EXPRESSIONS FOR WRITING A COVER LETTER
What is a Cover Letter ?
A cover letter should be sent with you CV / resume.
It is courteous, adds a personal touch by giving more information about who you are
It gives your application originality.
General Advice and Usage
A cover letter should be short: one page maximum, no more than 4 paragraphs
It must be typed and conform to the standards of English business correspondence
DO NOT translate your French letter
Use SPELL-CHECK provided by Word (first select English as the language for the document)
DO NOT include the city when you write the date
Mister, Mr, Ms and Miss must be followed by a last name
For traditional British business letters:
If you begin with: Dear Ms / Mrs / Mr James …….use the closing salution: Yours sincerely,
If you begin with: Dear Sir or Madam……………. use the closing salution: Yours faithfully,
DO NOT use CONTRACTIONS or SLANG
(I'D, CAN'T, GUYS, GONNA, etc)
Helpful expressions
st
1 paragraph: clearly identify yourself and the reason you are writing

I am currently / presently a first year student in a programme leading to a Master’s in Agriculture
where I am attending, xxx and yyy courses.

I am writing on behalf of xxx who suggested I contact you as I am very keen on doing a 6-week
internship with you (July-August 20xx).

As part of my studies I am required to carry out a 6-week work placement in order to ……

I am looking for a 6-week internship between July and August 20xx as required by my school
programme.

I am writing to express my interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity to do a work placement with
your company.
nd
2
paragraph: communicate why you are motivated and how you can contribute
Don’t worry if you don’t have experience in the specific field; you are intelligent and have good skills
which will help you learn quickly!!! Always say what you can do for the organisation, how you can
contribute.
1/2
AgroSupDijon – JT
Septembre 2011

I intend on majoring in xxx and working with your university would be a perfect place to….+ personal
reason

I have already worked in a professional environment and therefore have an idea of the commitment
and enthusiasm a trainee needs to have. I am a quick learner and have good skills in xxx and yyy
which could be useful to you. I could, for example, zzz…

I am quick and flexible, which are both qualities needed to be an efficient first-time trainee in a
professional setting. I have good computer and language skills that could be of use to you. I could, for
example, xxx…

I am eager to put my accumulated theoretical knowledge into practice and have a first professional
experience in your company where I could, for example, help in different departments.

Selling fruit and vegetables on an open market has taught me how to be flexible and think on my feet
and this experience will surely help me be an efficient trainee.

I have studied xxx and yyy at school and look forward to putting this knowledge into practice for your
company where I could, for example carry out a study for the European Union market.
rd
3 paragraph: End the letter, thank the person and make him/her want to contact you.

I would be grateful to have the opportunity to discuss the possibility of an internship / work placement
in more detail

I hope you will look favourably on my application and I remain at your entire disposal for all questions
and an interview at your convenience

I look forward to hearing from you soon and hope that you will look favourably on my application
2/2
AgroSupDijon – JT
Septembre 2011