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Cover Letters

Cover Letters Office of Career & Professional Development Indiana University School of Law - Bloomington Cover Letters Purpose Paragraph by Paragraph guide Formatting Tips and Common Blunders Purpose Serves as an introduction Highlights desired skills

Samuel
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Cover Letters

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  1. Cover Letters Office of Career & Professional Development Indiana University School of Law - Bloomington

  2. Cover Letters • Purpose • Paragraph by Paragraph guide • Formatting • Tips and Common Blunders

  3. Purpose • Serves as an introduction • Highlights desired skills • Shows your enthusiasm & interest in the org and geographic location • Demonstrates your writing skills

  4. Paragraph 1 – Intro • Why are you writing? • Where did you find this announcement or who guided you to this job? • Overview of qualifications • Entice them to read your resume and invite you to interview

  5. Example As a first year law student at Indiana University School of Law-Bloomington I write to submit my materials for a 2009 summer clerkship with Jackson & Heller. I enjoyed the opportunity to job shadow Ms. Marjorie Johnson, an Indiana Law alumna who is an Associate in your firm this fall. My past work experience has empowered me with a high level of professionalism and I believe I can make a contribution to your firm as a summer clerk utilizing my skills in research and writing.

  6. Paragraph 2 – About You • In what ways do you meet their qualification requirements? • What skills do you bring to the table? • What is your link to that geographic area?

  7. Example As a permanent resident of Kentucky I plan to return to my home state to pursue my legal career after graduation. A summer clerkship with your firm would allow me to work in the Louisville legal community and synthesize what I am learning in the classroom in a practical setting.

  8. Paragraph 3 – About Them • Why do you want to work for this organization/firm? • Articles • Web Site • Practice Areas or Clients • Referrals • Specific Cases – But be careful

  9. Example After college I worked for two years as a Business Analyst at Humana in Louisville earning significant promotions each year based on positive evaluations by my superiors. I believe my accounting and finance background has provided me with transferable skills and practical experience that will be an asset to your firm. Although I don’t know definitively what practice area I want to pursue at this early stage in my academic program, I am interested in Mergers & Acquisitions, which I know is a specialty area for your firm.

  10. Paragraph 4 - Closing • Indicate your desire for an interview and willingness to meet them. • Give them your phone number and e-mail address in case they want to contact you. • Thank them in advance

  11. Example I plan to be in Louisville from December 20th through January 10th during my semester break and I would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you in person to discuss the summer clerkship in more detail. I can be reached at lawstudent@indiana.edu or (812) 855-2345 and I thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing my materials.

  12. Formatting • One page • Same paper and font style as your resume • Sign in black ink • Unless you use a letterhead format, don’t include your name in your address block

  13. Formatting - Spacing • Your return address block • 1 Space • Date • 1 Space • Employer address block • 1 Space • Dear Mr./Ms. Smith: • 1 Space

  14. Formatting – Spacing (cont) • Body of letter with 1 space between paragraphs • 1 space • “Sincerely,” • 4 Spaces • Your Name

  15. Helpful Hints • Send to a specific person – if possible • Use NALP Directory to identify Hiring Partner or Recruiting Coordinator • Avoid restating your resume • Give them a time frame that you will be in their area and available

  16. Common Errors • Generic Cover Letters: “. . . and I want to work for a firm with the prestige and reputation of (enter firm name here).” • Telling them about your skills instead of demonstrating them • My name is… • The Informal E-mail • Failing to proofread • Too familiar – I would love to work in your firm!

  17. Final Thoughts • Read Your letters out loud. • Don’t copy Templates. • Questions?

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