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Cover letter

The letter that goes with your CV. Two ready-to-adapt templates — replace the text in [brackets], copy, and attach your CV. Each comes in both English and French.

Cover letter (responding to a posting)

To accompany your résumé in response to a posted job opening.

[Your name]
[Phone] · [Email]
[City, province]

[Date]

Subject: Application for the [job title] position

Dear [Mr. / Ms. Name, or "Dear Hiring Manager" if the name is unknown],

I am writing to apply for the [title] position, posted [where: e.g. on your website / on Indeed]. [One sentence: why this company or role appeals to you.]

Over the past [X years] in [field], I have [a concrete, ideally quantified achievement]. Along the way I developed [2-3 key skills tied to the posting] — strengths that, I believe, match what you are looking for.

[Optional: a sentence about your move to Quebec or your motivation to settle here, if relevant to the role.]

I would be glad to tell you more in an interview. My résumé is attached. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,

[Your name]
  • One page max, three or four paragraphs — readable in 30 seconds.
  • Tailor each letter to the posting — echo 2-3 keywords from the ad.
  • In Quebec, avoid overly long sign-offs; a simple « salutations distinguées » is enough.
  • Proofread for typos — an error-free letter makes a real difference.

Speculative cover letter

To introduce yourself to an employer with no posted opening.

[Your name]
[Phone] · [Email]

[Date]

Subject: Speculative application — [your field]

Dear [Mr. / Ms. Name, or "Dear Hiring Manager"],

[Company] [a sincere, specific reason it appeals to you: mission, reputation, projects]. That is why I'm reaching out with my application, even with no posted opening.

I am a [title / field] with [X years] of experience in [specialty]. [A concrete achievement that shows what you could bring to the team.] I would be delighted to put these skills to work for you.

Should a need arise, I'd be available to discuss it. My résumé is attached. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

[Your name]
  • Find the right person's name (HR, a manager) rather than a generic "to whom it may concern".
  • Be specific about what draws you to THIS company — avoid a generic letter.
  • Propose a next step (a short chat) rather than waiting passively.

Explore further

Related guides

Practise French

Learn to say it in French

Real dialogues for « Professional life » — listen, read, repeat.

All dialogues: Professional life

See also: our free calculators

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