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Featured Career Tips

10/22/2009 2:43:44 PM EST

Cover Letters: Don’t Go Blank when it’s Time to Write One

Posted by Lori Webster Sieron

A cover letter is really a very simple type of correspondence, but many of us freeze when it comes time to write one. You’ve got your resume, that was the more difficult document to assemble, now just think of the cover letter as a brief introduction to you and your background, the written “conversation” designed to generate enough interest to inspire the hiring manager or human resources professional to open and review your full background contained in your resume. A bad cover letter or worse yet—no cover letter, could potentially send you to the discard pile.

Length: Two or three paragraphs. Any longer and the reader probably won’t make it to the end anyway.

First Paragraph:

Identify the position you are applying for by title not “RL3456,” unless the job posting says to include the job number.
Explain briefly how your skills match the position.
Be brief but interesting—make the reader want to meet with you.

Second Paragraph (or include in first in a two paragraph cover letter):

Discuss you interest in the firm or organization.
Use your networking--If a contact inside the organization tipped you off about the opening or suggested you apply, mention this referral if it is appropriate and the inside contact appears to be in good standing.
Be sure any specialized interest, skill or practice area is one that is offered or sought by the firm.

Final Paragraph:

Mention the most reliable method of contacting you. If you are a 3L about to graduate and may not have access to university e-mail after graduation, suggest your cell phone number or home e-mail address.

Do Not Include:

Unless the posting specifically asks, do not include salary requirements in your cover letter or resume. This should be a discussion item when the position is nearly in hand.
Wild-colored paper. Stick with the traditional off-white, white or lighter colors. Your cover letter and resume might be scanned by HR and sent electronically to hiring managers. Dark colored paper can make it hard to read the print.
Unusual or difficult to read font. Let your background and experience be what sets you apart from the pack, not a gimmick such as odd fonts and colors.

Here are some specific examples of cover letter types posted previously on the Lexis Hub. http://law.lexisnexis.com/webcenters/newattorney/Writing-an-Effective-Cover-Letter

Compiled from popular career resources by Lori Webster Sieron, Lexis Hub Staff

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