A Guide to
Effective Cover Letters
The Career Resources Center
WRITING A COVER LETTER
Your cover letter should be viewed as a mini-writing sample. It is the first impression of
your writing abilities that an employer will receive. If there are any typographical or
grammatical errors in the cover letter, there is a good chance that the employer will
never make it to your resume. For these reasons, it is imperative that you develop a
well-written letter that will peak the interest of the reader so that they will want to read
your resume. Your cover letter is your selling point. It must convince legal employers
that you have the education, experience, and motivation they want. The salary
requirements should not be included in the cover letter.
WHAT A COVER LETTER SHOULD ACHIEVE
To serve as a successful selling point, your cover letter must serve the following
purposes:
1.
attract the employer's attention;
2.
persuade the employer to read your resume;
3.
convince the employer to interview you.
To achieve these purposes, your cover letter must:
1.
personalize you;
2.
be tailored as specifically as possible to the employer receiving it;
3.
highlight your education, experience and motivation in a way that tells the
employer you have what the employer wants;
4.
be well-written because it is the first example of your writing ability the
employer reads.
COVER LETTER FORMAT
First Paragraph
This paragraph gets the attention of the person receiving the cover
letter and answers the question: Why are you writing? This can be
as simple as stating that you are “a second-year law student with
three years of professional business experience seeking summer
employment at [name of employer],” and/or that you are
“responding to a job posting from South Texas College of Law
Career Resources Center.” Ideally, you want to be referred by a
professional or personal contact to an employment opportunity. A
very effective opening in the case of a referral is “John Smith
recommended that I contact you regarding employment upon
graduation.”
Remember
Identify: (1) yourself; (2) the position for which you're applying; (3)
any contact information.
Second Paragraph This paragraph details why you are the right person for the job. Out
of all the resumes employers receive, why should they hire you?
This paragraph involves telling the employer what skills you bring to
the particular job without reiterating the details of your resume. It is
important to give specific examples of the skills and
accomplishments that you are emphasizing.
Remember
(1) Sell yourself and (2) give the employer enough information
about your qualifications so that they will want to look at your
resume.
Third Paragraph
This paragraph answers the question: Why are you interested in
working for the firm or organization? This part may only be two are
three sentences and can include the mission of the organization,
type of work they do, geographic location, size of organization,
reputation of organization in the broader community, and the type
of position available. Employers can be picky about hiring people
based not only on qualifications, but on how interested you are in
working for that particular organization. Be genuine. This is an
opportunity to show that you researched the employer.
Remember
Answer the question: Why this firm?
Fourth Paragraph
The last paragraph thanks the employer for their time and
consideration and tells them what you plan to do next. Let them
know how to get in touch with you, especially if you will not be
reachable for a period of time at the contact information on your
resume. Don’t just ride off into the sunset. Suggest ways to
contact you, especially if they are out of the Houston area. Let
them know if and when you will be visiting their city. And it is
always appropriate to state in the cover letter that you look forward
to hearing from them.
Remember
(1) Thank the employer for their time and (2) pave the way for your
next contact with the employer.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COVER LETTERS
Format and Style
1. Do employers pay as much attention to cover letters as they do to resumes?
Most of the time, employers read the two documents together. This means that the
cover letter must concisely explain that you have the desired education, experience
and motivation, and the resume must detail your education, experience and
motivation. This also means that the cover letter must be: (1) error-free, with correct
grammar, punctuation and spelling; (2) well-written; and (3) persuasive.
2. So what's the basic format for a cover letter?
For an example, look at the sample format and at the different sample cover letters
in this handout. Typically, the letter must: (1) follow general business letter format;
(2) contain three or four paragraphs; and (3) be no longer than one page (8-1/2" X
11" off-white bond paper).
3. What if I don't know the specific individual who should receive my letter and
resume? Can I just address the letter “To Whom It May Concern?”
No. Always address your letter to a specific person. This means that you may send
a cover letter and resume to more than one person at a particular legal employer.
For example, if you are sending your resume to a larger firm that has a recruiting
coordinator and a hiring partner, you will want to send a cover letter and resume to:
(1) the recruiting coordinator; (2) the hiring partner; and (3) anyone you know or
have met at the firm who can put in a good word for you. You can call an employer
or check the information available in the Career Resources Center to find out who is
in charge of hiring.
4. Wouldn't it be faster and more efficient to just come up with one standard form
letter?
No, not if you want your cover letter to achieve the purposes listed on page one.
Remember, if your cover letter does not serve those purposes, you greatly decrease
the chance that the employer will contact you about an interview. Personalizing
each cover letter and drawing connections between your education, experience and
motivation with that particular employer's practice lends credibility to your request for
consideration and shows you have spent time analyzing what the employer does
and how your skills fit the employer's needs. In essence, your cover letter must be
personalized, yet businesslike.
Content
5. What do you mean by “any contact information?”
For example, if you met the hiring partner at a Corporate Networking Breakfast at
South Texas, then remind the partner of your meeting in the first paragraph of your
cover letter. Also, if a professor or an attorney referred you to the employer, provide
that information in the first paragraph. Refer to the sample letters in this handout for
other examples.
6. Isn't my resume supposed to describe my education, experience and
motivation? Do I really need to address that information in my cover letter?
Your resume can't expressly draw the connections between your qualifications and
the employer's needs. Your cover letter just emphasizes your qualifications, while
your resume expands on them. Consequently, you should always make reference
to your resume and anything else (like a writing sample) that you have enclosed with
your cover letter.
7. How do I draw a connection between what I have and what the employer
wants?
First, describe what is particularly appealing to you about what the employer does.
Second, highlight aspects of your education, experience and motivation in which the
employer would be the most interested, based on what the employer does. Give the
employer reasons why you would be a beneficial employee to the firm or business.
8. What do you mean by “motivation” and how do I connect that with what an
employer wants?
“Motivation” can mean a wide range of things. For example, if you are applying for a
position with the Potter County District Attorney's Office in Amarillo, they are going to
want to know that you are serious about relocating to the Panhandle. You can
convince them that you are serious by stating in your cover letter that you are
originally from Amarillo and still have family there.
9. Is it too forward of me to actually request an interview?
No. After all, the purpose of your cover letter and resume is to get an interview.
Just remember, be careful to request, not demand.
10. What if I'm in my second semester and I'm looking for a summer clerking
position, but I'm trying to get a jump on things by sending my resume out in
February? Should I tell them I can start working right away?
It is not recommended that you work during your first year of law school. Therefore,
unless you have financial reasons, you should give the employer the first date on
which you'll be available. For example, if your last final is May 14, and you want to
take a few days off to recuperate, tell the employer you will be available beginning
May 20.
Remember to retain copies of all cover letters you send out.
Sample Cover Letter Format
Your Name
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Date
Name of Contact Person at the Firm
Name of the Firm
Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear
:
First paragraph Identify: (1) yourself; (2) the position for which you're applying;
(3) any contact information.
Second paragraph Sell yourself in this paragraph. You want to give the
employer enough information about your qualifications so that they will want to look at
your resume.
Third paragraph In this paragraph you answer the question: Why this firm? You
relate your education, experience and motivation to the employer's practice and hiring
needs.
Fourth paragraph Thank the employer for the time they have given your cover
letter and resume. Pave the way for your next contact with the employer.
Leave several spaces here
Sincerely,
Leave 4-5 spaces here to sign your name.
Typewritten name
Enclosures
Use quality 8 ½ x 11 neutral colored, matching bond paper for your resume, cover
letter and envelope.
Use a business letter format.
Sample Cover Letter #1
Example of a first year student seeking an informational interview; trying to relocate to a
city outside of the Houston area; following up on a contact.
Sarah K. Brown
4236 Knight Road
Houston, Texas 77048
February 13, 2006
Mr. Aaron Mitchell
Thomas Allen & Barron, P.C.
1357 Pearl, Suite 456
Dallas, Texas 78767
Dear Mr. Mitchell:
Bailey Crabb from Lewis & Moore suggested that I contact you for advice and
assistance in my job search for a clerking position this summer. I am currently a firstyear student at South Texas College of Law and plan to return to Dallas this summer.
I hope that you might be able to share with me your experiences searching for a
job in the Dallas area. I am interested in working for a plaintiff’s civil litigation firm. Your
insights as well as any information on the Dallas legal market in general would be much
appreciated. As an undergraduate at Baylor University, I volunteered at a legal services
agency and found the work to be not only intellectually challenging, but personally
rewarding as well. I am looking forward to working in a legal setting this summer after I
have completed a year of law school.
I look forward to arranging a time to meet when I will be in Dallas the week of
March 12. I have enclosed my resume so that you will be familiar with my background
and experiences. I will contact you in two weeks to check your availability. Thank you
for your time.
Very truly yours,
Sarah K. Brown
Enclosure
Sample Cover Letter #2
Example of a first year student sending out a mass mailing for a summer job.
Molli Michaels
4685 Connor Avenue
Houston, Texas 77048
February 12, 2006
Roberta L. Ellis
Smith & Walker
4631 Fannin, Suite 1600
Houston, Texas 77002
Dear Ms. Ellis:
Please accept this cover letter and enclosed resume as my formal application to
be considered for a summer associate position at Smith & Walker. I am currently in my
first year at South Texas College of Law.
Prior to attending South Texas, I received my undergraduate degree in Political
Science from Texas A&M University. While at Texas A&M, I was able to develop my
research skills as a research assistant for the Political Science Department. The skills I
developed as a research assistant proved valuable for me at South Texas when I was
given the Williamson Award for the best Legal Research and Writing memorandum. I
believe that the skills necessary to earn this award will make me an asset to Smith &
Walker.
I have enclosed a copy of my resume for your consideration. As you will note, I
have one year of research experience. I am confident that the research skills I acquired
in my undergraduate and first year of law school will make me a successful summer
associate.
Thank you for the time and consideration you have given this letter and enclosed
resume. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Molli Michaels
Enclosure
Sample Cover Letter #3
Example of a first year student seeking a summer clerkship outside of the Houston area
and contacting an alumnus of the law school.
Sarah K. Brown
4236 Knight Road
Houston, Texas 77048
February 13, 2006
Robert L. Ellis
Wiseman & Ellis, L.L.P.
46 Boardman Street
Austin, Texas 78767
Dear Mr. Ellis:
Please accept the enclosed resume and transcript as my application for a
summer associate position with Wiseman & Ellis. I am currently a first year student at
South Texas College of Law. I will be living with my parents in Austin this summer and
hope to find a law clerk position there to gain some practical legal experience.
As my enclosed resume indicates, I worked at Smith & Jones as a receptionist,
runner and file clerk to help pay college expenses while I attended Baylor University in
Waco. Like your firm, Smith & Jones was a general civil litigation firm. The exposure I
received there, as well as my experience as a member of the Baylor debate team,
caused me to be very interested in civil litigation.
As an alumnus and former member of the Board of Advocates, you know the
strength of South Texas' advocacy program, which was the reason I chose to attend law
school here. I am looking forward to writing and arguing my appellate brief in my Legal
Research and Writing II course and to participating in advocacy competitions next year.
I will be in Austin for spring break from March 11 through March 15. At your
convenience, I would appreciate an opportunity to interview with you during that time.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Very truly yours,
Sarah K. Brown
Enclosure
Sample Cover Letter #4
Example of a second or third year student responding to a law clerk listing posted with
the Career Services Office.
Roger K. Brown
4236 Knight Road
Houston, TX 77048
January 6, 2006
Georgia Wilson
Mickler, Roberts & Wilson
1320 North Front Avenue
Houston, Texas 77002
Dear Ms. Wilson:
I am writing in response to the law clerk listing your firm posted with the South
Texas College of Law Career Services Office. I am currently a second year student and
am interested in gaining practical experience this semester.
As my resume indicates, I was a participant in the National Mock Trial
Competition last semester. My team worked extensively on a case that involved a
products liability issue against a major manufacturer. While working on the case, I
gained an appreciation for the rigorous demands of a successful litigation practice.
I am interested in clerking for Mickler, Roberts & Wilson because of its reputation
as a strong products liability firm. I am confident that the exposure to products liability
litigation that I received while preparing for the mock trial tournament will prove to be an
asset in a clerking position. That experience made me aware of many of the issues and
steps involved in a products liability lawsuit. My experience and abilities, coupled with
my desire to work in a busy litigation firm like Mickler, Roberts & Wilson make me a
unique candidate for a clerking position this semester.
Thank you for the time and consideration you have given this letter and enclosed
writing sample. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Roger K. Brown
Sample Cover Letter #5
Example of a student responding to a law clerk listing and following up on a contact.
Robert K. Brown
4236 Knight Road
Houston, Texas 77048
November 12, 2006
Roberta L. Ellis
Wiseman and Ellis
46 Broadway Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
Dear Ms. Ellis:
Please accept this letter and enclosed resume as my application for the law clerk
listing your firm posted with the South Texas College of Law Career Services Office. I
met you when you judged the final round of the Fredrick Douglass Black Law Students
Association Moot Court Competition last fall, which my team won.
I am very interested in civil rights law, and I know your firm specializes in that
area. Clerking for you would be a very valuable learning experience for me. My
comment for law review, which addresses the impact of the most recent United States
Supreme Court opinions interpreting the Voting Rights Act, appears in the fall 2005
edition of the South Texas Law Review. In addition, I serve as a Note and Comment
Editor on the South Texas College of Law Editorial Board.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Very truly yours,
Roger K. Brown
Enclosure
Sample Cover Letter #6
Example of a third year student seeking an associate position and following up on a
contact.
Robert K. Brown
4236 Knight Road
Houston, Texas 77048
November 12, 2006
Roberta L. Ellis
Wiseman and Ellis
46 Broadway Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
Dear Ms. Ellis:
I wish to be considered for an associate position following graduation from
South Texas College of Law in May 2006. As you may recall, I visited with you about
the position at the South Texas College of Law CLE program on securities regulation.
I am particularly interested in your firm because of your specific involvement in
securities regulation work. I have taken several courses on securities and corporate law
during law school. As my enclosed resume indicates, I had the opportunity to intern last
summer with the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C., which was
an excellent learning experience for me. Also, I recently finished editing an article on
the most recent interpretations of Regulation 10b-5 for the Corporate Counsel Review.
I plan to visit my parents in Dallas from December 16 through December 23. If it
is convenient for you, I would appreciate an opportunity to interview with you during that
time.
Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Robert K. Brown
Enclosure
Sample Cover Letter #7
Example of a student in their last semester of law school seeking an associate position.
Robert K. Brown
4236 Knight Road
Houston, Texas 77048
January 12, 2006
Roberta L. Ellis
Wiseman and Ellis
46 Broadway Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
Dear Ms. Ellis:
I am currently a third year student at South Texas College of Law and am
seeking a position as an associate upon my graduation in May 2006.
As my resume indicates, before attending law school I was employed by
Southwest Airlines in their Personnel Department. My projects at Southwest included
development of an employee handbook and related programming. I worked closely with
the Legal Department at Southwest and acted as the liaison between the Personnel
Department and other employees. My responsibilities at Southwest enabled me to
develop extensive communication and negotiation skills.
While at South Texas, I have had the opportunity to clerk for three civil litigation
firms. My projects at these firms allowed me to develop my legal drafting skills.
Specifically, I had extensive exposure in drafting discovery and various motions. I am
confident that the drafting experience I have received and the negotiation skills I have
developed over the years will be an asset in a busy litigation firm such as Wiesman &
Ellis.
Thank you for the time and consideration you have given this letter and enclosed
resume. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Robert K. Brown
Enclosure
Revised 11/28/06