UDSL Job Search Manual - University of Dayton

How to Write Compelling
Cover Letters
Introduction
Your cover letter is as important as your resume
because it is the employer’s introduction to
you. First impressions tend to stay with the
reader and are difficult to overcome. To create
a well-written cover letter takes hard work and
many revisions, but it Is worth the effort since
it may be the deciding factor that persuades the
employer to give you an interview.
A cover letter is a sales document that introduces
you and tells the employer why he/she
should speak with you. Its purpose is to highlight
various aspects of your resume and show how
they apply to the position available. It is also a
sample of your writing ability and organizational
skills, so it needs to be perfect. Your cover letter
should convey genuine enthusiasm for the
position and/or the employer.
Keep in mind that a cover letter will not get you
a job offer. It may be instrumental, however, in
landing you an interview (or at the very least, it
will get the employer to read your resume). You
want the letter to spark the reader’s attention in
terms of your achievements and enthusiasm.
The best cover letters tend to have a natural
tone, use straightforward language, and avoid
complex sentences or fancy wording. Your goal is
to try to make a connection with the reader and
persuade him/her to meet with you to further
discuss your qualifications.
Preparation
Employer Research
Before you begin your cover letter, you need to
research the employer and the person to whom
you will be sending the letter. There are many
public sources of information. Most students
rely on literature from the employer, websites,
Martindale-Hubbell, the NALP Directory, legal
directories, legal periodicals, and the CSO files.
In addition, you should speak to alumni, classmates,
or other lawyers in the community who
may know the employer. Finally, it is always
a good idea to stop by the CSO and ask what
additional resources or information may be available
for a particular employer.
Useful information to gather before you begin
your cover letter:
◗ Type of employer (government, firm,
corporation, public service organization)
◗ Areas of practice
◗ Number of lawyers
◗ Lawyers’ biographical information
◗ Cities where the employer has offices
◗ Major clients
◗ Recent Cases
◗ Newspaper articles about the employer
or its lawyers
Assessment of Your Strengths
Before you can persuade an employer to hire
you, you first need to understand what you have
to offer in terms of skills and qualifications.
After you research an employer, you will better
understand the type of work it performs and the
qualities it seeks in new employees. Knowing
this information will allow you to tailor your
cover letter so that you highlight the skills and
qualifications the employer desires.
Do a self assessment and figure out what you
have to offer before you draft your cover letter.
List your accomplishments and personal qualities
on a blank sheet of paper. Add to your list a
brief discussion of how you have demonstrated
these qualities in the past whether in a work
context, volunteer setting, or college or church
activities. Then, prioritize your strengths based
on the employer’s needs and select the top 2-4
strengths to showcase in your cover letter.
Contents
Formatting
Your cover letter should be one page in length,
single-spaced, and printed on medium-weight
bond paper. The color and type of paper should
be the same as your resume. The margins must
20