How to write an effective cover letter
Create a strong first impression

Your interviewer and potential employer will want to see evidence that you not only have the required skills for the job but that you've researched their organisation.

Typed or handwritten?
• Opinion is divided among experts as to whether the motivation letter should be handwritten or not. The added value of the handwritten letter is that it shows more of your personal involvement. In addition, you can demonstrate your writing skills and spelling
• With e-mails and speed of communication, motivation letters typed on the computer are becoming more common. In fact, it encourages more candidates to send their CV by e-mail
• However, recruitment specialists as consultants, identify all the letters immediately made. The secret to your letter has an impact, is to adapt to the type of position sought. It will take more time than just change the name and address, but it is worth it
• The 4 paragraphs of your motivation letter
• First paragraph: explain what motivates your letter, generate interest. If you reply to an ad, tell them where and when you saw the advertisement (and clearly specify his reference number)
• Second paragraph: describe briefly your career and your education. the recruiter must go on wanting to read your CV. If you answer an advertisement, make sure that the required skills are highlighted in your CV
• Third paragraph: tell the recruiter why he should hire you and how you will be an asset to his company. Summarise what you know about their company (for example, "as the largest architecture practice in the south of the France...", to show your interest and your knowledge. Learn about the company before applying
• Fourth paragraph: elaborate a plan of action. Specify that you are waiting to meet them in an interview, that you are waiting for their response, or that you will contact them by phone in the next few days to find out if your application is relevant to their requirements. It is important to prove your determination

The Dos and Don'ts
• Ensure that your motivation letter is adressed to the right person, at the right address. Do not mispell any names
• The movitation letter must be addressed to a person: hence the importance to address it to the appropriate person ie Divisional Manager, DHR, Consultant…
• Enter all your contact information on your motivation letter (address, telephone numbers, e-mail address) to enable the recruiter to contact you again. Do not send your letter without checking the spelling, grammar, punctuation, cleanliness - It must be perfect
• Write on paper of good quality (as with the CV). Not colored paper , but white or cream paper
• The letter should be short and concise; It provides an introduction o the CV. It is important that the content of the cover letter and CV be different.You can use bullets so that the reader can visualize the whole letter, but paragraphs are a must as well as a conclusion
• Do not send your CV without an accompanying covering letter
• Customise your cover letter, tailored to your potential employer. This will show that you've read their requirements carefully
• Avoid mentioning any negative information as conflicts of personalities with former employers, an appeal to the tribunal or negative comments on a previous employer
• Touch on skills or personality traits mentioned in the advertisement to show that you match the profile
• It is important that the letter reflects your personality, this is why you must avoid too complex sentences; the reader may not understand you. Similarly, do not ask someone else to draft your cover letter