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Cover letter example

Customs officer cover letter example

A cover letter is used for contract posts, internal mobility, specialised units and some recruitment routes without exam. The reader expects you to know the difference between the two branches and to explain where you fit.

Precise references to goods, procedures or control situations count more than general statements about public service.

Cover letter example

Replace the parts in brackets with your own details.

Subject: Trade operations office, [City]: application from a customs declarant

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am applying for the post in the customs office of [City] advertised by the regional directorate. For the past [x] years I have worked as a customs declarant for [Company], a freight forwarder handling road and sea shipments between France and [Country].

Every day I prepare import and export declarations, check commodity codes with the customs tariff, and gather origin certificates and invoices for my clients. I regularly deal with requests for documents from the customs office, which has given me a clear view of what makes a declaration reliable and where errors usually come from: undervalued goods, wrong classification or missing licences.

Moving to the administration would allow me to use this experience on the control side. I am comfortable with the Union Customs Code, with the declaration software used in France, and with explaining procedures to company staff who are not specialists. I speak English and [language].

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this post with you.

Yours faithfully,[First Name Last Name]

What to highlight

  • The branch and type of post you are applying for
  • Experience with goods, trade flows or controls
  • Availability for shifts and geographical mobility
  • Languages spoken
  • A concrete example of a check, an irregularity found or a procedure handled

Mistakes to avoid

  • Quoting the Union Customs Code in general terms instead of describing one declaration or control you handled.
  • Not saying which branch or post you are applying for.
  • Overstating your knowledge of customs law without examples.
  • Ignoring mobility, which the administration expects for first postings.

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Frequently asked questions

Should I write to customs in English?

No. French customs is a French public administration, and all exams, procedures and reports are in French. Write your letter in French. Your English can be mentioned as an asset, especially for airports, ports and posts involving international cooperation.

Can I apply without passing the exam?

Permanent posts are mainly filled by competitive exam. Customs also recruits contract staff for some needs, and there are specific routes for people with disabilities. Check the vacancies on the Place de l'emploi public website and follow the instructions in each notice.

What should I say about mobility?

Say clearly that you accept a first posting outside your region if that is true. New officers are often assigned to large border points, ports, airports or the Paris area. Showing that you know this, and are ready for it, reassures the reader about your commitment.

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