Recruitment & Advice
Writing a Cover Letter
It goes by several names—cover letter, introductory letter, presentation letter—but it always serves the same purpose: to convey what a resume cannot.
Part I: What It Is—and What It Isn’t
1.1 Its Place in the Application Package
The cover letter is sent along with the resume. Three guidelines define it:
- it must not duplicate the information in the resume;
- it must not be redundant;
- it should, in principle, fit on a single page.
As with the resume, there are specific requirements regarding both form and content that must be followed.
1.2 What Sets It Apart from the Resume: The Lack of Neutrality
This is the key point of the entire article. The two documents do not address the same subject because they cannot address the same subject.
| The Resume | The cover letter |
|---|---|
| Outlines your career path in a clinical manner | Stands out for its lack of neutrality |
| Says little about your personal approach | Conveys the vision and approach |
| Does not allow you to highlight experience relevant to the position | Explicitly links your career path to the target position |
| Free-form format depending on your profile | One page only |
The rule that sets them apart. Anything the cover letter simply repeats from the resume is wasted space. And since space is limited to one page, what’s lost there is missing elsewhere.
Part II: Content
2.1 Structure: three sections, four or five paragraphs
Get straight to the point by clearly outlining both your goals and those of the recruiter.
A good cover letter consists of three sections, each one or two paragraphs long, for a total of four or five paragraphs.
If you go on too long, you’ll give the impression that you don’t know how to get to the point.
And each paragraph should address one point—and one point only.
Why length itself sends a message. The recruiter isn’t just judging what you write, but your ability to prioritize. A letter that’s too long conveys the opposite of what it’s trying to say, even before it’s been read.
2.2 Part One: Grab the Reader’s Attention Right Away
In the opening paragraph, show that you know the company and its business by highlighting one of its unique aspects. This is the best way to grab your reader’s attention.
Right from the first paragraph, demonstrate that you understand the company’s needs and goals.
Why this works. A recruiter receives dozens of letters that focus on the candidate. A letter that begins by discussing the company, its challenges, and its specific needs immediately stands out—not because of its style, but because of the research it reveals.
2.3 Part Two: Showing That Your Experience Meets the Company’s Needs
This is the central section, and it has three requirements:
| What you need to do | What the recruiter should perceive |
|---|---|
| Convey your personal vision | They must recognize your true calling |
| Convince them that you are the right person for the job | The fit between you and the position |
| Provide solutions to the problems discussed in the first section | Show that your background is a better fit |
The connection between the first two sections. The first section identifies the company’s challenge. The second section provides the answer: you. If the two sections don’t tie together, the letter lacks structure—it’s just two paragraphs side by side.
How much detail should you go into? A simple reference to your professional background or skills, linking back to your resume, is sufficient. The details are in the resume; the cover letter need only point to the relevant section.
If you’re just starting out
- Highlight what sets you apart in your degree.
- Mention your school or your skills, explaining how they relate to the position being offered.
You’ll be judged on three things at once:
| What Is Evaluated | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Your skills |
| 2 | Your motivations |
| 3 | The Relevance of Your Choices |
The third criterion is the one people tend to overlook: without work experience to highlight, it is your choices—regarding your school, major, and internships—that demonstrate your judgment.
2.4 Part Three: Requesting an Interview
This is where the tone matters. Avoid coming across as abrupt.
| What to Never Write | Instead, write |
|---|---|
| “I’ll give you a call in two weeks to schedule an appointment.” | “In the hope of convincing you of my qualifications, I am available to arrange a meeting.” |
| “While I’m in Bamako, I’d like to suggest we meet then.” | “Since I’ll be traveling to Bamako soon, I’d be happy to meet with you there at a time that’s convenient for you.” |
The fine line to walk. The candidate must not forget that they are the one seeking the opportunity and are at the recruiter’s disposal, without coming across as a beggar.
The phrases on the left impose a schedule; those on the right suggest availability. The difference lies in who makes the decision.
2.5 In conclusion: the closing formula
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Echo the letterhead | “Please accept, Mr. Director, the assurance of my highest regards…,” if you used “Mr. Director” at the beginning of the letter |
| Never preface it with an expectation | Avoid phrases such as “Looking forward to…,” “Hoping you have received…,” “Hoping that my application…” |
| Do not copy the closing formula verbatim | You do not have the same status or position as your correspondent. If they write “Please accept,” use “I hope this message finds you well,” which is different |
| Avoid informality | Avoid “Sincerely,” “Please accept my warmest regards” |
| Avoid “feelings” | Whether formal or informal |
Why “Please accept” and “I ask that you accept” are not equivalent. “Please” is an imperative: it commands. “I ask that you” is a request: it solicits. The recruiter may use the former; the candidate uses the latter. Copying the standard phrase is tantamount to assuming a position that is not your own.
Part III: Fatal Mistakes to Avoid
3.1 Don’t Try to Say It All
Think before you write. Ask yourself what your strengths and weaknesses are: once you’ve done this, you’ll find the key reason why your profile is a perfect fit for the opening.
One letter = one central argument. This is a direct consequence of the “one point per paragraph” rule: if you haven’t identified your main argument, no structure will hold together.
3.2 Don’t Try to Cheat
Don’t embellish, exaggerate, or lie.
If you don’t have a certain degree, don’t claim you have it—even if your skills might suggest otherwise.
Focus only on highlighting what deserves to be highlighted in your professional background.
3.3 Four common application mistakes
| The mistake | Why It’s a Mistake |
|---|---|
| Stating Your Salary Expectations | You commit to a specific figure before any discussion has taken place, and you deprive yourself of the opportunity to negotiate. This topic should be addressed during the interview. If the job posting specifically asks for it, state your expectations briefly, making it clear that they are subject to discussion: failing to provide an answer at all could be held against you |
| Saying you’re not available | You’re closing the door before it even opens. This point should also be discussed during the interview |
| Sending your cover letter by fax | Avoid this unless the recruiter, who is in a hurry, specifically requests it |
| Sending a photocopy | Avoid at all costs |
This is common to the first two points. Salary and availability are subjects for negotiation. However, you do not negotiate in writing with someone who has not yet met you: doing so means you forgo the interview, where the issue could have been addressed.
Part IV: Formality Requirements
4.1 The Thirteen Points
| Point | The Rule | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paper | A sheet of white A4 paper. Do not use graph paper—it’s too school-like |
| 2 | Your contact information | In the top left corner, even if they’re included in your resume: the two documents can often be separate |
| 3 | Your name | First and last names should not be preceded by “Mrs.” or “Ms.”—it’s old-fashioned and presumptuous |
| 4 | Job posting references | Points to Remember |
| 5 | Where to place the references | On the left, below the contact information, a few lines down |
| 6 | The recipient | Include the recipient’s name, the company name, and the address |
| 7 | Recipient’s Address | Below the contact information, after skipping two lines, in the upper right corner of the page |
| 8 | The date | Don’t forget it |
| 9 | The beginning of the text | Start the letter in the top third of the page |
| 10 | The recipient | Make sure you address the letter to the correct recipient |
| 11 | Paragraphs | Separate Them Properly |
| 12 | The signature | Sign the letter |
| 13 | The envelope | It is part of the file; see below |
4.2 The page, at a glance
+--------------------------------------------+ | Vos coordonnees | | (2) | | Nom du destinataire | | Ref. de l'annonce Societe | | (4-5) Adresse (6-7) | | | | Lieu, le ... (8) | | ---------------------------------------- | | <- 1er tiers de la page (9) | | | | Monsieur le Directeur, | | | | § 1 - Accrocher : je connais votre | | entreprise et vos besoins | | | | § 2-3 - Demontrer : mon experience y | | repond, voici pourquoi | | | | § 4 - Demander l'entretien | | | | Je vous prie d'agreer, Monsieur le | | Directeur, ... | | Signature (12) | +--------------------------------------------+
4.3 The envelope is part of the application
After screening, the envelopes are stapled to your letter or resume: the envelope is therefore part of the application.
An envelope can cost you points: small size, stamp affixed upside down, insufficient postage, or incorrect placement of the address.
Why this rule is surprising—and why it makes sense. People assume the envelope is thrown away when the application is opened. In reality, it is kept and read along with the rest. The last item you might have overlooked is the very first one the recruiter held in their hands.
The Essentials in 8 Points
- One page, four or five paragraphs, one point per paragraph.
- It doesn’t repeat the resume: it adds what the resume can’t convey—your approach and your vision.
- Three parts: grab their attention (show that you know the company), make your case (address their needs), and ask for an interview.
- The first part poses the problem; the second addresses it: without this connection, there is no structure.
- Ask politely: be a requestor, never a beggar; use “I would appreciate it,” never “please.”
- A single central argument, developed after reflecting on your strengths and weaknesses.
- No salary expectations or availability restrictions: these topics are negotiated during the interview.
- No faxes or photocopies, and the envelope is part of the application package.
Source: “Assess Your Employability.”