Writing a Cover Letter October 9, 2012

Overview Convey your interest in the employer – tell them what you know about them. Be professional – this is a formal business letter. No chit-chat or colloquialisms. Don’t oversell or exaggerate. Discuss your writing skills, prior experience, work ethic. What you can do for the employer – not what you will learn or how you will benefit.

Format & Salutation Include heading (same as your resume) Same font & typeface as your resume Same paper Always include the date & address block Use titles when appropriate Dear Ms. Smith: or Dear Mr. Smith: ◦Use a colon, not a comma ◦Do not use Mrs. or Miss Always use a person’s name; never use “To Whom It May Concern” Use mail merge for targeted mailings

Introduction Paragraph Identify yourself as a 1L/2L/3L at Loyola State the position you are seeking ◦“I am a first year law student at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and I am interested in a law clerk position with your firm.” State specifically why you are interested in them ◦“I am particularly interested in working for your firm because of its strong focus on criminal defense.” If a contact suggested that you write to them, state that in the first sentence Explain your connection to their city/state

Middle Paragraph(s) Match your language to the job posting or employer website Sell your skills and be specific, but don’t inflate Use objective achievements, not subjective conclusions Focus on transferrable skills ◦Critical thinking/analysis; Research & writing Don’t say you want to “begin your career” ◦It may seem like you view the job as a springboard to something different/better Summarize at the end of your paragraph(s) ◦“Based on my experience and education, I am confident that I would be an asset to your firm.”

Conclusion Paragraph State your desire for an interview Do not restate your contact information Do not offer additional materials ◦If the employer wants them, they’ll ask For markets outside of Chicago, state when you will be in town and available for an interview ◦“I will be in Milwaukee several times over the next few months, and I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you while I am there.” Remind the reader that your resume is attached Say thank you! ◦“My resume is enclosed for your review. Thank you for your time and consideration; I look forward to hearing from you soon.”

Proofread & Edit Read it aloud to yourself – does it flow? Should reflect your enthusiasm for the job and the firm/organization Professional impression & look Can you back up any claim you make? ◦Don’t exaggerate! Ask your counselor to review it

Signature Sincerely will do Skip 3 lines and type your name If ing/uploading to Symplicity, include signature and attach as a PDF To include your signature: ◦Sign name on piece of paper, scan it; ◦Cut and paste signature from PDF to your letter in Word; ◦Create PDF of letter ◦CSO can scan your signature for you If mailing, sign with blue or black ink

Cover Letter Don’ts Don’t say: “Let me introduce myself…” Don’t say: “My name is Joe Schmo, and…” Don’t use: “To Whom It May Concern:” Don’t overstate your education, experience, or skills Don’t undersell yourself (give them the facts) Don’t overuse adjectives or adverbs Don’t write a general cover letter and use it for all applications – make it specific to the position Don’t write to an employer without first doing your research