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Cover letter example

Carpenter cover letter example

Carpentry firms in France are often small, and the person reading your letter may be the owner who also cuts timber. Keep it short and concrete: what kind of structures you have built, at which stage you are autonomous, and whether you are comfortable at height and with lifting operations.

Cover letter example

Replace the parts in brackets with your own details.

Subject: Application: Carpenter (charpentier bois), [Company], [City]

Dear [Recruiter's Name],

I am applying for the carpenter position at [Company]. After my CAP charpentier bois, I have spent [x] years in a firm near [City] that builds roof frames and timber-frame extensions for private clients and builders. Before that, I spent part of my training in a workshop specialised in timber-frame houses, where I learned to assemble wall panels on the workshop table before delivery.

In the workshop, I trace and cut rafters, purlins and hips from the engineer's drawings, and I prepare the cutting files on Cadwork for our CNC machine. On site, I take part in every erection: slinging the loads, guiding the crane operator and assembling the frame at height before the roofer arrives. I also replaced the roof structure of an old barn last year, which taught me to work around existing walls that are never quite square.

Your projects in oak framing and restoration are the reason I am writing to you. I would like to develop those traditional techniques further, and I am ready to travel to sites across [Region] during the week. I hold harness training for work at height and a CACES for telehandlers, and I have a driving licence and my own vehicle.

I can come in for a trial day in your workshop whenever it suits you.

Yours sincerely,[First Name Last Name]

What to highlight

  • The type of work: traditional roof frames, timber frame, heritage restoration
  • Your level of autonomy in tracing and cutting
  • Experience on site with crane lifts and work at height
  • Software or CNC machines you have used
  • Your mobility for sites across the region

Mistakes to avoid

  • Writing a generic letter for the building trade without naming the type of structures you build.
  • Hiding that you need a driving licence or transport to reach sites.
  • Claiming full autonomy in tracing when you have only assembled frames on site.
  • Sending a long letter: one page, four short paragraphs is plenty.

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Frequently asked questions

Do small carpentry firms read cover letters?

Often they read it quickly, then phone you. That is why the first lines must say what you build and where you trained. Many owners also accept a direct visit to the workshop with your resume, which is common in rural areas.

Should I mention the Compagnons du Devoir?

Yes, if you completed part of a Tour de France or training with them. It tells the employer you have seen several workshops and techniques. If you only took a short course with them, say so honestly rather than suggesting a full journeyman path.

Can I apply for an apprenticeship as an adult?

Yes. In France, apprenticeship contracts are generally open up to 29, with exceptions for people with a disability or a business creation project. Older career changers usually go through a Titre professionnel or a professionalisation contract instead.

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