FAQ application and cover letter

How do I get feedback on a job application?

Even if there are no rules on how to respond to an application, it's important to reply to every applicant, even if the answer is negative. It's important to provide clear, precise feedback and to thank the applicant for his or her application. The employer's brand image is at stake. A candidate who has been clumsily turned down or who doesn't receive a reply can, quite rightly, easily spread the word on social networks, ruining your marketing efforts. marketing HR!

How do I send an e-mail to find out if my application has been accepted?

In most cases, an e-mail inquiry is the best way to ask if your application has been successful. Be brief and polite, and ask if the application has been considered and if further information can be obtained. Have your e-mail proofread before you send it.

Don't be afraid to nag the recruiter, especially if it's your first follow-up. Perseverance is not a bad thing. Following up with a recruiter is a way of showing your motivation and reminding them of their basic obligation to be correct.

How to correct a cover letter?

It's important to reread your cover letter several times and correct any spelling or grammatical errors. Make sure that all the information you provide is up to date and relevant, and that it corresponds in every way with your LinkedIn page and, of course, with the position you're applying for.

How to correct a CV?

Check the content of your CV to make sure it's up-to-date and accurate. Reread it to correct spelling mistakes and grammar and make sure it's consistent with your LinkedIn profile. You can also call on a relative or a professional proofreading service. Do a Google search like " Professional CV proofreading and correction service ". In all cases, adopt a professional attitude and never send a CV without first allowing a third party to cast a practiced eye over your composition. If you don't, you run the risk of your recruiter spotting the mistake first and discarding your application. Neglecting to have your CV proofread is an attitude that you could also adopt in a professional context, and one that a recruiter does not want.

Cover letter mistakes to avoid

Avoid spelling and grammatical errors, irrelevant information, long sentences and technical or abstract vocabulary. Don't repeat what's already in your CV.

Don't neglect the layout. Don't criticize your previous employers. And above all, don't lie!

What sentence should you use at the end of your cover letter?

A good closing sentence to your cover letter should reiterate your willingness to participate in a company and show what makes your application an asset. It should also invite your interviewer to take the opportunity to meet you, without giving the impression that you're trying too hard. See our article on greeting in a cover letter how to write an effective cover letter.

How to write a convincing cover letter?

To write a convincing cover letter, you first have to make people want to read it. That's why you need to take care with your cover letter's hook. Next, you need to show that you understand the scope of the job. Make sure you emphasize your skills and qualities that are expected for the position and that meet the company's immediate needs. Back up your statements with measurable results. Don't forget to demonstrate your ability to work as part of a team. Take the opportunity to highlight your cross-cutting skills or softskills. Project yourself into the job.

Last but not least, don't neglect the form. Conventions, spelling and layout must be impeccable.

How to write a short, simple cover letter?

A short, simple cover letter should be both clear and concise. Get straight to the point, showing that you understand the company's needs and that your skills put you in an ideal position to meet them. Don't exceed one page. Don't repeat what's on your CV, but emphasize what you can bring to the company.

What are the 4 paragraphs of a cover letter?

The four traditional paragraphs of a cover letter are :

1. The hook or introduction,
2. The company: show what you know about the company and its values.
3. You: describe your qualifications and professional experience. Also highlight your values.
4. The conclusion: the "We", in other words "You and the company". This is the time to highlight the match between your profile, your values and the company's expectations.

How do you politely say you expect an answer?

There's no one right way to politely say you're expecting a response, and purists believe you can't decently thank someone before they've taken action. However, there's nothing to stop you from humbly requesting a response: "I'd like to thank you for your attention to my application and would be delighted to..." Even if you're impatient, there's no need to say so. Above all, avoid the ready-made formulas you'll find on the Internet. It's the best way of going unnoticed in the crowd of applicants.

What phrase will convince an employer?

You can say, "I'm convinced I'd be a great asset to your team, and that I can bring the skills and experience your company needs to achieve its goals." But remember, it's your employer who needs to be convinced. If you weren't convinced, you wouldn't bother writing a cover letter!

What's the best form of address?

The best polite formula is one that combines simplicity and authenticity. You should therefore avoid using pompous formulas whose meaning you don't really know. You need to adapt the level of language you use to your interlocutor. "Please accept, Sir/Madam, the assurances of my highest esteem". Read our recommendations on polite wording to use in a cover letter.

What's the right greeting?

For want of the best formula, a good greeting is addressed personally to the person you're talking to. There's no need to use "Yours sincerely" if you know your recruiter is a man. Show that you've made the effort to identify your interviewer precisely. Read our tips on this subject to find out how to address your future employer.

What are the formulas of politeness?

The most commonly used polite formulas abound on the Internet: but many of them could be inappropriate when they don't amount to logorrhea. For example, "Please accept, Sir/Madam, the expression of my best regards" and "Please accept, Sir/Madam, the expression of my best regards". Remember that we can accept sentiments, respects or greetings. But we cannot accept the expression of greetingsGreetings are not a feeling or an attitude. So banish expressions using "Yours sincerely"!

How do you write a cover letter in 2023?

A cover letter in 2023 should focus on your skills and experience relevant to the position you're aiming for. It should enable the reader to see you as the ideal candidate. Be sure to highlight your skills for the position and show your motivation by projecting yourself into the role.

How do you explain your motivation for a job?

Explain in detail why you are motivated for the position and how your qualifications and experience can help the company achieve its objectives. Use concrete examples to illustrate your motivation.

How to apply, for example?

Make sure your CV and cover letter are up to date and clearly describe your qualifications and motivation. Send your application by e-mail, and include a short covering message. It goes without saying that if your application is equal, the one accompanied by a cover letter will probably be considered more favourably.

How to highlight your qualities in a cover letter?

Highlight your relevant qualifications and explain how they can contribute to the company's success: by using concrete examples of your achievements to illustrate your skills and experience, you'll show that the qualities you've described really are who you are.

Why you and not someone else?

Talk about yourself, because you're the person you know best and you know your strengths. This is the recruiter's way of gauging your motivation. Don't fall into the trap of talking about others! Use concrete examples to illustrate your results, but remain sufficiently humble and modest!

How to make an unsolicited application, for example?

An unsolicited application is a cover letter and CV sent by a candidate to introduce themselves to a company that isn't necessarily hiring. It's up to you to make them want to meet you. It must show that you are perfectly qualified for the position you are applying for. Be sure to target your interviewer, taking the time to find out all you can about the company and its activities. You'll have an even better chance of attracting interest if you're targeting positions in high-volume sectors such as sales, hospitality or catering, or highly sought-after management positions such as engineers, developers, project managers or data scientists.

Why are you the ideal candidate?

You might say, "I'm the ideal candidate, because I have the skills and experience required to succeed in this position. I have demonstrated my ability to meet the demands of the role and to go above and beyond to achieve exceptional results." But you'll need to add some complementary qualities that will make your profile attractive. Show that you are sociable and that you have achieved results in a friendly atmosphere.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Where to start? If you start by talking about your weaknesses, you'll leave your strengths for the end of the speech. If you start with your strengths and then move on to your weaknesses, you run the risk of ending your speech with the most negative aspect of your personality. To avoid leaving your audience on a negative note, it's perfectly possible to start with your strengths, with examples, and then acknowledge that you also have a few weaknesses. The self-critical exercise will first show that you can take an objective look at your personality, and that you are aware of your weaknesses. Instead of insisting on your weaknesses themselves, show that you have weaknesses of which you are fully aware and that you are constantly working to overcome them (training, reading, etc.).

What's your motivation?

Your motivations largely depend on your personal aspirations and interests. If they coincide with the interests of the company you're applying to, then you may well have a clear interest in the position. Show that you've taken an interest in the company, that you've understood what's at stake in the job. Explain why you are interested in the position and why you would like to join the company. Be concrete and avoid clichés such as "motivated, dynamic, etc.". Just give specific examples of your achievements, talk about results and explain what motivated you to achieve them.

How to convince an employer in 5 minutes?

If you have to introduce yourself and only have 5 minutes, remember to prepare your sales pitch. Whether in writing or in the elevator, your speech needs to be structured, i.e. prepared. Your pitch or elevator pitch must enable :

- to introduce yourself in one sentence. I'm XX, I hold or have held such and such a position, I've carried out such and such a task, and I'd like to put my YY skills at your disposal to carry out the task you'd like me to carry out for your company.

- make a good first impression: dress professionally, arrive on time, introduce yourself and smile.

- ask the right questions. Don't focus on the details of the job's remuneration or the amount of luncheon vouchers - this isn't the time - but rather on the stakes of the position to be filled and the precise workings of the company you're applying for.

What are your flaws? How do you sell yourself in writing?

Your faults, unless they are crippling, should be mentioned with the sole aim of turning them into an asset. If you think you don't have any, that's precisely what will play tricks on you. You'll be perceived as insincere and over-confident... Conversely, you won't be asked to self-flagellate in public. Keep only your minor faults in mind, and take the opportunity to explain how you are striving to improve and correct yourself. Remember, too, that the written word remains. If you have to mention a flaw in writing, make sure it's the flaw you've cultivated to the point of making it your greatest asset.

How do I respond to a successful application?

The tone you adopt can be less formal when you tell a candidate that he or she has been selected. However, be careful not to over-familiarize yourself, as the candidate may choose to give up because of the employer's inappropriate attitude. Bear in mind that, when recruiting for jobs in shortage, it's up to the employer to make an effort to seduce the applicant.

How do I reapply? How can I get support for my application?

Keeping things formal, simply reiterate the facts: you responded on such-and-such a day to such-and-such an offer, and you simply want to know when the company plans to get back to you. Take the opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and your availability. If necessary, show that you've made progress to improve your skills and make yourself more suitable for the position. Don't hesitate to mention that you have references available on request. If your reader's curiosity prompts you to ask for them, it's a first sign of interest in your profile!

How do you boost HR?

Maintain the professional attitude you've had up to this point. Be careful not to become too familiar, even if the first meeting seemed friendly.

How to present yourself in five minutes?

If you're not used to the exercise, the temptation may be to launch into a long speech that repeats your entire CV. That's not the point of the exercise, and remember that what's on your CV should only be repeated in your presentation to give added weight to your achievements. If you play the violin, there's no need to say that you started at the age of 5 at the local conservatory. Instead, say that you have the tenacity of a violin player and that, as with this hobby, you have enough tenacity to endure the arduous training that will enable you to become a virtuoso in the professional arena - all things being equal, of course!

What are the convincing words?

Use a positive vocabulary. Don't devalue yourself. Fight the impostor syndrome! Show that your choices are informed by your personality and willpower, not that they reflect your social status and that you had nothing to do with them.

What is your availability?

In all situations, be completely honest. If you're in a job and have to give notice, make this clear. If you're not sure, state that too. Show that you're faithful to your commitments, because even if it doesn't suit you or the person you're talking to, an employer will always prefer to know where you stand.

What can I say when I'm waiting for you to come back?

While you're waiting for Godot... there's nothing to stop you asking how soon you can expect an answer. The best thing, of course, is to be able to ask this question during an interview. If this is not the case, a ready-made formula such as "awaiting your return" neither commits the person reading it, nor tells you how long you can expect to wait for a reply. The easiest way out of this situation is to pick up the phone and ask to speak to the person in charge of recruitment.

How do I reply to a business e-mail?

The best answer to this question is to adopt the attitude you would have if you were already on the job: in the most professional way. This means keeping a level head and being as considerate as you would be to a trusted customer or supplier. Be clear and unequivocal. If a situation seems unclear, say so to avoid any misunderstanding. If you feel you can't quickly clarify a situation in writing, you may want to talk to the person you're dealing with face-to-face. Don't be hasty, but conversely, don't be slow to respond either. If your interlocutor is likely to be impatient, acknowledge receipt of his or her message and let him or her know how soon you'll be able to respond. In all cases, respect your commitment to reply.

Any other questions? Don't hesitate to contact us by email or on the CVsansfaute.fr chat page.

For more tips on how to write your CV or cover letter, go to the cvsansfaute.fr blog !