HTML Preview Training Cover Letter page number 1.
20 Covering letters
A CV needs a covering letter. Email can change the formatting, so it is often better
to use Word and send your letter as an attachment. Your covering letter should
show your enthusiasm for the role, tell employers why their job interests you and
what you can offer. You can also raise issues such as the need for adjustments if
you have a disability. A compelling and well-written cover letter can make you stand
out from other applicants so it is worth making the effort to get it right.
Format
If possible, write to a named person. If you don‟t have a name, try to find one by
phoning the firm and make sure you get the details (name, title and job title) right.
Include 3-4 reasonably short paragraphs on a single A4 sheet. Use standard
business layout with your address top right and the name and address of the
recipient at the left margin below. The date goes below that. Insert the job reference
number (if any) after „Dear xxx‟ and before the main text.
Style
Write in plain English and short sentences, using lively language and active verbs. A
thesaurus can help with new ways to express similar ideas. Try to avoid stereotyped
phrases and over-generalisations. Don‟t be one of the thousands of students who
say they want “to work in an international firm with opportunities to travel overseas.”
Main sections/paragraphs
Introduction - Tell them about yourself and your reason for writing – whether it‟s a
speculative approach or response to an advertised vacancy. If it is an advertised
post, give the job title and say where you saw it.
Why them – why do you really want to work for this firm or Chambers?
Recruiters welcome applicants who show real knowledge of and interest in their
business. Briefly indicate how you‟ve researched the firm or Chambers eg through
the PCC or personal contacts, at law fairs or from the legal press. Show them what
interests you. This might be specific aspects of the traineeship or pupillage, the
opportunity to apply the areas of law that interest you most, work that they have
done for particular clients, the firm‟s culture or expansion into new areas of work.
Why you - what can you offer? Highlight relevant work experience, course
modules, projects, grades etc. Refer to your CV but don‟t just repeat points; expand
on them by making a match between your specific skills and the job requirements.
Aim to show that you are focused but flexible.
Specific issues - If you haven‟t already discussed them with the recruiter you might
create a short section to address issues such as gaps in CV or lower exam grades
which don‟t reflect your ability. You could also highlight particular strengths you have
gained through coping with a disability or learning difficulty, or address any possible
concerns the employer might have. Be positive, but don‟t let these issues dominate
the whole letter.
Close - Avoid standard phrases such as „I look forward to hearing from you‟, instead
say that you will phone to follow up a speculative application – and do so within two
weeks. You could also include practical details, eg availability for interview or for
work experience. Finally, close the letter with 'Yours sincerely' if it has been
addressed to a named individual.