Crafting a cover letter can seem like a daunting task, especially when you’re a 2L (second-year law student) seeking an internship. A well-written cover letter is your opportunity to make a great first impression and can be the difference between landing an interview or not. In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential tips for writing a standout 2L cover letter, complete with examples and actionable advice.
Understanding the Purpose of a Cover Letter
A cover letter serves as your personal introduction to potential employers. It is not just a summary of your resume; rather, it is an opportunity to showcase your personality, highlight your achievements, and explain why you are the best fit for the position. It should complement your resume by adding context to your experiences and skills.
Key Components of a Cover Letter
Your cover letter should include the following key components:
- Header: Include your contact information and the employer’s details.
- Salutation: Address the letter to a specific person if possible.
- Opening Paragraph: State the position you are applying for and a brief introduction.
- Body Paragraphs: Elaborate on your relevant experiences and skills.
- Closing Paragraph: Reiterate your interest and include a call to action.
- Signature: Sign your name at the end.
Tailoring Your Cover Letter to Each Job
One of the most important tips for writing a successful cover letter is customization. Tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company you are applying to. This means doing your research to understand the company’s culture, values, and the specific requirements of the role.
Research the Company and Role
Before writing your cover letter, spend time researching the company. Understand its mission, values, and any recent news. This information will help you align your experiences and aspirations with the company’s goals.
Address the Hiring Manager by Name
If possible, address your cover letter to the hiring manager by name. This personal touch shows that you have taken the time to research the company. If you cannot find a name, “Dear Hiring Manager” is a suitable alternative.
Highlighting Your Relevant Experience
In the body of your cover letter, focus on highlighting your most relevant experiences. Use this section to demonstrate how your background aligns with the requirements of the internship.
Use Specific Examples
Provide specific examples of your achievements and how they relate to the job. Rather than simply stating that you have strong research skills, describe a situation where you successfully conducted research that contributed to a project’s success.
Focus on Skills that Match the Job
Review the job description and identify key skills that the employer is seeking. Highlight these skills in your cover letter and provide examples of how you have demonstrated them in past experiences.
Showcasing Your Passion and Motivation
Employers want to see that you are genuinely interested in the role and enthusiastic about the opportunity.
Connect Your Goals with the Company
Explain how the internship aligns with your career goals and why you are excited about the opportunity to work with the company. This can set you apart from other candidates who may not have made this connection.
Be Authentic and Sincere
Avoid using clichés or overly formal language. Write in a natural tone that reflects your genuine interest and enthusiasm.
Formatting and Proofreading Your Cover Letter
A well-formatted and error-free cover letter demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism.
Keep It Concise
Aim to keep your cover letter to one page. Be concise and focus on the most important information that will make an impact.
Use a Professional Format
Use a standard business letter format with a clear, easy-to-read font. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors by proofreading your letter multiple times and, if possible, asking someone else to review it as well.
Example of a 2L Cover Letter
To give you a clearer idea of how to structure your cover letter, here’s a sample:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Date
Employer’s Name Company’s Name Company’s Address City, State, ZIP
Dear Employer’s Name,
I am writing to express my interest in the Specific Internship Title position at Company’s Name as advertised on where you found the job listing. As a second-year law student at Your Law School, I have developed strong relevant skills that I am eager to bring to your team.
During my time at Previous Internship or Job, I describe relevant experience or achievement. This experience taught me the importance of relevant lesson or skill, and I am excited to apply these skills in a new role at Company’s Name.
I am particularly drawn to Company’s Name because mention something specific about the company. I am impressed by something notable about the company or its work, and I am eager to contribute to such an innovative team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasms align with the goals of Company’s Name.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Final Thoughts
Writing a cover letter is an essential step in the internship application process. By understanding the purpose, tailoring your letter to the job, showcasing your skills and passion, and ensuring it is well-formatted, you can create a compelling cover letter that sets you apart from other candidates. Remember, your cover letter is your opportunity to make a memorable first impression—use it wisely!