Table of contents:
Cover Letter Writing Basics
A cover letter is a document that accompanies a resume and is used to introduce yourself and your qualifications to a potential employer. It is an opportunity to highlight your skills and experience and to explain why you are the best person for the job.
An effective cover letter should be well-written, error-free, and tailored to the specific job you are applying for. It should be no more than one page long and should include the following information:
Contact Information
* Your name
* Your address
* Your phone number
* Your email address
Date
* The date you are sending the cover letter
Inside Address
* The name of the person you are sending the cover letter to
* The title of the person you are sending the cover letter to
* The name of the company you are applying to
* The address of the company you are applying to
Salutation
* A formal greeting, such as “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]”
Opening Paragraph
* A brief introduction of yourself and your interest in the job
* A statement of your qualifications and experience
* A reason why you are the best person for the job
Body Paragraphs
* A more detailed description of your skills and experience
* Examples of your work that demonstrate your abilities
* A statement of your goals and aspirations
Closing Paragraph
* A restatement of your interest in the job
* A thank you for the opportunity to apply
* A call to action, such as asking for an interview
Common Mistakes to Avoid
* Using a generic cover letter that is not tailored to the specific job you are applying for
* Making grammatical errors or typos
* Including irrelevant information
* Being too long or too short
* Not following the instructions in the job posting
Structuring Your Cover Letter
A well-structured cover letter is crucial to capturing the attention of potential employers and showcasing your qualifications effectively. It typically consists of four main sections:
– Introduction: Begin with a strong hook that grabs the reader’s attention and immediately establishes your interest in the position.
– Body Paragraphs: Highlight your relevant skills, experience, and accomplishments that align with the job requirements. Use specific examples and quantifiable results to demonstrate your impact.
– Conclusion: Summarize your key strengths and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Reiterate your interest in the position and call to action, such as requesting an interview.
– Call to Action: End with a clear call to action, such as requesting an interview or scheduling a follow-up conversation.
Strong Cover Letter Introductions
– “As a seasoned attorney with a proven track record in commercial litigation, I am eager to join your esteemed firm and contribute my expertise to your team.”
– “With my passion for environmental law and commitment to sustainability, I am drawn to your organization’s mission and seek to leverage my skills to advance your cause.”
– “Having closely followed the growth of your company and its innovative approach to healthcare, I am confident that my legal acumen and industry knowledge would be a valuable asset to your team.”
Effective Cover Letter Conclusions
– “Thank you for considering my application. I am confident that my skills and experience align perfectly with the requirements of this role, and I am eager to contribute to the success of your organization.”
– “I am eager to learn more about the position and how I can add value to your team. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.”
– “Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon regarding the next steps in the hiring process.”
Highlighting Your Skills and Experience
Effectively showcasing your relevant skills and experience is crucial for crafting a compelling cover letter. Highlight your abilities that align with the position’s requirements, demonstrating how your expertise matches the employer’s needs.
Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. Use specific numbers and metrics to demonstrate the tangible impact of your work. For example, instead of stating “Managed a team,” you could write “Led a team of 10 engineers, resulting in a 25% increase in project completion rate.”
Action Verbs
Use strong action verbs that convey your accomplishments. Avoid passive language and opt for verbs that describe your active role in achieving results. For instance, instead of “Participated in project development,” use “Developed and implemented a project that streamlined workflow by 15%.”
Specific Examples
Provide specific examples to illustrate your skills and experience. This helps the hiring manager visualize your contributions and assess your abilities more concretely. For example, instead of saying “Skilled in legal research,” you could write “Conducted comprehensive legal research for a complex commercial litigation case, resulting in a favorable settlement for the client.”
Tailoring Your Cover Letter to the Job
Tailoring your cover letter to each job you apply for is crucial. It demonstrates your interest in the specific position and company, and it highlights your most relevant skills and experience.
To tailor your cover letter effectively, it’s essential to research the company and the position you’re applying for. This will help you understand the company’s culture, goals, and the specific requirements of the role.
Research the Company:
- Visit the company website to learn about its mission, values, and recent news.
- Check social media platforms to gain insights into the company culture and industry trends.
- Read articles and reviews about the company to understand its reputation and industry standing.
Research the Position:
- Review the job description carefully to identify the essential skills and experience required.
- Consider the company’s industry and the specific challenges or opportunities the role may present.
- Look for any specific qualifications or certifications that are mentioned in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience:
- Match your skills and experience to the requirements of the position.
- Provide specific examples that demonstrate how your skills have been applied in previous roles.
- Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to showcase your impact.
By tailoring your cover letter to each job you apply for, you increase your chances of standing out from other candidates and making a strong impression on potential employers.
Formatting and Style
Formatting and style play a vital role in creating a polished and professional cover letter. By adhering to certain guidelines, you can enhance the readability and impact of your letter.
Consider the following aspects:
Font Size and Margins
- Use a professional font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.
- Set the font size to 12 points for easy reading.
- Establish 1-inch margins on all sides to provide ample white space.
Spacing and Language
- Single-space your cover letter for a concise and professional appearance.
- Leave a double space between paragraphs for clarity.
- Use formal and professional language throughout your letter.
- Avoid slang, abbreviations, or colloquialisms.
Cover Letter Samples
Cover letter samples can provide valuable insights into the structure, tone, and content that can make your cover letter stand out. Let’s explore some well-written examples and analyze their strengths and weaknesses.
Sample 1: Entry-Level Attorney
Strengths:
- Clearly states the specific position being applied for and demonstrates familiarity with the firm.
- Effectively highlights relevant skills and experience, such as legal research, writing, and communication.
- Conveys enthusiasm and eagerness to contribute to the firm.
Weaknesses:
- Could benefit from providing more specific examples of legal work or projects undertaken.
- May lack a compelling hook or attention-grabbing opening statement.
Sample 2: Experienced Corporate Attorney
Strengths:
- Quantifies accomplishments and provides specific examples of successful outcomes.
- Demonstrates a deep understanding of corporate law and industry trends.
- Tailors the cover letter to the specific requirements of the job description.
Weaknesses:
- Could be more concise and focused, avoiding unnecessary details.
- May benefit from incorporating more personality or a personal connection to the firm.
Sample 3: Legal Aid Attorney
Strengths:
- Passionately conveys the candidate’s commitment to social justice and advocacy.
- Provides compelling examples of experience working with underserved communities.
- Effectively communicates the candidate’s ability to handle a diverse caseload.
Weaknesses:
- Could benefit from providing more specific information about the candidate’s legal skills and knowledge.
- May lack a clear call to action or next step for the reader.
Adapting Samples to Your Needs
When adapting cover letter samples to your own needs, consider the following tips:
- Tailor the content to the specific job you are applying for, highlighting relevant skills and experience.
- Use strong action verbs and specific examples to demonstrate your accomplishments.
- Proofread carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, or formatting.
- Consider seeking feedback from a career counselor or mentor to enhance the effectiveness of your cover letter.
