Comprehensive Cover Letter Writing Workshop Guide

Slide Note

Learn the essential ground rules and guidelines for crafting an effective cover letter in this comprehensive workshop. Discover how to customize your header, salutation, and paragraphs to stand out to potential employers. Gain insights on showcasing your qualifications, aligning with company values, and emphasizing your skills. Wrap up with strategies for follow-up to leave a lasting impression. Master the art of cover letter writing with expert tips from the Meredith Career Services Center.

jac_hog Follow

Uploaded on Sep 17, 2024 | 0 Views

Download Presentation

Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.

The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

COVER LETTER WORKSHOP Presented by: The Meredith Career Services Center Heather Spielmaker, J.D. Assistant Dean

GROUND RULES Same font as your r sum Not smaller than 11 font (12 preferable) Keep it to one page Don t use acronyms, abbreviations, or etc No pics or cutesy stuff If you use a service, you will have to create a new pdf for each cover letter

GROUND RULES (CONT) You are trying to convince them you will add value, not telling them how they can help you develop professionally NEVER send a generic cover letter! Don t go crazy with underling, bold, and italics Don t mention a specific office unless that s the only one you want to be considered for

HEADER Use the same header you used on r sum It looks like personalized stationery

SALUTATION Get the name and address of a specific person on the recruitment team to address the letter to and to use in salutation: Mr. or Ms. Always include subject line: RE: Summer Associate application for H. Spielmaker or similar

PARAGRAPH ONE If you ve got it, flaunt it: Name drop in the first sentence. If you don t got it, start by introducing yourself and stating how you learned of the position In 2-3 sentences, tell them your qualified and briefly summarize why

PARAGRAPH TWO Why them? Show that you researched the firm/org, their mission, their locations, and practice areas State that your interests are parallel

PARAGRAPH THREE Why you? Discuss skills you have that are important to that position Tie those skills to how they will benefit the firm/org Someone want to try giving an example?

PARAGRAPH FOUR Assert your method of follow-up Let s have another suggestion from a volunteer!

OR NOT! It s okay to be creative with your cover letter try opening with a quote or tell a quick story that personalizes you to the reader Just be sure to have us review it so we can share thoughts and ideas

APPLYING OUT OF STATE? You must establish your tie to that location Previously lived there? Member of state s student bar association? Family and friends to reunite with, as you launch your career in that legal community?

THINGS TO KNOW Cover letters must be approved before used to apply via Symplicity Therefore, don t wait til the last minute an expect us to get it done in 15 minutes so you can meet a deadline (though we d try) The research and writing of cover letters takes a couple hours (if you re doing it right!)