A great cover letter tells a story and can serve as a piece of subtle advocacy (think of it as your first writing sample). We know from experience that to some hiring managers, the cover letter is the most important part of your application, so don't take for granted this opportunity to sell yourself.
Below we've compiled our favorite 10 cover letter writing tips to help you stand out above other candidates.
1) Don't regurgitate your resume.
You may have a lot of experiences that make you a great fit for the job, but if you talk about all of them in your cover letter, it's going to function as a recitation of your resume rather than a showcase of the reasons you're the best candidate. Think of the cover letter as your highlight reel. Expand upon a few key bullet points from your resume that seem most applicable to the position and align well with the job description.
2) Keep it short and sweet.
There are always exceptions to the rule, but, in general, your letter shouldn't be longer than a page or more than 3-4 paragraphs.
3) Show, don't tell.
Every "claim" should have a "proof." Provide examples or stories from your education, work, or volunteer experience that demonstrate your enthusiasm for public interest work or employment law, that you are highly organized, etc.
4) Demonstrate knowledge of/interest in employer.
Show that you've done your homework, understand their strengths, and see a strong fit with the organization. Get acquainted with the company's "voice" - its tone and language- and mirror this in your writing. Describing why you are interested in a particular company in an authentic way will help distinguish you from those who may see this as just another job ad they're responding to in their desperate attempt to find employment.
5) Avoid clichés and generic and sugary statements.
Scan your letter for cliches and replace them with words or phrases that express your own personality and why you are excited about this job opportunity.
6) Active voice, not passive voice.
Think "I" statements: I counseled, I learned, etc.
7) Personalize the letter.
If you are familiar with or have spoken to someone who works for the company where you're applying, don't be afraid to say so. Referencing some of the positive things you have learned about his/her employer is a great opportunity to express why you are interested in working there. As a bonus, when you make other people look good, they are more likely to recommend and promote you.
8) Address the right person.
Nix the generic and bland "Dear Hiring Manager" or "To Whom It May Concern." If a specific person is not identified, do a quick online search or speak with a receptionist to find out "to whom" your letter should be addressed.
9) Avoid overly formal language.
Consider your audience. You're addressing a hiring manager who interprets language similar to you, so stay away from formal phrases like "I would like to inquire about," and "I wish to convey my interest in the position." Stick to a more conversational tone.
10) Proofread!
This may seem obvious, but proofread your letter at least twice before sending it out and consider having someone else read it over as well. Employers have told us that they often see cover letters that reference the wrong law firm. Bonus tip: As more and more applications are being submitted electronically, be sure to always send your cover letter/resume as a PDF.