Webinars
Like many other students, you might need to get a student job to pay for your daily expenses. Or you could be looking for an internship or apprentissage/alternance to finish your studies!
To help you prepare for your job search, the CMI Brest holds, at the start of the school year, a few webinars. Those webinars will tell you everything you need to know about working in France as a foreign student: from your rights to your resume and cover letter, or even what to expect from an internship. We will go over everything together, leaving time for questions at the end. Dates will be announced on our website and social networks, as well as our calendar.
Crédits image : mizkit via vecteezy.com
A French resume must not be longer than one page! It should cover your studies (starting with higher education, no need to mention high school) and work experience, if you have any. Don't forget to mention any non-profit experience you might have, or smaller jobs. Many websites offer templates and examples for resumes, take advantage of them, but don't forget to make you resume your own. Personalise it, as no one likes a low-effort resume, and highlight skills relevant to the job offer you're interested in.
Just like the resume, your cover letter should not exceed one page. Address it tot the person mentioned in the job offer or, if none is mentioned, to Human Resources.
Its structure should follow 4 parts: one introduction paragraph in which you quickly explain your current situation (student) and your interest in the job ; one paragraph detailing the reasons for your interest in the company ; one paragraph on your skills and profile (with examples) ; and finally, the last paragraph, in which you close the letter and let the reader know that you are available for an interview (phone, Zoom, in person...).
The letter is the company's first impression of you, as such, you cannot rush it or simply copy and paste the same letter to a dozen companies. Don't do it, it shows!
If you need help writing a cover letter, reach out to the Bureau Information Jeunesse (BIJ de Brest), they can assist you.
Knowing what sector or job type you are looking for will help narrow your search: do most of your research on websites dedicated to your goal (summer job, specific industry...). For a student job/summer job, you can also opt to come in person to the company to drop your resume and cover letter. In that case, take care with your presentation (attitude and outfit).
Here are some websites to kickstart your search:
Interviews are the next (and last) step in getting a job and must thoroughly prepared. Read lists of common interview questions to be ready, and prepare a few questions of your own.
Worried about being interviewed? The BIJ offers fake interviews to help you find your weaknesses and ace your interview. Find them at 4 rue Augustin Morvan, Monday through Friday, from 1:30PM to 5:30PM.