Sample Curriculum Vitae

Writing a Cover Letter

The Cover Letter

A cover letter is a job application letter which candidates use to explain to an employer why they are qualified for the position and why they should be selected for an interview. It is the means by which an employer will be able to gain their first impression, and provides candidates to make their applications stand out from the rest.

The Essentials

You should set out your personal details in the top right corner of your cover letter. This includes your name, address, email and contact number. Below this, on the left hand-side, you should include the name of the person you are addressing your cover letter to, their position within the firm, the name of the firm and the firm’s address. The use of a heading (in bold) goes a long way in making the cover letter easy to read. Use this to state the position you are applying for – e.g. Application for 2021 [Firm] Clerkship Program. Start your cover letter with “Dear [name you are addressing the cover letter to]”. It is best to avoid addressing them as “Sir/Madam” or writing “To Whom It May Concern”, as it shows that you have not researched the firm. If you are ever unsure, ask the Blackstone Careers team or call the firm to ask. In most instances, the application will advise you to address your cover letter to a specific person, usually the Office Manager, Head of Human Resources, Managing Partner or Principal of the firm.

The Benefits of a Good Cover Letter

A great cover letter will show off your achievements and focus quite heavily on why you want to work at a specific firm. It highlights how a candidate can contribute to the firm. Further, it shows how a candidate has prepared for their application by researching the firm, the nature of the position and ensuring that they address the selection criteria. It will also give the candidate the opportunity to demonstrate their communication skills and clarity of written expression.

Tips

• Make sure you state what year of study you’re in and when you intend to graduate. • Keep your cover letter to one page. • Ensure your cover letter is addressed to the right person. • If you have a particular interest in an area of law you know the firm specialise in, make sure you mention this. • Plan and write your cover letters well in advance. • Highlight your strengths and how you can use these to benefit the firm. • Write in first-person. • Ensure you tailor your cover letter to each firm and are satisfying the selection criteria. • Do not just repeat your CV. Give practical examples building on your CV. • Proofread your cover letter, get family and friends to read over it as well. Spelling and grammatical can make your cover letter look weak. • Avoid using big words and colourful adjectives. You should write in plain English; be clear and concise.