In 3 or 4 paragraphs maximum, that's how most classic cover letters are structured. In fact, this format is just as suitable for applying to the impact industry as it is for any other sector! So what should you put in each of these 3 paragraphs? How do you start your cover letter? What information should you select from your background to make you stand out? What are the key points to remember for the layout? Here are a few tips for writing your cover letter.
Paragraph 1 - Starting your cover letter
The first paragraph of your cover letter is very important, as it serves as an introduction and is there to introduce yourself. While talking about your interest in the company, the idea is to introduce yourself by indicating your current profile and talk in a few words about why you're applying. Why did you want to apply for this position? Why this organization?
An example with a focus on the proposed position: "As a final-year engineering student in sustainable development, I'm passionate about materials. I would like to work with you as part of my gap year internship, to develop your eco-materials sector."
An example with a focus on organization:"I've been following your tiny house projects on social networks for a while now. Adoring these constructions that blend perfectly into nature, I see them as a real source of inspiration. Your communication, simple and impactful, is completely in line with the way I like to convey messages. That's why I'd like to take over the reins of your brand and keep it going."
💡 Impact professionals are also often keen to surround themselves with people who are convinced by their raison d'être and values. These characteristics can be given priority over technical skills.
Here's an example of a presentation focused on the mission: "Finishing a professionalization training course in personal assistance, I want to put my skills to work in a facility that makes social innovation its priority. The quality of your care, your intergenerational meeting spaces and your many events inspire me and make me want to work in a caring environment like yours."
👉 To find out more, here's an article featuring 7 examples to get your cover letter started.
Paragraph 2 - Talking about your strengths and professional experience
In the second paragraph, you can share your strengths in relation to the skills required for the position you're applying for, or in the sector of activity of the organization you're applying for (particularly in the case of an unsolicited application). List 2 or 3 strong points in relation to the position you're applying for, based on the professional (or associative, educational...) experience that gave you that skill.
Example: "My 2 years' experience in sustainable purchasing and the culture I've acquired of French labels, regulations and sustainable suppliers in the agri-food sector will be a solid foundation on which to build your new purchasing strategy."
Communicating soft skills
When we talk about strengths, we're not just talking about technical skillsbut also soft skills. Beyond an interest in the organization's mission, recruiters are increasingly sensitive to soft skills such as organization, the ability to adapt, to undertake, to manage emotions. You can even find soft skills in the form of keywords in job offers. In this article on the soft skills most sought after by SSE recruiters, we were actually making a point on the subject, if you want to know more!
Example: "During my last experience in project management, my interpersonal skills and my ability to mediate were assets in managing conflicts and making progress on projects. It's a natural thing for me to create links, and I could mobilize this skill on this major project of yours to overhaul your business strategy through the circular economy."
Paragraph 3 - Concluding the win-win partnership
In the final section, you can conclude by discussing the benefits of a future collaboration between you and the organization to which you're writing an application letter. What's in it for you, and what's in it for them, if you join their organization?
Example: "Motivated to achieve the goals of my professional project, which is to set up my own energy renovation business, I'd like to train with you for a few years to acquire the necessary skills. You can therefore count on my seriousness, my desire to grow alongside you and my passion for the trade."
👉 To learn more about letter layout rules, here's our article on the subject!
Add a greeting
Polite formulas are a great way to finish off a cover letter. It's written at the very end of your letter, just before your signature, if you choose to sign. Here are 3 examples:
- "Yours faithfully, Madam, Sir, I remain at your disposal for a future meeting."
- "We look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely".
- Or more simply: "Best regards."
Finish with your signature
Handwritten or digital, your signature can be added at the end of your cover letter. But it doesn't have to be!
5 mistakes to avoid when writing a cover letter
💬 General phrases: "As sustainable development is the future and your association is active in this field, I would like to put my skills at your service."
💥 Using excessive expressions; "Your company is everything I could hope for." or "I'm extremely rigorous.se".... It's too much ;)
🙅♂️ Talk about yourself, but only about yourself. Just like on a date, if you're not interested in the person in front of you and you recite a monologue about yourself and your achievements, it's unlikely to work :)
💾 Copy and paste! Take inspiration from free cover letter templates on the internet, yes. Copy and paste examples or ready-made phrases, on the other hand, avoid. It's your spontaneity and authenticity that will make the difference, so tell them about yourself, in your own way.
❌ Include your resume in your cover letter. You can repeat keywords present in your resume, but the idea of your letter is to complement this document by delving deeper into your skills and experience.
5 rules to remember when writing this letter
🤏 Keep it concise. Say a little but not too much, to leave a kind of teasing to the recruiter and make him want to know more by contacting you for a job interview!
🖊️Relis once you've written your letter to avoid spelling mistakes;
A 🇦 Choose a legible typeface
🗝️ Include keywords from the offer in your letter
📩 Save attachments (resume and cover letter) in pdf format
🎯 In each paragraph, get straight to the point! You can cite 2 or 3 examples to communicate your strong points! No more ;)
Further information
👉 Examples of simple, short cover letters
👉 Some tips for writing an original cover letter.
👉 What skills should you put on your resume?