Your cover letter and résumé are often your first introduction to the firm, so you want to make sure that you convey your experiences and interests to the reader in an effective manner.  Here are some tips for writing your cover letter and résumé.

1. Always include a cover letter to introduce yourself and your résumé.

2. Proofread!  Spelling mistakes, awkward grammar and inconsistent verb tenses are distractions and can sometimes muddle your message.  Have a friend or family member read through the letter.

3. Personalize your letter.  Tell us why you are interested in joining our firm.  Make sure to address it to the recipient by name rather than Sir/Madam.

4. Use the cover letter to highlight a skill or strength that you think would be of value to our firm – e.g., leadership, entrepreneurship, creativity.

5. Highlight an experience that may be of particular interest to our firm, but be sure not to repeat everything that is in your résumé.

6. The reader wants to learn about you.  Be sure to highlight accomplishments or activities that truly excite you and reflect your interests.  This will also help us choose the right interview partners for you.

7. Make sure your letter is clear, concise and interesting to read.  2-3 paragraphs is the best length.

8. Keep the cover letter business-like and professional.  Avoid legal jargon such as “hereinafter” or “heretofore”.  Avoid gimmicks.  Be sure to stay away from the overboard sales pitch.

9. Don’t forget to sign your letter.  Make sure to include your contact information on the cover letter.

10. Use 81/2 x11 good quality paper.  Nothing fancy or colourful.  Use the same paper and font style for both your cover letter and résumé.  Deliver them in an 81/2 x 11 envelope and always send the original letter rather than a photocopy.

11. Include your transcripts.

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1. Keep your résumé clear and concise.

2. Include all post-secondary education.  Identify the institution, years attended, degree obtained and major area of study.    Omit high school information. 
3. Include recent and relevant work experience. Identify the dates, employer and position.  Provide a brief description and use active verbs to describe your duties and accomplishments. 

4. If you have gaps in your education and work experience timeline, explain them in your cover letter.

5. Include interests, extra-curricular activities and awards.  These help to spark conversations during your interviews and give us insight into your achievements beyond work and school.

6. Keep true to yourself.  Don’t exaggerate work experiences or personal interests.

7. Omit LSAT scores, career objective statements, photographs and personal information such as age, health, SIN or marital status.

8. Keep your résumé to no more than about 2 pages.  Use headings to guide the reader and present your most recent work experience and education first, descending in reverse chronological order.  Margins should be equal on both sides and the font should be easily readable.

9. Include your contact details on the résumé.  Write “Curriculum Vitae” or “Résumé” at the top of the page.

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The purpose of the interview is so that you can learn about us, we can learn about you, and we can both determine if our firm is the right place for you.  Here are some tips to help you prepare for and participate in an interview.

1. Research the firm.  Read up on the culture, practice areas, transactions and cases, and academic programs.  Information can be found on our site, at career day events, in Matindale-Hubbell, from students at the firm, in newspapers, in brochures, etc.

2. Understand what your strengths and skills are and how to best discuss them through examples.

3. Know your résumé and cover letter.

4. Anticipate questions and consider responses.

5. Identify the qualities of your ideal firm – work/life balance, practice areas, culture, size, travel.  Be sure to ask the interviewers about issues that are important to you.

6. Create a list of questions that you want to ask during the interview.  Some examples include:

a. How is the firm structured?
b. What sets the firm apart from others?
c. In which practice areas does the firm excel?
d. How many years does it take to make partner?
e. Does the firm have billable hour targets?
f. Is there ongoing professional development for students and lawyers?
g. How much responsibility and client contact are students given on files?
h. What practice areas will I be working in and do I have a say?
i. Will I have a mentor?  If so, how does the mentoring system work?
j. Do students get structured feedback and how is the feedback provided?

7. Inform yourself about the interview process, including the number of interviewers, who they are, where it is to be held.  Read the lawyers’ profiles and identify any interesting topics for discussion.

8. Practice interviewing with a friend or family member if you do not have a lot of interviewing experience.  Talk about yourself and your experiences and your career objectives.

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1. Be confident.  Remember that on paper you met the firm’s standards.

2. Arrive a few minutes early.  When you meet the interviewers, shake their hands firmly, maintain eye contact and smile.

3. Dress appropriately.  Wear business attire, be neat, but be comfortable.

4. Relax and be yourself.

5. Answer interview questions honestly, directly and fully.  Be sure to listen carefully to what the interviewer is asking you.  If you are unsure, ask for clarification or a follow up question.

6. Interact with the interviewers.  Don’t just answer the questions asked.  Follow them up with questions of your own.

7. Avoid debates or confrontation. 

8. Remember to use examples from your past to demonstrate your strengths and skills.  Rather than saying “I am a great leader”, you can draw an example from your past and say “When I was at XYZ, I led the research team on project ABC”.

9. Remember to ask your questions about the firm.  Feel free to ask questions about the partnership track, growth areas, structure, mentoring, and culture.

10. Ask for a business card before you leave.

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1. Follow up with your interviewers with an email or letter and thank them for meeting with you.

2. Review the interview and assess where you were strong and what could be improved.

3. Review the information the lawyers gave you about the firm, its culture and work environment and assess whether they match up with your career objectives.

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