The University of St. Thomas

Cover Letters


A cover letter represents your first opportunity to speak to a prospective employer.  It is through this letter that employers gain a sense of who you are, why you are interested in working for them, and how you can meet their needs. Below you will find some tips on drafting cover letters, from format to content.  As always you are welcome to have your cover letter reviewed by a counselor at CPD.  Email lawcareers@stthomas.edu to set up an appointment.

Overview
Format of a Cover Letter
Sample Cover Letters
Other Resources

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Overview

A cover letter introduces you to employers.  The letter should explain both why they should hire you as well as why you want to work there:

  • Tailor information to the employer
  • Highlight information in your resume that would be of particular interest to the employer
  • Explain how this makes you a qualified candidate
  • DO NOT repeat your resume in text format

Remember that your cover letter is also a writing sample; therefore the letter should use good style and must be error free.

  • Make it clear and lively but brief. 
  • Vary the sentence structure to keep your reader interested
  • Limit your use of the word "I," especially at the start of sentences  
  • It is critical that your cover letter be absolutely devoid of typographical and grammatical errors. 

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Format of a Cover Letter
 

Heading
 

Format Example

1. Address of the applicant



2. Date of the letter

3. Complete name, title
and address of the recipient



4. Salutation

Sue Applicant
123 East Main Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota  55104

June 1, 2007

Ms. Jane A. Doe, Director of Recruiting
Doe Associates, L.L.P.
456 South Fifth Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota  55105                              

Dear Ms. Doe                                  

  • Always address it to a specific person: Dear "Mr. Smith or Dear Ms. Plank."  Avoid To whom it may concern. If you can not get a name use Hiring Partner or Hiring Manager.
  • Look for hiring contact in the ad, NALP directory, or on the company's website. If you don’t have a hiring contact, call the company to find out
  • Do not address a woman as Mrs. Unless (1) you know she is married and (2) you know she goes by Mrs. Rather than Ms.  To be safe use Ms.
  • If you can not determine a person’s gender from the name (e.g., Alex, Pat, or an unusual name) use their full name Dear Pat Smith.

Body

Paragraph One: Introduction
  1. Tell employer why you are writing and what job you are applying for. 
  2. Include how you heard of the opening (e.g., website or want ad)
  3. If you were referred by someone, mention that person
  4. Some people refer to enclosed resume and other application materials in this paragraph
Paragraph Two: Why Them
  1. Explain why you are interested in working at this particular organization and at that particular job
  2. Be specific. State a reason:
    1. Size of the organization
    2. Specific practice area(s) or specialties
    3. Geographic location
    4. Clients
  3. Include the name of the organization in this paragraph
Paragraph Three: Why You
  1. Explain why you are qualified for this position and what aspects of your experience fit this employer and job. Focus on what will set you apart from the pack.
  2. Before you start to write, sit down and come up with 3 reasons why they should hire you for this position. Qualifications can include many things:
    1. Prior work or volunteer experience
    2. Coursework
    3. Undergraduate or graduate studies
    4. Journal or Moot Court experience
    5. Skills in research, writing, analyzing or other things that are relevant to positions
  3. Tailor the qualifications to what they are seeking.  If job qualifications are listed, try to reference at least 3.  If qualifications are not listed, try to identify traits/skills relevant to that type of position
  4. Show, don’t state your qualifications
    1. Don’t state “I have great writing skills”  Rather: “Participating in Moot Court/law journal demonstrate my writing skills"
    2. Don’t state “I have a great work ethic” Rather: "Working 20 hours a week while balancing a full class load helped me developed a strong work ethic."
  5. Avoid the “I” disease
  6. Some people combine paragraphs two and three
Paragraph Four: The Wrap-Up
  1. Reiterate interest in position
  2. Thank them for considering you
  3. If you did not reference your resume in first paragraph, reference it here
  4. Indicate that you will follow-up
    1. If you indicate that you will follow-up, please do so.
    2. If you do not feel comfortable following up (e.g. it says no calls), state, “I look forward to speaking with you soon.”
    3. Do not state, “I am waiting for your call.”


Other Guidelines

  • Use same paper as your resume
  • Try to use 11 or 12 point font
  • Keep it to one page
  • Make sure you include all your contact information (Name, Address, Phone, email) in the header
  • Use the same format and header as your resume

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Sample Cover Letters


 
Sample Cover Letter #1 (PDF)
Sample Cover Letter #2 (PDF)

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Other Resources

  • Guerilla Tactics for Getting the Legal Job of Your Dreams by Kimm Alayne Walton
  • Cover Letters That Knock ‘Em Dead by Martin Yate