Cover letters

Differences between French and English layout.

Letter in English

Letter in French

Your address is on the left-hand side

Your name only appears in your signature

The address of the recipient is on the left-hand side

Start by

Dear Mr / Ms (rather than Mrs) Smith or Dear Sir, Madam

Body of the letter

Write in block, do not indent

At the end: give course of action (are you going to call the recruiter or are you waiting for them to call you?)

End by

Yours sincerely (if you write to a named person – Mr/Ms Smith)

Yours faithfully (if you write to Dear Sir, Madam)

Your address is on the left-hand side

Your name appears above the address

The address of the recipient is on the right-hand side

Start by

Monsieur/ Madame Dupont or

Madame, Monsieur

Body of the letter

Indent at the beginning of each paragraph

End by

Je vous prie d’agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l’expression de mes salutations distinguées.

Example of letter

15 rue chez moi

33000 Bordeaux

France

moi@monprovider.fr

7 February 2033

Ms Smith

Dreamcompany

Address line1

More Address

Dear Ms Smith

I am writing to you to enquire whether you would have an opportunity for a six-month internship starting in September. I would very much like to work in your company preferably at the reception desk, as I like to be in contact with the clients.

Explain what you have to offer

I have just graduated from a two-year technical degree in travel and tourism and as you will see in my enclosed CV, I have already had several work experiences that would make me an ideal candidate for this type of position. Give example of work experience.I am hard-working, punctual and willing to learn.

I am available for an interview at any time.

Or I will call your office shortly to request an interview at your earliest convenience.

Should you require any further information, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

First NAME

Enc:CV

If it is an email, write “as you will see in my attached CV”.