Cover Letter Guidelines

Cover Letter Guidelines

Your cover letter is as important as your resume. It is often read first and plays a vital role in your quest for an interview because it tells a legal employer prospectively what you can offer. A well-crafted cover letter takes time to create and will let an employer know why they should continue to review your application and then contact you for an interview.

Drafting effective cover letters that get you interviews isn’t easy—but we’re here to help. If you have questions about how to get started, click on our Cover Letter Workshop webinar and take a look at our breakdown of the cover letter paragraph-by-paragraph.

Finding work in the public interest or public service area of the law requires a different focus in both cover letters and résumés. Click on our Public Interest Workshop webinar for help in tailoring your application materials.

A cover letter serves as a first example of your written work product; thus it should be clear, brief, and written in business letter style without any typographical errors:

Header (same as your resume)

Date 

Title and Name of Contact Person 

Employer Name
Address 
City, State, Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. last name of contact person:

First Paragraph:
Tell why you are writing; name the position for which you are applying, and tell how you heard of this opening. State why you are interested in working for this employer. If you have lived in the area or know it well, mention this. Specify your interests in the type of work the firm does. Describe what is particularly appealing to you about the employer.

Second and Third Paragraphs:
If you have had experience, courses, publications or clinic experience, be sure to point out what particular achievements you have accomplished in the employer's field or type of work. Indicate why you are qualified for the job. Emphasize pertinent items on your resume; add information that is not specifically mentioned on your resume. Include information that is pertinent to the job for which you are applying.

Fourth Paragraph: Have an appropriate closing to pave the way for an interview. Indicate your willingness to interview personally by stating when you will be in the area or by offering to make yourself available at the employer's convenience. You may wish to indicate that you will call the employer's office within a specific week to try and schedule an interview. Thank the employer for his/her consideration.

Sincerely, 
(leave 4 blank lines for signature)

Your Name (typed)

Cover letters should follow standard business letter format as to spacing, salutation, etc. Avoid abbreviations, contractions and shortcuts. Your telephone number and email address should appear at the top of the page with the same header as your resume.

Every cover letter should be addressed to an individual by name, not to “Director” or “Recruiting Coordinator” or “Managing Partner.” When you are addressing a female the appropriate salutation is always “Ms.” regardless of marital status. Firm and organization web sites are very useful in finding this information. Otherwise, a quick phone call to the organization’s receptionist is required.

Note: Please see our Small Firm Document located on Symplicity in the document library for contact information.

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