends
My love	Mon amour	This should only be used for a romantic relationship. You’ll find more terms of endearment in French in this .

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 are you? What’s been happening...	Comment vas-tu ? Quoi de neuf ?
Just reaching out to…	Je voulais juste prendre des nouvelles…
I just wanted to for…	Je voulais juste te remercier pour...
I hope you are well. I have some great news!	J'espère que tu vas bien. J'ai une bonne nouvelle !
I heard about your grandmother passing and I wanted to send you my condolences.	J'ai appris le décès de ta grand-mère et je voulais te transmettre mes condoléances.
How are you? I wanted to let you know that I’ll be coming to Montreal next month!	Comment vas-tu ? Je voulais te dire que je viens à Montréal le mois prochain !
I haven’t heard about you in a while, and I wanted to check on you.	Je n'ai pas eu de nouvelles depuis un moment et je voulais savoir comment tu allais.

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 .


Hug	Je t’embrasse
Kisses	Bisous
Big kisses	Gros bisous
See you soon/Talk to you soon	À bientôt
Best wishes to you	Bien à toi
Kisses	Bises
I love you	Je t’aime
See you very soon/Talk to you very soon	À très vite
Kindest regards	Amitiés
Affectionately	Affectueusement

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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Writing your application in French just became so much easier

Sell your education, work experiences and skills like a native French speaker.

I can just translate my resume and cover letter into French, right?

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Well, it’s not that simple… French applications have their own rules and French recruiters will expect you to follow them.

So the best thing you can do is start from scratch. Of course, writing your application in French can feel daunting…

You’re not sure what to write in your French resume and cover letter
You have no idea how to create an attractive French application
You don’t know how to sell your skills and knowledge in French (I assure you, even French people struggle with that!)

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Prove you’re the perfect fit for the job or university in French
Boost your chances of getting an interview with French recruiters

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Don’t know how to write an amazing application in French? No worries!

You’ll learn how to impress French recruiters easily, step by step.

With this ebook, you’ll learn how to…

Write an attractive french resume.

6 seconds… That’s the average time a recruiter spends on your resume before deciding whether to reject you or to keep reading. So create a resume that’s visually appealing and easy to read!

Write an impressive French cover letter

The recruiter loves your resume and wants to learn more about you… Now is your chance to show them you’re the best candidate and prove to them you’re determined to join their company or university!

Format your French application

French recruiters have certain formatting expectations. Discover the rules to follow if you don’t want to make a bad impression.

Catch French recruiters’ attention

Recruiters read hundreds of applications. So make sure to stand out from the crowd with your layout and your content!

Show off your skills in French

Master the art of selling yourself on paper with concrete examples to highlight your education, work experiences and expertise.

Make a good impression in French

From sending your application by email to getting an interview, show yourself in the best light, no matter what.

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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

Ma nouvelle vie de maman

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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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Cover Letters
French Letters

Special Sample Cover Letters in French for Studying or Working in France

Why write a cover letter in french.

Thinking about studying in a French University such as La Sorbonne, Paris Dauphine, Paris Nanterre or to take part in a Student Exchange. Or if you’re planning on working in a French-speaking country as a "Jeune fille au pair" or even just as a summer job. You will find a model letter of motivation here to help you! It's free and best of all it's written in French! See more free French cover letter samples on Lettres-Gratuites.com .

It's no secret that a well-written cover letter can increase your chances of getting a job or being accepted into a study program. But what if you need to write a cover letter in French ? Whether you're applying for a job in a French -speaking country or hoping to secure a spot in a French university , your cover letter will be an important part of your application. In this blog post, we'll give you some tips on how to write a successful cover letter in French.

How to Write a Cover Letter for Jobs or Study in France?

There are a few things to keep in mind when writing a cover letter in French. First, remember to use formal language throughout the letter . This means avoiding contractions and colloquialisms, and using terms such as "Madame" or "Monsieur" instead of "tu" or "Cher." Second, be sure to focus on your skills and qualifications that are relevant to the position you're applying for. And finally, don't forget to proofread your letter carefully before sending it off - errors will reflect poorly on you and could cost you the job.

When writing your cover letter, it's important to highlight qualities and skills that will make you an asset to the company or educational institution you're applying to. Here are some examples of qualities and knowledge you might want to mention:

Bilingualism or fluency in French and another language
Intercultural competence
Communication and organizational skills
Leadership and problem-solving skills

Of course, you'll want to tailor your cover letter to fit your own qualifications and the specific needs of the organization you're applying to. But these are some general ideas to get you started.

A well-written cover letter is an important part of any job application process, but it can be especially challenging to write one in French . By keeping a few key tips in mind, such as using formal language and highlighting relevant skills and experiences, you can write a strong cover letter that will help you get the job or study opportunity you're hoping for!

Motivation Letter Examples for French-speaking country (Download in Word Format)

Erasmus program cover letter, student exchange to france, studying at la sorbonne, studying at les beaux-arts, studying in a french private high school, studying in a french school of architecture.

When writing a cover letter in French, it's important to remember to use formal language and focus on your skills and qualifications that are relevant to the position you're applying for. By following these tips and using our French examples as inspiration, you can write a strong cover letter that will help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of being accepted into a study or work program in France. Bonne chance!

Consult several samples, even if at first you don't think they directly relate! They may just leave you inspired to create a unique and powerful cover letter!

➤ How to tailor your cover letter to the specific job you're applying for?

Faruse blog

How to write a French cover letter for a Administrative position in France
29 Jan 2022
By Rohan Singh
in France Guide for Expats

How to Write a French Cover Letter for an Administrative Position in France

As a dedicated recruiter at Faruse, we understand the significance of a well-crafted cover letter when applying for an administrative position in France. In this comprehensive blog, we will guide you on how to write an effective French cover letter that showcases your administrative skills, professionalism, and passion for supporting organizational success.

The Importance of a Cover Letter in the French Job Market

In the competitive French job market, a cover letter, known as "lettre de motivation," serves as a crucial introduction to potential employers. For administrative positions, your cover letter offers an opportunity to demonstrate your organizational abilities, attention to detail, and commitment to efficient office management.

Structuring Your French Administrative Cover Letter

Follow this suggested structure to create a compelling administrative cover letter:

Header: Include your name, address, email, phone number, and the date of writing the letter.
Recipient's Information: Mention the name, title, and address of the company or hiring manager you are addressing the letter to.
Salutation: Start with a formal greeting, such as "Madame" or "Monsieur," followed by the recipient's last name.
Introduction: Begin with a brief introduction, stating the administrative position you are applying for and how you learned about the job opening.
Administrative Skills: Highlight your proficiency in office management, scheduling, record-keeping, and other relevant administrative tasks.
Relevant Experience: Showcase your work experience in administrative roles, emphasizing how your skills align with the requirements of the position.
Language Proficiency: If you are an expat applying for an administrative position in France, mention your language proficiency in French and English.
Adaptability: Demonstrate your ability to multitask, prioritize, and adapt to fast-paced work environments.
Attention to Detail: Emphasize your keen eye for detail and accuracy in handling administrative tasks.
Customer Service: If the administrative position involves interaction with clients or stakeholders, highlight your customer service skills.
Company Alignment: Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and explain how your administrative expertise can contribute to its efficiency and success.
Quantifiable Achievements: Use quantifiable metrics to showcase your achievements in streamlining administrative processes or improving office efficiency in previous roles.
Passion for Administration: Express your passion for administrative work and your commitment to supporting the smooth functioning of the organization.
Closing: Conclude your letter by expressing appreciation for the reader's time and consideration. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the administrative team.
Signature: End the letter with a formal closing, such as "Cordialement" (Sincerely) or "Respectueusement" (Respectfully), followed by your full name and signature.

Tips for Writing an Effective French Administrative Cover Letter

Consider the following tips to enhance your administrative cover letter:

Customization: Tailor your cover letter to each administrative application, addressing the specific needs and responsibilities of the position.
Professional Tone: Maintain a professional and formal tone throughout the letter.
Relevance: Focus on highlighting administrative skills and experiences that align with the job requirements.
Conciseness: Keep your cover letter concise and avoid unnecessary details.

Contact Faruse for Administrative Job Opportunities in France

If you are seeking administrative job opportunities in France, Faruse can assist you in finding the perfect match. Our innovative job board features a wide range of administrative positions with startups and established companies in France.

Visit Faruse.com today to explore the latest administrative job listings and take the next step in your administrative career!

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FAQ: What are the essential elements that should be included in a French cover letter for an administrative position in France?

When writing a cover letter for an administrative position in France, make sure to include the following essential elements:

Contact Information: Include your name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of the letter.
Date and Recipient: Add the current date and the name, title, and address of the recipient.
Salutation: Begin the letter with a formal greeting, such as "Dear [Recipient's Name],".
Introduction: Start with a brief introduction, mentioning the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing.
Relevance: Explain why you are the ideal candidate for the administrative position and highlight relevant skills and experience.
Language Skills: Mention your proficiency in French and English, as multilingual abilities are highly valued in administrative roles.
Education and Experience: Briefly outline your educational background and relevant work experience in administrative tasks.
Personal Qualities: Emphasize organizational, multitasking, and problem-solving skills that are essential in administrative positions.
Closing: Conclude the letter with a courteous closing phrase, such as "Sincerely," followed by your name.
Attachments: If sending the cover letter via email, mention any attachments, such as your resume or other supporting documents.

FAQ: How can I highlight my organizational and multitasking skills in the cover letter for an administrative job in France?

To highlight your organizational and multitasking skills effectively in your cover letter:

Provide Examples: Share specific examples from your past experience where your organizational and multitasking abilities made a positive impact.
Use Action Verbs: Begin sentences with action verbs to demonstrate your proactive approach to administrative tasks.
Be Concise: Keep your descriptions concise but impactful, focusing on the results of your organizational skills.
Address Challenges: Mention instances where you successfully handled multiple tasks or managed complex administrative projects.

FAQ: Are there any specific keywords or phrases related to administrative tasks that I should use in my cover letter to make it stand out?

Yes, incorporating specific keywords and phrases related to administrative tasks can enhance the visibility of your cover letter. Some examples include:

Time Management: Highlight your ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines efficiently.
Calendar Management: Mention experience in managing schedules and coordinating appointments.
File Organization: Emphasize your skills in maintaining orderly records and files.
Communication: Showcase effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
Attention to Detail: Highlight your accuracy in handling administrative documents and tasks.

FAQ: Should I mention my proficiency in office software and other administrative tools in the cover letter for an administrative role in France?

Absolutely! It's essential to mention your proficiency in office software and other administrative tools:

Software Skills: Include your proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and any other relevant software.
Database Management: If applicable, mention your expertise in using database management systems.
Typing Speed: If relevant, highlight your typing speed and accuracy.
Adaptability: Showcase your ability to quickly learn and adapt to new software and tools.

If you need further guidance in crafting an impressive cover letter for an administrative position in France, contact Faruse, the premier recruitment services provider, at Faruse.com. Our expert team can help you present yourself as the perfect fit for administrative roles and connect you with exciting opportunities at startups seeking top administrative talent.

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.

How to write a CV and Motivation Letter?

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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 Cover Letters And Emails In French? Examples
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How to Write a Letter in French: A Simple Guide
197 41 Lister over Format Of An Application Letter Whichever type of
French Letters : Job Application Letter
Cover Letter In French Sample in 2021

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