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.”