Writing the perfect legal cover letter

April 12th, 2011

We know that you hate it, but it has to be done. Writing a cover letter is one of the most challenging parts of finding a new legal position.  Luckily, we’re here to help with a few tips that will make the process much simpler – we promise.  Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have an enviable cover letter in no time.

1.       Make it short and sweet.  A cover letter should be no more than ¾ of a page.  Understand that no one reads every word.  Most people will simply skim.  Anything more than five or six paragraphs will be overwhelming and may likely end up in the trash can.

2.       Keep the interesting information visible.  As mentioned, no one really reads a cover letter word for word.  Instead, they skim the information and pick out the most interesting parts.  As a result, you should make the key points very visible.  In most cases, you’ll want the key points to be in the first sentence of the paragraph.  Don’t bury your strengths in the middle.

3.       Cover things that aren’t covered in the resume.  The cover letter shouldn’t simply be a repeat of all of the information in your resume. The cover letter should either further explain information you listed on the resume or it should contain additional information that may be useful for this position.

4.       Tailor every letter.  No one wants a form letter, and people can see through that in a second.  Make sure that each cover letter is personalized to the person or the firm (if you aren’t sure who will be reading).  Explain why you’re interested in the firm and how you can help the firm.  Make connections between yourself and the firm.  You have the exact experience they’re looking for, or you can bring a book of business or you’re a graduate of the law school where the hiring partner went to school.

5.       Explain how you can help them.  It’s important to sell yourself in the cover letter.  Don’t tell the hiring partner what you want, tell the hiring partner how you can fill a need that the firm has.  The hiring partner wants to see that you can solve her problems or help where the firm needs help.  She won’t care what you want – she is much more interested in what she wants.  Point out all the reasons how you can help her and the firm.

Need more help?  Contact us!  We’re attorneys helping attorneys, and we’re here for you!

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SLS introduces our latest recruiter

March 30th, 2011

We are extremely proud to introduce Rachel Ghatan, our newest recruiter. Like all recruiters as Swan Legal Search, Rachel practiced law for several years before she decided to become a recruiter. In fact, becoming a recruiter was presented to her – it wasn’t originally her idea.

“My best friend is a recruiter for the financial sector. She thought I had a great personality for recruiting, but I thought she was wrong. Then, one of my bosses thought it would be a good fit for me. I decided to give it a try. It seemed that fate was telling me something.”

Now, Rachel is loving every minute of working with attorneys as a recruiter. “I’m loving what I do. It is the right fit for me and I’m putting my talent to good use.”

Rachel is helping to place attorneys in Los Angeles and throughout California. In addition to connecting with the lawyers, Rachel most enjoys helping them to find their ideal fit within the legal realm. “It’s a nice thing to see lawyers find a fit. There is a shift in their lives. Helping them find that is a wonderful experience. It’s so important that people are happy, and I’m thrilled that I get to help lawyers find happiness within their careers.”

Rachel received her undergraduate degree from UCLA in Anthropology and Women’s Studies, and her J.D. from Southwestern Law School in 1999. She and her husband have two sons. In her spare time she likes to spend time with her children, read books, hike, and do pilates; and she has introduced three couples who eventually got married.

You can reach Rachel at Rachel@SwanLegal.com

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Law school (almost) grads, rejoice!

March 21st, 2011

It looks as though those of you who are graduating in the next couple of months have something to celebrate – a greater likelihood for a legal job!  According to The National Law Journal, a recent study indicates that associate hiring is almost back to pre-financial-crisis levels.

In 2009, offer rates for associates who worked in the firm’s summer programs were at the lowest rates in years. Fortunately, 2010 rates bounced back considerably, and 2011 offers seem to be heading in the same direction.

It seems that there is light at the end of the tunnel:  at least for new law school grads.  For the rest of us, the recruiting rate still looks a bit sluggish.

“Things are turning around in the legal market, but they’re still a bit slow,” said Delia Swan, president of Swan Legal Search.  “All attorneys need to make sure that they are really getting themselves out there actively networking and keeping optimistic.  In the current legal hiring climate, that’s what it takes.”

So, what does that mean?  “That means that attorneys need to brush up on their interviewing skills, have several people review their resumes, research like crazy and, if possible, start generating revenue.  Nothing is more attractive to a firm than an attorney who can bring business when they join the firm.”

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Interview tips for lawyers — part 2

March 8th, 2011

For our second installment, we give you all a few more tips about how to interview like a pro.  Of course, you’ve probably got some tips, as well.  Please share!  We’re looking forward to hearing how you landed your dream job thanks to a great interview.

5)  Discuss your long term goals. Make it clear that you LIKE what you do and that you are looking for a firm to commit to for the long haul where you can continue to develop your own book of business.  Firms are skittish about associates jumping ship; assuage these fears even though the question will not be asked directly.

6)  When it’s your turn to ask questions, pursue one line of questioning in particular: work distribution. How is the work distributed; how are associates matched up with partners; how much work is generated in that particular office and how much of it comes from sister offices? By asking these questions, you will get an idea if this firm can give you what you want, and, they will get a glimmer what it would be like to have you as someone they can assign work to.

If you are speaking with an associate, ask them what they like best about the firm.  Ask them how long they have been with this firm and if they enjoy their position.  Keep it positive.

Be prepared for different types of interviewers.  Some attorneys you will meet with will be prepared for you and will be great at interviewing.  Let them lead the way.

Others will have glanced at your resume 2 minutes before the receptionist leads you to their door and they will be slightly panicked at the thought of spending the next 30 minutes with a stranger. Make it easy on them.  Lead the interview by addressing  1 – 6, above, and allow them to interrupt if something you have said intrigues them.

7)  Have fun! So much of interviews are about chemistry.  Clearly, you have the right credentials and they are very serious about you or else they would not have invited you in for an interview.  Now they want to see if you are someone that they would want to work with on a daily basis and get to know better.  Are you a good face for their firm?  Are you trustworthy?  Would clients like you?  Be professional but also don’t hesitate to laugh and engage.

8)  A few “don’ts”. Don’t ask about salary, billable hours, or flex-time options at your first interview.  Don’t criticize your current firm, current boss, colleagues, etc.  Don’t check your blackberry or cell before or during (this HAS happened) your interview.  Don’t exaggerate your expertise and/or experience.  Stick to your resume and cover letter.

9)  A few “do’s”. Do dress professionally – this means a dark suit and slacks or skirt for the ladies.  Do have your business card.  Do be warm and friendly with the receptionist and HR coordinator.  Do come prepared:  research recent press about the firm; know their biggest deals/ wins; know what practice groups they have and what cities they have offices in; demonstrate an understanding of their clientele.  The more prepared you are, the more relaxed you will be and the more confident you will appear!

If you have more tips or more questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.  We’re attorneys, too; and we’ve all been through the interview process.  It can be stressful, or it can be the beginning to a wonderful career!

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Interview tips for lawyers — part 1

March 2nd, 2011

We’ve recently received some requests for interview tips for attorneys; and we aim to please!  (Check back next week for anther round of interview tips.)  And now, without further ado, several tips that are sure to help you reach your goal — a second interview! 

1)  Let them know why you are interested in their firm. Make it clear that you aren’t looking for any port in the storm and that you are being highly selective about the opportunities you are choosing to interview for.  If you are only meeting one firm for a specific position and where not even actively looking until Swan contacted you, then be sure to convey that.

Firms want to know why you are leaving your current position.  You must be consistent with your answer and you must keep it positive.

Firms may ask you where else you are interviewing.  Keep it vague; you can say something like: “firms similar to yours that have a biotech component to their corporate group.”  Again, you want to enforce the perception that you are being extremely selective and that you will only move for the right fit.

2)  Ask them what they need. Why are they hiring right now?  New client?  New case? How long have they been looking?

3)  Discuss three solid examples of your work. They may or may not ask for specific examples, but you can take charge and lay them out.  What you discuss should dovetail with your resume and cover letter.  Be sure to review both of those documents beforehand.

Knowing what you want to discuss in advance is also a wonderful way to stay relaxed during your interview!

4) Don’t be afraid to discuss a difficult issue that you had and how you resolved it. You want them to see you as a problem solver and someone who remains calm under pressure while getting the job done.

Stay tuned for even more interview tips!  If you need any additional help, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’re attorneys, too!

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