8 tips on how to write an effective cover letter
8 tips on how to write an effective legal cover letter
A cover letter is generally encouraged, and sometimes requested, to accompany a CV. As a key aspect of the screening process, your cover letter should aim to highlight your most relevant experiences and qualifications applicable to the role you seek. In order to be response-provoking, it should be tailored to the job and industry you are applying to.
In essence, a cover letter is the first writing sample the organisation will receive from you, and so ensuring it is professional and grammatically proficient is essential.
Enhance the likelihood of being invited to an interview by following these steps:
- Address your cover letters to a specific person if you can
Find out the name of the recipient(s) if possible. This not only personalises the letter, but it also demonstrates to the recruitment manager that you have made the effort to research relevant information for your application and showcases your attention to detail.
- Remain concise and factual throughout the letter
Unless otherwise specified, a professional cover letter should take up to no more than a single page. Remove flowery speech and jargon. The writing sample should remain accessible for the reader to consider you as a potential prospect.
- Find a balance: make it personal, but try not to overuse the pronoun ‘I’
While this is a personal writing piece, commenting on yourself in first person should be done carefully and in a professional manner. At the same time, utilising ‘I’ will demonstrate your personal involvement and accomplishments over other successes, which is encouraged.
- Back up your skills and qualifications with evidence
Provide examples of the abilities and qualifications which indicate your suitability for the position. Reference the skills or experiences mentioned in the job description and draw a connection to your relevant credentials – making it clear you can achieve what they ask of you.
- Use ‘action’ vocabulary
To write a successful cover letter and resume you must be able to convince the reader that you are capable for the role. In order to do so, the use of ‘action’ verbs is a valuable marketing tool to assist in proving you are an active, rather than passive, worker.
- Check your formatting
Make sure that if you are converting to a .PDF, your spacing and formatting is translated correctly. In addition, be aware if recruiters have asked for a specific submission format.
- Use the same font type and size for your cover letter and resume
Consistency is key. In this case, forming a coherent tone and format across the material you provide during your application process could be what differentiates you from other candidates.
- Put yourself in the recruiter’s position
What could you include to convince the reader that you are capable of fulfilling the requirements of this job? If you were in their shoes, would you invite the candidate represented in this cover letter to an interview?
Structuring your cover letter:
It is recommended you date your cover letter. This not only makes the letter more formal but shows that you are thorough and suggests you keep track of your applications.
Your opening paragraph should clearly state why you are writing – make sure you name the position you are interested in and the company you are applying to. This could also be an ideal time to explain why you are interested in the relevant area of law, and why you have chosen their particular organisation.[1] Additionally, introduce the key skills or expertise that you believe qualify you for this position. If you discovered this job opportunity through a job fair or representative from the organisation, mention that in your opening as evidence to support your interest.[2]
In your middle paragraph(s) mention examples which support your claims, demonstrating you have the expertise needed to fulfil the job requirements. Include your previous experiences and the transferrable skills that will prove useful in this new position. Make the addressee want to read you resume. Do not repeat yourself. The recruiter will view this as a sample of your written skills, so be confident and concise, brief but specific.
The closing paragraph should reiterate your interest in the job and enthusiasm for working with the organisation. When signing off your cover letter, remember to be polite and courteous of the time it has taken them to review your application. Provide contact details (email and phone number). Thank them for their time and say that you are looking forward to hearing back from them.
Once you have submitted your application, you may get an automated email to confirm your submission and a potential date by which you may hear back from them. If not, remember to follow-up – it demonstrates initiative.
For support or career advice, check out our resources.
- view the latest vacancies at Gazette Jobs, where you can sign up for job alerts and upload your CV
- read our comprehensive career development advice
- visit our careers YouTube channel to find videos which cover common career queries.
[1] Vivek Mahadevan and Jeremy Leith, ‘Chapter 3: The Transition from Law School to Law Employment’, Careers in Law: A guide for Students, Graduates and Professionals (p.69)
