Writing a cover letter for Parcoursup

Parcoursup is a bit like the young fighter's journey into working life. Above all, it's THE initiation course when it comes to CVs and cover letter. For the first time, you'll be asked to talk about your career plans, expectations and motivations.

Even if, at this stage, you don't necessarily have any professional experience apart from a few summer jobs, writing an application letter for a training course is a lot like looking for a permanent job. Strictly speaking, there's no job on offer, no recruiters to convince, just teachers. No job offer, no position to fill, but highly coveted positions!

Unsolicited application or response to a request ?

For apply for a training course on Parcoursup, you won't be asked for a handwritten letter, or even a motivational e-mail. It's not your first job, but rather your career you're playing for! Not your summer job! However, whatever the line of business If you're looking for a job, you'll need to write a well-thought-out, well-written cover letter. Forget the unsolicited application letter you find on the Internet. You'll have no choice but to rack your brains to write a convincing letter!

Choose a sample cover letter

There are lots of sites with examples of cover letters, and it's easy to find good advice on how to write your "cover letter". motivated training project ". On the Parcoursup website you will find the official writing guide which stipulates that your text must not exceed 1,500 characters, or about one typed page. Please note that this is not a résumé Don't identify yourself, and don't date it either. This text consists of a short introduction, followed by one or two developed paragraphs and a brief conclusion.

The aim is to highlight the match between your abilities, your tastes and the expectations of the targeted course. The temptation to copy and paste a sample letter found on the Internet. However, this is a very personal matter, and only you can answer the questions that the person in charge of the course you're applying for is asking. Why have you chosen this course and how do you meet its requirements?

You need to convince the training manager.

Given the number of applicants who pass through the Parcoursup platform each year, nearly a million in 2020, there's - statistically speaking - a good chance that your Parcoursup cover letter will never be read, especially if you're in the norm. This is all the more true given that it's your responsibility to write a letter of motivation for each of the applications you submit! But don't count on this as an excuse to avoid the exercise: in some highly sought-after fields of study, careful study of your letter will make all the difference.

How do you decide between the large number of applicants for the same course?

It would seem that there is no hard and fast rule for choosing who is selected for a particular course. Each institution can define its own criteria and method. Before the emergence of Parcoursup, the use of a reasoned application was frequent for rather selective establishments: preparatory classes, BTS classes, private establishments in particular. Faculties were more likely to apply the "first come, first served" rule, within the limits of available places, but also of selection criteria they kept secret. First with the APB system, now Parcoursup, universities were forced to process a colossal number of applications.

Selection by grades, yes, but not only

Grading based on marks, automatic processing of academic records, elimination of profiles using sophisticated algorithms: all these factors help to narrow down the selection process. But in the end, it's time to choose the lucky ones who will continue their studies in certain highly coveted fields. This is your chance to defend your application by talking to human beings! So don't waste this chance.

How to write a motivational training project: 4 tips

How to express your motivation for a job

The easiest way is to talk about the course first, then about yourself, and then show how it fits your profile.

This will reassure the person reading your letter that you've understood what's expected of you.

You need to be clear, precise and concise about your personal training objectives: " What is well understood is clearly stated", said Boileau.

Highlight your strengths and stand out from the crowd

This is a letter of introduction: you have to show yourself as you are. No lies or concealment. If you have an unusual background, explain why.

If the content is good, take care of the form too

A well formatted cover letter is a definite asset.

N’oubliez surtout pas de vous faire relire, car si on vous pardonne quelques erreurs de typographie, les spelling mistakes ou de syntaxe sont inacceptables !

The final greeting

Behind the scenes of the Internet portal Parcoursup.fr, there may be computers and algorithms. Above all, there are human beings, teachers, researchers, even a jury in the flesh.

Even if you're not addressing a recruiter, and you're not aiming for a job interview, the recipient of your letter deserves your greetings. To avoid the obsequious "Yours sincerely...", follow these steps our tips on polite expressions for a simple, effective formula that reflects your personality.

Visit a few tips for writing your CV or your cover letter on the cvsansfaute.fr blog !