Postuler à or postuler pour, poser sa candidature

In its most common usage, where "to postulate" means "to solicit strongly", this verb is transitive direct. As the Académie française reminds us, Apply to, apply for | Académie françaiseWe apply for a job, a position. So why do we often hear "apply for"?

How do you use the verb to apply?

Perhaps it's a misuse of language to write: "I'm applying to the bank" to mean, for example, "I'm applying [for the post of director] at the bank" or "in Paris", or "in France..." to say that you're applying for the post of director. It's an abuse even more so than "applying [to the bank] as a manager" or "applying for the position of manager"... So can you "apply" at all when it comes to offering your services? application ?

No. The intransitive use of this verb (without an object complement) is reserved for the vocabulary of law, where, according to Littré, it means "to carry out all the procedures in a case, referring to certain ministerial officers whose exclusive right it is to do so".

The lesson of use and the alternatives to be postulated

It's true that incorrect usage has become more common, at least in French literature since the 20th century, but there's nothing to stop us making good use of apply for the job to run for the job where it belongs!

Our advice on how to apply

If you are not comfortable with the use of postuler, simply prefer another expression:

- apply for the position ;

- to apply ;

- run for the position of.

How do you say apply?

In all cases, avoid using "apply" or "postuler" to say that you have applied without specifying which position you are aiming for. The transitive use of the verb implies that you specify the position you are seeking. Simply say that you have applied or applied for the job: I've applied, I've put my name forward.

Finally, in a letter, you can specify in the subject line : "application for the position of....

Get help to "apply"!

If you're worried about making a blunder by applying for the positionyou can always entrust your application to a professional copywriter like Cvsansfaute.fr using the promo code "APPLY24H"This code is only valid for 24 hours!

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If you love the French language so much that you clumsily plagiarise this article, make an effort and give Caesar his due...