Can someone help with this cover letter?

Lizzy · Guru

Can someone help with this cover letter?

daisy · Guru

here's how i'd revise it:

Dear Sir or Madam:

Please accept this letter as a formal application for the part time legal assistant position advertised on Craigslist.org. In addition, please find my resume attached for your review.

As indicated in my resume, I have over 5 years experience in the legal field. Most recently, I was the legal assistant for a solo attorney engaged in general practice. I enjoyed this position tremendously and value the small law office experience. (*i'd put something here about what you specifically valued/what appealed to you). During my time at this firm, I was responsible for all matters related to the upkeep of the office in addition to my duties as a legal assistant.

During the past 3 years, I have been taking care of my young child while attending school part-time. I will be graduating in December with a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in Legal Studies. I currently hold an Associate's Degree in Legal Studies.

My goal is to supplement my income while continuing to stay home with my (i took out "young" here) child. My preference is a law firm where I can contribute my present skills while continuing to learn and grow.
*maybe instead of the "supplement my income" part, you can write something like, My present goal is to return to the legal field on a part time basis while continuing to stay home with my child. My preference is a law firm where I can contribute my present skills while continuing to learn and grow....(and then something about your future direction??).

I feel my skills would be an asset to your firm and would like the opportunity for an interview to discuss the position and my qualifications.

My salary requirement is flexible, but would require a starting salary of $15.00 per hour.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

With many thanks,

Elizabeth Kallembach

Liz- i think this sounds really good. i'd try and emphasize more the reasons why you loved your last job, and how your specific skillset/personality/strengths benefited the office.
(but then again i havent written a cover letter in eons. lmao).

happylib · Guru

Lizzy wrote:

I am applying for this job and want to write a cover letter emphasizing my small law office experience. Can anyone critique this cover letter for me...it doesn't sound "right" and i am so dusty! thanks in advance!! :smooch

here is what I have:

Dear Sir or Madam:
Please accept this letter as a formal application to your advertisement for a part time legal assistant as advertised on Craigslist.org.  In addition, please find attached my resume for your review.

As indicated in my resume, I have over 5 years experience in the legal field. Most recently, I was the legal assistant for a solo attorney engaged in general practice. I enjoyed this position tremendously and value the small law office experience. During my time at this firm, I was responsible for all matters related to the upkeep of the office in addition to my duties as a legal assistant.
During the past 3 years, I have been taking care of my young child while attending school part-time. I will be graduating in December with a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in Legal Studies.  I currently hold an Associate's Degree in Legal Studies.
My goal is to supplement my income while continuing to stay home with my young child. My preference is a law firm where I can contribute my present skills while continuing to learn and grown.
I feel my skills would be an asset to your firm and would like the opportunity for an interview to discuss the position and my qualifications.

My salary requirement is flexible, but would require a starting salary of $15.00 per hour.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
With many thanks,

Elizabeth Kallembach

-- Edited by Lizzy on Tuesday 11th of August 2009 07:31:48 PM

Red: I would leave Ivy out of this. I know that sounds mean but to some potential employers that may scream "calling off all the time and not getting work done because of the kid." I am not saying to hide it, but just don't put it in your cover letter.

Instead you might put that over the last three years you have been pursuing various venues including obtaining my bacholors degree.

Blue: once again I would not mention anything about having a child. Instead maybe say something like "my goal is to become more educated in various aspects of law practice and be able to use those skills to enrich my professional career."

I realize that I might not have written what you would say or are comfortable with, but I was trying to give you an idea. And please know that I think it sucks that you shouldn't mention anything about your child or being a mom, but unfortunately some people look at that the wrong way.

I will cross my fingers and say some prayers that you get the job. It sounds great!

happylib · Guru

Oh and the part about the salary requirements, I think I would be more inclined to say something like without knowing the specifics of the job it is difficult to pinpoint a salary, although the minimum would be $15 per hour.

You don't want to say 15 and then find out that the expectations are beyond what is fair for 15 an hour.

Alyssa · Guru

I agree about leaving Ivy out. People judge.

Otherwise I think it's a good letter. Good luck!

Erin · Guru

Ok, I dont have a ton of sucess with my cover letters, but I swear that it has just been timing... or that I interview poorly, or something other than my cover letters that has been my downfall.

Reading the advertisement and knowing oyu, this seems like a really appropriate (great!) match. I would do what you can in your cover letter to emphasize that.
I agree that you should not mention Ivy/being a SAHM. Agreed, dont hide it, but, your cover letter need not state it at all. You want them to WANT you so that the kid, SAHM, flexibility stuff is just an afterthought that they are willing to work around in order to have your expertise and help.

My suggestions....of course, if it doesnt ring true, (quick learner, get along well,, etc) pick some other attributes.

Dear Sir or Madam:

Please accept this letter as a formal application to your advertisement for a part time legal assistant as advertised on Craigslist.org. In addition, please find attached my resume for your review.

As indicated in my resume, I have over 5 years experience in the legal field. Most recently, I was the legal assistant for a solo attorney engaged in general practice. I enjoyed this position tremendously and value the small law office experience. During my time at this firm, I relied on and used Outlook, Excel and Timeclock, I was responsible for keeping files updated and also took dictation. In addition to my duties as a legal assistant, I was also responsible for all matters related to the upkeep of the office .

I currently hold an Associate's Degree in Legal Studies. In addition, I will be graduating in December with a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in Legal Studies. I am looking for a part time position in order to keep current and continue my professional growth.

In addition to my legal experience and education, I am hardworking, a quick learner and I get along well with both colleagues and clients. I am confident I would be an asset to your firm and would welcome the opportunity to discuss the position and my qualifications further.

My salary requirement is flexible, but would require a starting salary of $15.00 per hour.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

With many thanks,

Elizabeth Kallembach

-- Edited by Erin on Wednesday 12th of August 2009 12:06:33 PM

-- Edited by Erin on Wednesday 12th of August 2009 12:29:33 PM

Erin · Guru

I just wanted to add, as an attorney, the most important things to me in an assistant are:

reliable (not necesarily that she will be on call 24/7, but that she will be there when she said she will be, and that will do what she said she would)

quick learner (there is a lot of repitition, I dont want to have to re-explain the same process every time)

self-motivated (I dont want to have to ask herto file things, or send copies to the client, or do anything that we routinely do. She should already be thinking of doing it. If she doesnt know how to do something, I want her to figure out who to ask, or ask me how to find out, rather than just not doing it...and then hopefully, remember for next time. haha)

Good with clients. And judges! Opposing counsel! She will be representing me to the community.

Part of my team. Nothing bugs me more than my assistant throwing me under the bus or placing blame, especially to judges, opposing counsel and clients! I won't blame things on her, if she wont blame things on me..seems silly, but you would be surprised how many attorneys will just say, oh, my paralegal messed up....

All of this is far more important than legal knowledge. This stuff you cant teach/train...

I hope this helps if you are thinking of things to highlight, and when you go for an interview!

Good luck!!

Lizzy · Guru

Erin wrote:

I just wanted to add, as an attorney, the most important things to me in an assistant are:

reliable (not necesarily that she will be on call 24/7, but that she will be there when she said she will be, and that will do what she said she would)

quick learner (there is a lot of repitition, I dont want to have to re-explain the same process every time)

self-motivated (I dont want to have to ask herto file things, or send copies to the client, or do anything that we routinely do. She should already be thinking of doing it. If she doesnt know how to do something, I want her to figure out who to ask, or ask me how to find out, rather than just not doing it...and then hopefully, remember for next time. haha)

Good with clients. And judges! Opposing counsel! She will be representing me to the community.

Part of my team. Nothing bugs me more than my assistant throwing me under the bus or placing blame, especially to judges, opposing counsel and clients! I won't blame things on her, if she wont blame things on me..seems silly, but you would be surprised how many attorneys will just say, oh, my paralegal messed up....

All of this is far more important than legal knowledge. This stuff you cant teach/train...

I hope this helps if you are thinking of things to highlight, and when you go for an interview!

Good luck!!

erin,
invaluable advice.....i can't thank you enough!!!!! :smooch

Erin · Guru

Lizzy wrote:

Erin wrote:

I just wanted to add, as an attorney, the most important things to me in an assistant are:

reliable (not necesarily that she will be on call 24/7, but that she will be there when she said she will be, and that will do what she said she would)

quick learner (there is a lot of repitition, I dont want to have to re-explain the same process every time)

self-motivated (I dont want to have to ask herto file things, or send copies to the client, or do anything that we routinely do. She should already be thinking of doing it. If she doesnt know how to do something, I want her to figure out who to ask, or ask me how to find out, rather than just not doing it...and then hopefully, remember for next time. haha)

Good with clients. And judges! Opposing counsel! She will be representing me to the community.

Part of my team. Nothing bugs me more than my assistant throwing me under the bus or placing blame, especially to judges, opposing counsel and clients! I won't blame things on her, if she wont blame things on me..seems silly, but you would be surprised how many attorneys will just say, oh, my paralegal messed up....

All of this is far more important than legal knowledge. This stuff you cant teach/train...

I hope this helps if you are thinking of things to highlight, and when you go for an interview!

Good luck!!

erin,
invaluable advice.....i can't thank you enough!!!!! :smooch

Sorry, not to overload you. I made a minor change to the suggestions to your letter. I noticed they particularly asked for some skills. I thought you might want to mention them. Good luck!

Lizzy · Guru

Erin wrote:

Lizzy wrote:

Erin wrote:

I just wanted to add, as an attorney, the most important things to me in an assistant are:

reliable (not necesarily that she will be on call 24/7, but that she will be there when she said she will be, and that will do what she said she would)

quick learner (there is a lot of repitition, I dont want to have to re-explain the same process every time)

self-motivated (I dont want to have to ask herto file things, or send copies to the client, or do anything that we routinely do. She should already be thinking of doing it. If she doesnt know how to do something, I want her to figure out who to ask, or ask me how to find out, rather than just not doing it...and then hopefully, remember for next time. haha)

Good with clients. And judges! Opposing counsel! She will be representing me to the community.

Part of my team. Nothing bugs me more than my assistant throwing me under the bus or placing blame, especially to judges, opposing counsel and clients! I won't blame things on her, if she wont blame things on me..seems silly, but you would be surprised how many attorneys will just say, oh, my paralegal messed up....

All of this is far more important than legal knowledge. This stuff you cant teach/train...

I hope this helps if you are thinking of things to highlight, and when you go for an interview!

Good luck!!

erin,
invaluable advice.....i can't thank you enough!!!!! :smooch

Sorry, not to overload you. I made a minor change to the suggestions to your letter. I noticed they particularly asked for some skills. I thought you might want to mention them. Good luck!

Thanks again!! I just sent it :fingers

Lizzy · Guru

daisy wrote:

here's how i'd revise it:

Dear Sir or Madam:
Please accept this letter as a formal application for the part time legal assistant position advertised on Craigslist.org.  In addition, please find my resume attached for your review.

As indicated in my resume, I have over 5 years experience in the legal field. Most recently, I was the legal assistant for a solo attorney engaged in general practice. I enjoyed this position tremendously and value the small law office experience. (*i'd put something here about what you specifically valued/what appealed to you). During my time at this firm, I was responsible for all matters related to the upkeep of the office in addition to my duties as a legal assistant.
During the past 3 years, I have been taking care of my young child while attending school part-time.  I will be graduating in December with a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in Legal Studies.  I currently hold an Associate's Degree in Legal Studies.
My goal is to supplement my income while continuing to stay home with my (i took out "young" here) child. My preference is a law firm where I can contribute my present skills while continuing to learn and grow.
*maybe instead of the "supplement my income" part, you can write something like, My present goal is to return to the legal field on a part time basis while continuing to stay home with my child. My preference is a law firm where I can contribute my present skills while continuing to learn and grow....(and then something about your future direction??).
I feel my skills would be an asset to your firm and would like the opportunity for an interview to discuss the position and my qualifications.

My salary requirement is flexible, but would require a starting salary of $15.00 per hour.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
With many thanks,

Elizabeth Kallembach

Liz- i think this sounds really good. i'd try and emphasize more the reasons why you loved your last job, and how your specific skillset/personality/strengths benefited the office.
(but then again i havent written a cover letter in eons. lmao).

Kelly....thanks for the help! I took out mention of Ivy and put in what I enjoyed about the small firm.

Thanks again for the advice...really really helpful!!

Lizzy · Guru

happylib wrote:

Oh and the part about the salary requirements, I think I would be more inclined to say something like without knowing the specifics of the job it is difficult to pinpoint a salary, although the minimum would be $15 per hour.

You don't want to say 15 and then find out that the expectations are beyond what is fair for 15 an hour.

oooh...good thought!! Thanks, Libby :)