Application mail, Cover letter and Covering letter: understanding the differences

Covering e-mail, cover letter and cover letter: what's the difference and how to complete your application without fail!

Cover letter vs. cover letter

When applying for a job on a job search site or in the "careers" section of a multinational company's website, the confusion arises when you are invited to download your " cover letter "and you're wondering if this is an additional document you need to write on top of your letter of motivation which is already prepared. In reality, the "cover letter" is simply another term for the "cover letter", unlike the application e-mail. This term is rarely used on job boards in France, and is mostly found on thejobs in Canada or in Switzerlandand on sites with automatically translated French versions.

If you would like to know more about how to write a cover letter with artificial intelligence (GPT Chat) or the importance of understanding a company's culture Click on the links to learn how to write a cover letter. We also invite you to read our article on "the thank-you mail after a job interview "and visit the " Jobs "Click here for more tips on how to search for jobs with good results.

What is an accompanying e-mail?

The accompanying e-mail is content of the email accompanying your cover letter and CV as attachments to your e-mail application. It's the first thing your recruiter will read before downloading your CV and cover letter, which is why it's crucial to write the accompanying e-mail well and to attach great importance to it. In this article, we'll explain how to write this e-mail effectively, to increase your chances of getting the employer to read your e-mail and download your attachments.

First of all, the elements of a professional e-mail

The elements of a professional e-mail may vary according to the culture and professional practices of each company, but here are some common elements:

• Subject: The subject is a line of text that briefly describes the content of the email.
• The salutation: The salutation should be professional and appropriate to the person you're writing to. For example, "Bonjour Madame/Monsieur" or "Cher(e) [nom de la personne]".
• The pre-header (which we'll explain in a subsequent paragraph).
• The introduction: The introduction can include a brief presentation of yourself and the context of the email. This can be useful if you've never communicated with the person before.
• The body of the email: The body of the email must be clear and precise.
• Attachments: If you have attachments, make sure they are relevant and name them appropriately.
• The conclusion: The conclusion should be short and professional. You can use polite expressions such as "cordially", "best regards" or "yours faithfully".
• Signature: The signature must include your full name, title, company, e-mail address and telephone number.

Visit pre-header (or secondary header) is a short line of text that appears just after the subject line in the email preview, before the message is even opened. This line of text is often used to give an overview of the email's content and encourage recipients to open it.

The pre-header is important because it is one of the first elements recipients see after the subject line and can influence their decision whether or not to open the email. It can provide additional information about the content of the email that is not visible in the subject line.

Tips for writing a short, effective job application email

Sending an application email in some cases can be the first step and your first contact with the potential employer, especially when it's a spontaneous application, how to write a short and effective application email will maximize your chances of being selected. Here are a few tips to help you:

1. Personalize your email Don't just send the same email to every employer. Personalize each email according to the company and the position you're applying for. Research the company and show that you're interested in the position.
2. Keep it short and clear Employers don't have much time to read your email, so make sure your message is clear and easy to read. Avoid sentences that are too long or too complicated.
3. Use a clear structure Organize your email so that it's easy to follow. Use paragraphs to separate ideas, and use bullet points to highlight key points.
4. Show your interest Explain why you're interested in the job and what you can bring to the company.
5. Be professional Use a professional email address and a complete signature. Proofread your email to avoid spelling and grammatical errors.
6. Attach the necessary documents Make sure you attach your CV, cover letter or any other requested attachment. Name the files appropriately to make them easier for the employer to read, and mention them at the bottom of your e-mail.
7. Express your availability End your email by expressing your enthusiasm for the position and your availability for an interview. Also include your contact details so that the employer can get in touch with you easily.

Examples of job application emails

These examples will give you an idea of how to personalize your e-mail, organize your message clearly and concisely, highlight your skills and experience, and provide additional information to facilitate contact with the employer.

Example 1

Subject: Application for the position of [Position name].

Hello Mrs/Mr [name of recruitment manager],

I am writing to submit my application for the position of [Name of position] that you are offering on [name of website or platform]. I am very interested in this position and I am convinced that my skills in [area of expertise] and my professional experience can meet your company's needs.

I am a graduate of [name of institution] with a specialization in [area of specialization]. I have worked in various companies where I have acquired solid experience in [area of expertise]. I have also developed my skills in [key competence] and [key competence], which enables me to meet the requirements of the position.

Please find enclosed my CV and cover letter for your consideration. I have named the files appropriately for ease of reading.

I am available to discuss this opportunity in person or by telephone. You can contact me using the following details:

Email address: [your email address

Telephone number: [your telephone number].

Postal address: [your postal address]

Thank you for taking the time to read my application. I look forward to receiving your reply.

Yours faithfully

[Surname and first name]

Example 2

Subject: Application for the position of [Position name].

Hello Mrs/Mr [name of recruitment manager],

I am delighted to write to you to apply for the position of [Name of position] that you have advertised on [name of website or platform]. I am very interested in the tasks described in the offer and I am convinced that my skills in [area of expertise] can meet the requirements of the position.

I am a graduate of [name of institution] with a specialization in [area of specialization]. In the course of my previous experience, I have acquired in-depth skills in [area of expertise] and [key competence]. I am confident that these skills will be an asset to your company.

Please find enclosed my CV and cover letter for your consideration. Files are named appropriately for ease of reading.

I am available to discuss my application in more detail and to answer any questions you may have. You can contact me using the following details:

Email address: [your email address]
Telephone number: [your telephone number]
Postal address: [your postal address]
Thank you for taking the time to read my application. I look forward to receiving your reply.

Yours faithfully

[Surname and first name]

Writing an effective unsolicited application: examples

Unsolicited applications are an excellent way to find a job. It allows you to take the initiative and offer your skills to a company that may need you. When you send an unsolicited application e-mail, it's important to be clear about your skills and experience, and to explain why you'd be an asset to the company. The examples below will give you an idea of how to personalize your e-mail, highlight your skills and experience, and provide additional information to facilitate contact with the employer.

Example 1

Subject: Unsolicited application for a position in [Domain name].

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am looking for a job in the field of [Name of field] and I am convinced that my skills and experience can be an asset to your company. I am a graduate of [Name of institution] with a specialization in [Area of specialization] and I have worked in several companies where I have acquired solid experience in [Name of areas of expertise].

I'm passionate about my job and enjoy taking on challenges. I am ready to invest myself fully in your company's projects and to put my skills and knowledge at your disposal. Please find enclosed my CV for more details on my professional background.

I am available to discuss this opportunity in person or by telephone. Should you require any further information or wish to arrange an interview, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your consideration of my application. I look forward to receiving your reply.

Yours faithfully

[Surname and first name]

Example 2

Subject: Unsolicited application for a position in [Domain name].

Hello Mrs/Mr [name of recruitment manager],

I am writing to you to submit my application for a position in [Name of field]. I noticed your company during my research and I am convinced that my skills in [Name of areas of expertise] and my professional experience can meet the needs of your company.

I am a graduate of [Name of institution] with a specialization in [Area of specialization]. I have worked in various companies where I have acquired solid experience in [Name of areas of expertise]. I have also developed my skills in [Key competence] and [Key competence], which enables me to meet the requirements of the position.

I am very interested in the assignments your company undertakes and would like to contribute to its success by making my skills available to you. Please find enclosed my CV for further details of my professional background.

I am available to discuss this opportunity in person or by telephone. If you require any further information or would like to arrange an interview, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach me at the following coordinates:

Email address: [your email address]
Telephone number: [your telephone number].
Thank you for your attention to my application. I look forward to receiving your reply.

Yours faithfully

[Surname and first name]

Video How to write a cover letter, advice from Pôle Emploi