Major Legal Services®: Candidates: Resume Cover Letters

The cover letter is an important element in your job search strategy. While your resume should be written to sell you as a qualified candidate for a position with a particular employer, a cover letter should entice the hiring official to read your resume with interest.

We receive a number of resumes each week with no cover letter. Although it may be unintentional, this always strikes me as a bit arrogant. It also lacks a seriousness of intent, shows no particular interest in the recipient as an employer or recruiter, and could even communicate laziness -- "Here's my resume, whatever your name is...take it or leave it."

Before sending your resume, call to get the name of the person charged with reviewing resumes at the firm or corporation. Then address your resume and cover letter to that person. A letter addressed to "to whom it may concern" or "human resources" is too impersonal and does not communicate that you are particularly interested in that firm or corporation, which is important from the hiring official's standpoint.

The cover letter should be brief -- no more than three short paragraphs. Indicate that your resume is enclosed, and describe the job for which you would like to be considered, or your "objective" if this is not included at the top of your resume.

Briefly state your qualifications. Mention a few of the elements that should be of greatest interest to the hiring official. These may include your experience in a particular practice area, names of employer firms or corporations, your education, and major accomplishments. When applying for a position where you are aware of the qualifications being sought, highlight the elements of your experience that meet or exceed those qualifications. If you are entry-level, emphasize your education, transferable skills from previous employment, and experience from internships, if any.

Specifically indicate your interest in employment with the particular firm or corporation. Employers look for people who want more that just "a job." They want employees who want to work with their company!

In your closing, state that you look forward to hearing from the hiring official at her earliest convenience. If you do not hear from her in seven to ten days, call her. If the company or firm does not have a job opportunity available, ask if the hiring official has any feedback regarding your resume, or suggestions regarding your search for employment. Ask if she knows of any corporations or firms that are in need of assistance. People generally want to be helpful, and they will be if you ask politely.

Have someone proofread your cover letter for spelling and clarity. Some employers will reject candidates outright if a candidate's cover letter or resume contain these errors -- regardless of other credentials!

Finally, keep track of the places and persons to whom your resume is sent. This is especially important if you work with one or more legal recruiting companies. Demand that the legal recruiter contact you before presenting you to an employer. A hiring official who receives your resume or other information about you from more than one source may reject you as a candidate for fear of becoming embroiled in a fee dispute.

Your cover letter is an important part of your resume presentation. It helps reflect your professional demeanor, shows your interest in the opportunity and the employer, and highlights the information in your resume that you do not want the reader to overlook!