Cover Letters with Resume?

powerbomb · 07-12-2009, 10:26 PM

I called a law firm and they told me to send in a resume - I was thinking of writing a cover letter, but I don't know what to say ...

powerbomb · 07-12-2009, 10:29 PM

For example, can I say

Dear, _____ & Associates.

golden_vein · 07-12-2009, 11:22 PM

You've essentially two options: write the name out in full (e.g. Dear Jane Smith), or use prefixes (e.g. Dear Ms. Smith). Just remember to use 'Mrs.' only when you are certain the female is married.

If you are unaware of their names, then the ever so cordial "Dear Sir or Madam" is always a safe, but boring, bet. Others include, "Dear Selection Committee," or "To Whom It May Concern"

Stick to business format letter style (meaning the letter should sequence with the date, then your name and address, then the firm and its address). That's when you can include all of that "Associate" jargon, by placing his/her job title beneath their name.
Here's an example: Business Letter Format ? Formal Writing Sample, Template & Layout

You'll do fine.

powerbomb · 07-12-2009, 11:32 PM

Thanks, Golden_vein...

Also, is it a NO-NO to walk in to the office and hand in my resume personally? I live very close to the firm, and I think it would be more sensible to get it in to them faster so that if they do want to accomodate me, I can start my internship sooner since my summer break is about to end in 4 weeks.

Also, can I write a less formal cover letter without any one particular firm's address and walk into a random firm and give them my resume? There is sort of a "boardwalk" of firms nearby and I was thinking of going down each and every one of them one by one, handing them a resume.

Thanks.

cbreeze · 07-13-2009, 09:51 PM

If your cover letter is not tailored to that particular firm, it will likely end up in the trash.So yes, one cover letter with that firm's name and address and include what you like about that firm and why you want a job there.

plscatamacchia · 07-13-2009, 09:55 PM

"(e.g. Dear Ms. Smith)"

Isn't Miss used if you do not know of their relationship status?

powerbomb · 07-13-2009, 11:32 PM

cbreeze, would it really end up in the trash just because it didn't have the firm address? Do they really expect such professionalism from a high school senior?

cbreeze · 07-14-2009, 12:49 PM

What would you do if someone who wants a job in your firm hand you a form letter for employment ? What does this tell you about the potential employee? Where is the sincerity and extra effort?

powerbomb · 07-14-2009, 01:03 PM

cbreeze, the thing is, there is an office building with a whole bunch of firms and I did not know any of their "names" or suite numbers prior to actually getting there and handing them the resume..I kinda just walked door-to-door.

cbreeze · 07-15-2009, 12:13 AM

OK, give it a try.

Good luck.

golden_vein · 07-17-2009, 05:22 PM

Sorry for being so dilatory in response.

Sure, why not. Cold-calls or walk-ins with interest can never hurt--in fact the exuberance can often help. But before you take bold steps, by either mailing or walking in a cover letter, make sure you've added a personal and passionate touch.

Take the effort to make sure your cover letter is as personalized as much as possible. This means knowing whom to address the letter itself to, and what the work in the office truly entails. Researching their day to day shows aptitude deserving of hiring. Impersonal cover letters often get rejected.

plscatamacchia: Actually "Miss" denotes single status. Which some women might like....unless they're happily married. ^^