Creating a cover letter that will impress An impressive cover letter is an essential part of marketing yourself to a potential employer when it is often the first thing a potential employer sees. It's your opportunity to introduce your clerkship application, and to show why you're a strong fit for both the role and the firm's unique culture. It compliments your resume by highlighting your strengths and the specific aspects of your experience that make you a suitable summer clerkship candidate. Furthermore, it gives you a chance to demonstrate your written communication skills. Step Two: Writing your cover letter • • Employ a business letter format. Address your letter to the person in the firm who will review your application (you will notice that the Firm Directory at the back of this guide includes the nominated Human Resources officer responsible for overseeing clerkship applications in their respective firm.) Where you have identified the name of the recruiter, conclude your letter with 'Yours sincerely.' In other cases, use ‘Yours faithfully’. Be clear and concise. Your letter should not be longer than one A4 page. Focus on addressing the selection criteria and provide evidence of how you meet key requirements. Firms often specify that they are looking for students who are passionate, talented, ambitious, imaginative and friendly. Use these requirements as a guide when you draw examples from your student experiences, casual jobs, extra- curricular activities and volunteer work to show how you embody the desired attributes. Focus on your strengths and passions. Convey your accomplishments by using action words such as 'organised,' 'negotiated,' 'completed’ etc. Check and re-check spelling and grammatical errors. If possible, get someone else to read over it as well. Pay attention to detail. Avoid starting each paragraph with 'I'. End positively and indicate your interest in meeting the recruiter at an interview. Final note: Do not attach the same cover letter to each application! Tailor your letter to meet the requirements and culture of the firm to which you are applying. • • Step One: Preparing to write your cover letter • Think about the following questions before you start writing: 1. 2. Why do you like the firm of your choice? Why would you make a great summer clerk at the firm? • The answers to these key questions should form the crux of your cover letter. • To help you answer these questions, research the firm to which you are applying to understand their values, main practice areas, clients, recent awards and culture. You should make particular reference to this information in your cover letter. Your knowledge of the firm, and your ability to demonstrate why you are interested in working there, will show your potential employer that your interest is genuine and that you are a serious candidate. • • • • 16 Clerkship Guide 2013