This quarter, we’re discussing how to write a stellar cover
letter. As a reminder, all tips are
available on the CPLD blog, so feel
free to bookmark that page and refer back to it as you apply for
positions! This week, we’re talking
about your first line.
Attention Span
In Trial Advocacy, the attention span of the listener is important
if you want to make an effective argument to juries (or even judges). Listeners, like readers, pay the most
attention at the start. Attention then
dwindles until the closing, where attention picks up again briefly before
dropping off completely. Therefore, your
first paragraph is the most important, and your first sentence is
paramount.
Since you have the most attention during the first
paragraph, it is important that you articulate who you are (especially your
grade level and law school) and why you are writing (usually, to apply for a position). However, that is exactly why…
First lines are
difficult.
Let’s start with a couple of examples:
“As a first-year law student at the University of
Washington, I am applying for the summer associate position with your law firm,
Perkins Coie.”
“I am a first-year law student at the University of
Washington and I am applying for the position posted on Symplicity.”
“I am a first-year law student at the University of
Washington and I am applying for an externship position this summer in your
chambers.”
It may be difficult on first blush to know why these are bad
starting lines. After all, the first
paragraph should let the reader know who you are and why you are writing. The
problem with these sentences is that every
law student who is applying for that position will use a nearly identical
line. One sentence into your cover
letter, and your future employer is already bored and unable to tell the
difference between you and every other applicant. Ouch.
Alternatives to the
Standard First Line
Luckily, there are many ways out of this trap! The first line is a great place, for example,
to demonstrate the research you’ve done on the firm or organization, or to
introduce a connection to the reader.
For example:
“With a background in
physics and a passion for patent prosecution, I was thrilled to learn that XYZ
Firm is accepting applications for a 1L Summer Associate position in the
Seattle office.” What works in this
opening sentence is that the writer’s passion for the kind of work that this
office does is evident, along with a little additional information letting the
reader know that the writer is likely qualified.
“Jane Doe mentioned
that you are seeking an extern in your chambers this summer and suggested that
I contact you.” There is nothing better
than a name in your first sentence – but be careful! This only works if the reader both knows the
person you are naming and likes them.
This works best when the person recommending you works for the same firm
or organization, especially since the hiring coordinator will be sure to let
your contact know when you are selected for an interview.
“During your visit to
UW Law last winter, I had the pleasure of hearing you address the developing
issues with Miranda and in-custody interrogation.” This is one of my favorite ways to start a
cover letter. It demonstrates that you
are so passionate about an area of law that you sought out opportunities to
learn about it outside of the classroom.
It also demonstrates that you’ve done some homework about the person to
whom your letter is addressed. The next
sentence will typically be “I am a first-year law student at UW…,” but you’ve
already grabbed the reader’s attention.
Be sure to tie the speech into the rest of your first paragraph by
referring back to something specific about it.
“Judge Spearman of the
King County Superior Court suggested that I contact you regarding summer
associate opportunities in your Seattle office.” Sometimes, the person who is recommending you
isn’t in the same office as the reader.
In that situation, give a little more information about who is
recommending you – these are still highly valuable recommendations as it means
another attorney is willing to vouch for your credibility.
General Guidelines:
Do:
·
Show your enthusiasm!
·
Use a name – the reader’s or a mutual friend’s
·
Reference a common experience
·
Illustrating the background, experience or
passion that you have which separates you from the crowd
·
Trust your voice – even if your first line isn’t
included here, trust that you are saying
Do not:
·
Use the boring standard first line
·
Cite the source of the job opening notice (“I
saw your job posting on Symplicity”)
·
The name of someone who doesn’t know you
·
Use fancy words or word order to inflate your
confidence. This one is a little tricky
because we all want to sound better on paper, but it is way too easy to get
this wrong. For example, if you don’t
say “myriad” in everyday speech, it is unlikely that you researched a “myriad”
of issues at your last position.
Next week: Your First Paragraph or What Comes After the
First Line?
