Cover Letters Office of Career & Professional Development Indiana University Maurer School of Law

Cover Letters  Purpose  Paragraph by Paragraph guide  Formatting  Tips and Common Blunders

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

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

Example As a first year law student at Indiana University Maurer School of Law, I write to submit my materials for a 2010 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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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

Example I plan to be in Louisville from December 20 th through January 10 th 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 or (812) and I thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing my

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

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

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

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

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  Failing to proofread  Too familiar – I would love to work in your firm!

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