The Cover Letter: Splash Your Color Onto the Page

There is no one way to write “perfect” cover letter. In fact, career counselors and resume experts may differ in their approaches to writing the ideal letter.  My metaphor of choice in the writing of a cover letter is a driver moving erratically from lane to lane on an interstate highway. The lanes on the right should be for drivers who are travelling at lower speeds.  Lanes on the left are for automobiles that are travelling at, or in excess of, the speed limit. It often gets chaotic when a driver starts moving from lane to lane, swerving in and out – first, in the “fast lane,” then veering quickly into the slow lane with no apparent rhyme nor reason. This type of reckless driving is a recipe for disaster. . .

. . . Such is the cover letter that meanders from point to point, seemingly in no logical or coherent order. Law students often, in their haste to put all their positive qualities before the reader, simply spew out facts, details, ideas, and prior work experiences without attempting to put it all together in an orderly manner that concludes with the one coherent thought that the writer is trying to express:

            “I am the one that you need for this position!”

With this backdrop, let me provide my own formula for writing a cover letter that should generate interest from the reader:

First Paragraph (keep it short!) The initial paragraph should be nothing more than a brief introduction. . . “I am a second year law student at . . “ Then indicate the reason for your letter: “ I am very interested in applying for_(state name of postion)_________”  . . …. That’s it. Sweet and simple.

The only exception to this would be a networking connection. If someone had suggested that you write to this person, then mention it here in the first paragraph.  Such a mention will draw the reader’s attention – if for no other reason than the professional courtesy to read a letter forwarded at the behest of a colleague.  

Second Paragraph (Why?) In my view, this is the most important paragraph of the cover letter. It is the absolute crux of the matter. It takes diligence and hard work to write this paragraph skillfully. The writer needs to do research on the law firm or legal entity and completely know all the “ins and outs” and nuances of the legal work that will be involved with the position (and I don’t just mean the information on the firm’s website).  What about the firm’s culture? Why this firm and not the right across the street or right down the hallway? If a public service position, why this particular area of interest? What is it about your background that makes you suitable?  

You need to demonstrate to the reader that you are part of this culture and that you are “walking” the same legal walk as the person who is reading your letter.  This is also a good opportunity for the writer to include part of his/her “story.”  It provides for writer the opportunity to put a little of the “splash” of the color of life to the black and white resume that is enclosed.

Third Paragraph (my skill set matches!) In this paragraph, the writer builds on the foundation of the second paragraph. Not only do I have a passion for this particular job, but –better yet- I have the skill set to successfully do the job!  The writer first needs to review and virtually memorize the “qualifications” section of the job posting.  Next, the writer needs to review his/her resume and match all work (or classroom, volunteer) experiences with the skills and job descriptions listed in the posting as to say – been there, done that! A classic connector would have the writer stated.  . “As you see from my resume, I have already had extensive experience with ________”

Caveat: This is possibly easier for the 3L looking for an attorney position than for a law student looking for a summer associate or summer intern position as summer jobs are sometimes not spelled out with much specificity. However, I do believe that the principles hold in both settings

Fourth Paragraph (wrap it up, keep it short). Thank you for taking the time, please find enclosed. . here’s my best contact information. … No more, no less . . . done.
 The writer needs to write the letter in no more than a three-fourths to a full page. DON'T  let the letter spill over onto a second page. If it does, chances are that the writer is back on that highway I spoke about earlier -- moving recklessly from one lane to another.

In a world where every legal resume is “black and white,” your cover letter should be the “splash of color” that allows the reader a glimpse into the personality of the writer: Let the reader see your passion, commitment and desire for the position that the writer is applying for. Give ‘em a story! . . . a reason to think that the writer is indeed right for the position. Motivate the reader to pick up the phone, or send that email to lineup that all-important interview.  

PostScript

 Writing a successful cover letter is easier said, than done. In anticipation of the real thing, why not practice?  Consider a few “virtual” law firm or agency and write a cover letter. Then, go in to see someone like me to ask for feedback. . . Practice does indeed make perfect.  

“Make it so.”

 

Networking in Uncertain Times

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.." A tale of two cities,
Charles Dickens

I have personally experienced both sides of that quote during the last six years.  Last week, I attended a networking seminar given by Kelly Hoey, Co-Founder of Women Innovative Mobile, organized by Ms. J.D in New York.  Kelly's practical tips were a good reminder, on why we need to network. She even touched upon the subject of finances, the importance of a having a safety net. The evening really got me thinking about networking on a bigger scale. 

Given our economy there is a lot to be concerned about, but worrying about  circumstances that you have NO control over is not going to help. I now a lot of law students who are looking for jobs and are worried about their enormous loans.  This is where I find that very English attitude of "getting on with it," "doing the task at hand" comes in really handy and helps you focus on the things that you can do immediately. There is some magic in movement, I will leave that  subject for another blog post.

That may be as simple uping the ante with your networking efforts, which will become even more important for finding the right job. Have a look at those business cards you collected. Who do you still need to follow up. Fess up and follow up with them. Better late than never I say.

So what is this pesky business of networking? Simply its about building your relationship bank account. Its about  building communities of like minded people, those who share your individual and your business interests and activities -- people who will ultimately add value by becoming a customer, or acting as a resource or referral.

When attending events, make a strong, positive first impression by asking questions and listening. (Introverts are really good at this) We live in an extremely noisy world every one wants to be heard. So something as simple of being present and NOT checking everybody else will help.

Increasing your networking efforts could mean just meeting more people at an event rather than attending MORE functions. OR having meaningful conversations with one or two people rather than just collecting cards.

Try attending functions that you normally don't go to, especially those with fund-raisers, politicians, journalists and pr folks, these people are connected and they know other people.

Always remember it takes time to get to know, like and trust people. Don't expect immediate gains.

Finally, make your hard work pay. Do plan to keep in touch with your contact over time. The devil is definitely in the follow up. Send relevant blogs, articles or news their way. Add new contacts to your online social network like LinkedIn.  This will help develop lasting relationships.

Finally, there is nothing new in what I've said, but where the magic or results lie is not in the thinking about  it, but the business of doing it.

Paramjit L. Mahli works with lawyers to improve their profitability. You can visit her blog, e-mail her or telephone her at (646) 763-1407

Revise Your Resume, Then Take Another Look At It. . . Again, and Again, and Again. …..

          We here in the southeastern part of the United States are currently in the midst of a blistering heat wave. As uncomfortable as it is, I take solace in the fact that it will eventually pass. In fact, so will the entire summer and any subsequent heat wave(s). It seems that every year, I am always surprised when the “back to school” commercials start airing and the new law school year is upon us here in our Career Services Office.

            It will soon be time again for law students to either begin, or continue, their law school journey. Returning 2Ls and 3Ls will be reflecting on their summer associate or internship experiences. Hopefully, they will be dropping by their respective career service offices to discuss how best to revise their resumes to incorporate their summer experiences.

            For the entering 1Ls, the resume mission is different. Their resumes need to be immediately revised and updated to reflect this new chapter in the student’s life: law school.  Eventually, the law student will craft a resume that will be ready to pass to the entire world with the bold cry: “hire me. . and here’s why!”  

DO NOT TAKE THE ART OF PROOFREADING FOR GRANTED

Wait! Not so fast!  There remains one important and somewhat tedious task to accomplish: proofreading the resume ad nauseam. Before continuing further, one disclaimer – do as I say, not as I do! For the better part of my life, I have overlooked the importance of this vital review process. I have always been quick to submit and/or mail a resume or document – always thinking that once I had reviewed it once, the document must be perfect. As anecdotal proof,  I remember once proofreading a document painstakingly through the course of three days. When I thought that it was perfect, I passed it on to my wife for the final review. The document, of course, was “perfect” so I knew that I would not be wasting too much of her time. However, in less than two minutes, she was asking me why I had not placed a period at the end of  the  second sentence in the document (second sentence, mind you). In fact, I had looked at that very line and actually saw a period that was not there. But the mistakes didn’t end there, she soon discovered many other painfully obvious mistakes in the document when she returned it. . . I sheepishly returned to work having learned the most important lesson there is to learn about proofreading: Do not trust your own eyes during a critical document review. Make sure that you pass it on for further review!  

            Proofreading is not limited to your classroom and work writing assignments. The very first career application skill that the law student must master is the art of revision to perfection of one’s own resume. A resume not done to perfection, will immediately torpedo any and all  job applications. A resume with even one spelling or grammatical error will immediately cause your resume to be crumpled and thrown into a pile labeled “unfit to practice” by the reviewer (too harsh? Not at all.)

           

           

Here are five tips for proofreading success that have worked for me (when I finally “got it”):

·         Proof your finished product by reading through it at least three times in succession;

·         Put it down, and get back to it later in the day for another two reviews;

·         Satisfied? . .. then give it to at least two other people to review for errors;

·         On its return, put it away for a few days, and then review it again at least two more times;

·         DON’T JUST RELY ON A “SPELL CHECK” FUNCTION – THAT’S SHEER LAZINESS!

            If the student does not have the time to go through this process, then he/she needs to eliminate another problem – timeliness in completing a project. Write and re-write the resume in such a timeframe where  submission deadlines will not be problematic.  

            In summary, law student, never think that your job is complete after you have done the “technical” part of updating, and adding powerful “legal action” words to your resume. Always put the same intense effort into proofreading it as well-- each and every time-- that it is updated.  If you don’t, all your efforts to land that great job will for  nought*

*. . . yes, I know that this last word is misspelled. Good for you!. . . You are on your way as a proof reading maniac!  

The Law School Graduate's 5-Step Guide To Prosperity

This spring, I attended my sister’s medical school graduation.  The commencement speaker, a Holocaust survivor and great philanthropist, shared his incredible life story and some of the key lessons he learned along the way.

At the close of his presentation, he revealed a recipe for prosperity.  “Prosperity,” he said, “is the result of four things: patience, perseverance, positivity, and productivity.  And that’s it.” 

As he closed the commencement ceremony, and wished the medical students well on their journey into residency and their medical practice, I couldn’t help but think of this year’s law school graduates, and how this simple recipe would come in handy as these graduates transition from law school into legal practice. 

1.     Patience

Patience is a virtue, certainly.  But it’s more than that.  It’s a tool.  A coping mechanism.  Before anything is going our way, it is not.  Before things feel like they have fallen into place, they are out of place.  Patience is one of the key skills we can employ to help us move forward. 

Patience will serve you, above all, in the job search after law school.  It is nearly impossible to identify, in advance, your ideal job or career path.  We all have notions about what our ideal job might be, but we cannot be certain until we are in it.  In the interim, it is important to be patient and mindful about the process. 

Seek out and attend as many networking functions as possible.  Be open to every potential opportunity that is presented to you.  Never turn down a job interview, even if it is for a job you believe you do not want.  The more patient you are, the more avenues you pursue, the more likely you will be to find what you are looking for.  (And, once you do find a job, you will have to employ patience, as well.  Practicing law in any capacity presents myriad substantive and interpersonal challenges – there is an adjustment period, to be sure.  Stick with it.  Give it a chance.  Be open to the learning and networking opportunities that come from that first job, even if the job itself is ultimately not the perfect fit.)

2.     Perseverance

More than any of the other “P’s” on our list, your perseverance goes directly to who you are.  Your resolve and determination, in both trying times and in good times, will speak volumes about your character, and about the kind of practitioner you will be.  There is little more to say here, other than to encourage you to actively persevere.  To be dedicated.  To stick with things.  To follow through.  The last one standing typically gets what he or she set out for.    

3.     Positivity

Maintaining a positive attitude will always serve you.  During the job search, and in every stage thereafter, harboring negativity will only cause you to project negativity and attractive negative circumstances. 

As a rule, others choose to be around people who are positive, enthusiastic, and uplifting.  Potential employers and clients, specifically, will be more inspired to hire you and work with you if you are an upbeat, positive person.  If you are tempted by a negative or pessimistic attitude, shift your focus to specific things that are positive in your life.  Write those things down and think of ways to actively nurture them.  Take your mind off of what appears negative.  In time, you will see even those things in a positive light.     

4.     Productivity

Whether you presently have a job or not, whether you will eventually work in a law firm or as a government employee or in-house or otherwise, there is no substitute for dedicated hard work.  As an attorney, you will have to demonstrate to your colleagues and clients again and again that, when the circumstances call for it, you are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.  On top of your hard work, you will have to demonstrate that you do good quality work and that you get work done quickly.  The more productive you are in a legal practice environment, the more valuable you are and the more valued you will be.         

5.     Prosperity

Prosperity, according to the commencement ceremony speaker, is the end goal.  The pinnacle.  I can’t disagree.  We all want to prosper, to be prosperous.  But what is most important, here, I believe, is to think deeply about your own definition of prosperity.  What does prosperity look like to you?  What professional and personal milestones will you have to meet in order to feel prosperous?  How will you meet these?  When you can answer these questions, with patience, perseverance, positivity, and productivity at your back, no matter where you are in your life, you will be well on your way.

Desiree Moore is the President and founder of Greenhorn Legal, LLC. Greenhorn Legal offers practical skills training programs for law students and new lawyers as they transition from law school into their legal practices. Ms. Moore is also an adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law and was an associate at the law firm of K&L Gates. She can be found on Twitter at @greenhornlegal.