CV and cover letter for apprenticeships: the guide that makes the difference

When looking for an apprenticeship, you rarely have a long track record to show. The good news? Recruiters know it. What they're looking for is your potential, motivation and reliability. Here's how to prove it.

A clear, targeted CV

Your CV must be readable at a glance:

• One page maximum, with an airy layout.
• An explicit title: "Business student — Retail apprenticeship".
• Your concrete skills (tools, languages, licences) highlighted.
• Your experiences, however small: summer jobs, school projects, volunteering.

Always tailor your CV to the offer. Reuse the keywords from the ad: many recruiters use software that automatically spots them.

The cover letter in 3 steps

Forget empty formulas. An effective letter fits in three paragraphs:

1. You: who you are and what you're studying.
2. The company: why this one, specifically (its projects, its values).
3. You + the company: what you will bring during your apprenticeship.

Show that you've researched the company: it's the detail that tips an application over the edge.

Mistakes to avoid

• Spelling mistakes: have your application proofread.
• The generic letter sent to every company.
• An email with no clear subject line or polite closing.

Take action

A polished application is half the journey. The other half is applying in the right place: explore the apprenticeship and internship offers on SuperAlternant, then apply our complete method for finding an apprenticeship. Once invited, prepare your interview with our tips.