Writing a Cover LetterWriting a Cover LetterOctober 9, 2012

OverviewOverview

Convey your interest in the employer – tell them what you know about them.

Be professional – this is a formal business letter. No chit-chat or colloquialisms.

Don’t oversell or exaggerate. Discuss your writing skills, prior experience, work ethic.

What you can do for the employer – not what you will learn or how you will benefit.

Format & SalutationFormat & Salutation

Include heading (same as your resume)Same font & typeface as your resumeSame paperAlways include the date & address blockUse titles when appropriateDear Ms. Smith: or Dear Mr. Smith:

◦Use a colon, not a comma◦Do not use Mrs. or Miss

Always use a person’s name; never use “To Whom It May Concern”

Use mail merge for targeted mailings

Introduction ParagraphIntroduction Paragraph

Identify yourself as a 1L/2L/3L at Loyola

State the position you are seeking◦ “I am a first year law student at Loyola University

Chicago School of Law, and I am interested in a law clerk position with your firm.”

State specifically why you are interested in them◦ “I am particularly interested in working for your firm

because of its strong focus on criminal defense.”

If a contact suggested that you write to them, state that in the first sentence

Explain your connection to their city/state

Middle Paragraph(s)Middle Paragraph(s)

Match your language to the job posting or employer website

Sell your skills and be specific, but don’t inflateUse objective achievements, not subjective

conclusionsFocus on transferrable skills

◦ Critical thinking/analysis; Research & writingDon’t say you want to “begin your career”

◦ It may seem like you view the job as a springboard to something different/better

Summarize at the end of your paragraph(s)◦ “Based on my experience and education, I am confident

that I would be an asset to your firm.”

Conclusion ParagraphConclusion Paragraph

State your desire for an interviewDo not restate your contact informationDo not offer additional materials

◦ If the employer wants them, they’ll askFor markets outside of Chicago, state when you

will be in town and available for an interview◦ “I will be in Milwaukee several times over the next few

months, and I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you while I am there.”

Remind the reader that your resume is attachedSay thank you!

◦ “My resume is enclosed for your review. Thank you for your time and consideration; I look forward to hearing from you soon.”

Proofread & EditProofread & Edit

Read it aloud to yourself – does it flow?

Should reflect your enthusiasm for the job and the firm/organization

Professional impression & look

Can you back up any claim you make?◦Don’t exaggerate!

Ask your counselor to review it

SignatureSignature

Sincerely will doSkip 3 lines and type your nameIf emailing/uploading to Symplicity, include

signature and attach as a PDFTo include your signature:

◦ Sign name on piece of paper, scan it; ◦ Cut and paste signature from PDF to your letter in Word;◦ Create PDF of letter◦ CSO can scan your signature for you

If mailing, sign with blue or black ink

Cover Letter Don’tsCover Letter Don’ts

Don’t say: “Let me introduce myself…”

Don’t say: “My name is Joe Schmo, and…”

Don’t use: “To Whom It May Concern:”

Don’t overstate your education, experience, or skills

Don’t undersell yourself (give them the facts)

Don’t overuse adjectives or adverbs

Don’t write a general cover letter and use it for all applications – make it specific to the position

Don’t write to an employer without first doing your research