First impressions always count. A well-drafted legal cover letter is an essential tool to help you stand out amongst the competition and make an impression on a prospective employer when doing a job application. A cover letter can help set you apart from other applicants and demonstrate why you are the best possible fit for a particular role.
Unless informed by an employer, the length of your cover letter will depend on the strength of your CV and how well your experience and skills match the job specification. For an SQE Prep student, their cover letter should perfectly complement their CV (click here for CV tips). This is especially important if you are planning to make an unsolicited speculative approach, and will give them a full picture of who you are and the value you bring to the firm or organisation.
Addressing your email to the correct person will also increase your chances of getting noticed and will also show that you’ve done some proper research into an employer. If you are not sure who the hiring manager is, a simple search on a law firm’s website or a phone call to reception should help. Saying that, note some hiring organisations will operate online application portals for paralegal and indeed training contract vacancies.
So what information should your cover letter include?
Our top tips
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Tailor each letter for the role you are apply for.
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Address the hiring manager by first and last name.
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Use a simple typeface such as Arial, Georgia or Times New Roman
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Keep it short and punchy or you will risk losing the reader’s interest – remember you’re not writing an essay, 1 page is enough
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Use white space - break messages into simple points and make each one into a new paragraph
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Mention your unique selling points but avoid clichés and repeating the full contents of your CV / application form
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Thoroughly research the employer so you can make a convincing case of why you want to work for that particular firm or organisation
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End positively by thanking the reader for their time and sign off using ‘Best wishes’ or ‘Kind regards’
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Always remember to proof-read your cover letter, paying particular attention to names – step away from the letter and then re-read as you are more likely to spot typos after taking a break from the document
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Don't forget to attach your CV to the email or application form before pressing send!
Read our other Careers & Employability blogs here:
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CV tips for Qualifying Work Experience [CV template download]
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What is the BARBRI CareerHub & how can it support you with QWE?
Access our dedicated free Careers & Employability hub, designed to help you polish your CV, practise your interview skills and gain legal industry insight.
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