Crafting a compelling paralegal cover letter can be a stumbling block, especially when you're already deep into job applications and realize it’s a requirement. It's crucial to strike the right balance—your cover letter must narrate a proud professional milestone without mimicking your resume. Aim for formality without falling into the trap of clichés, and remember, brevity is key: keep it to a single page. Let's guide you through shaping a cover letter that stands out.
- Including all the must-have paragraphs in your structure for an excellent first impression;
- Learning how to write individual sections from industry-leading cover letter examples;
- Selecting the best accomplishment to tell an interesting and authority-building professional story;
- Introducing your profile with personality, while meeting industry standards.
And, if you want to save some time, drag and drop your paralegal resume into Enhancv's AI, which will assess your profile and write your job-winning cover letter for you.
If the paralegal isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
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Paralegal cover letter example
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- Emphasizing relevant experience, such as "managing complex cases and streamlining contract processes," directly aligns with the practical demands of a property law position. Showing how past work relates to the job at hand is crucial.
- Detailing a specific accomplishment, like managing the financing and re-mortgaging of a high-profile property and increasing investments by 15%, provides tangible proof of the candidate's capability and success in a similar role.
- Describing skillsets that are essential to the position, such as "legal document drafting" and "caseload management," assures the hiring manager that the candidate has the necessary technical competencies required for the role of a paralegal in property law.
What are the basics of the design or format of your paralegal cover letter?
To start, here's a reminder for you: the Applicant Tracker System (or software that is used to assess candidate profiles), won't be reading your paralegal cover letter.
Recruiters enjoy reading paralegal cover letters with a standardized format that uses:
- the same font as the resume (e.g. modern ones like Raleway or Volkhov are prefered over the clichéd Times New Roman or Arial);
- single spacing to keep the content concise and organized (this is all ready for you in our cover letter templates);
- a one-inch margin to wrap around the text, like in our cover letter builder;
- PDF as a file format, as it allows your design (and visual element) to stay the same.
Finally, we can't go on without mentioning the key sections of your paralegal cover letter.
In the top one-third, make sure to include a header (with your contact information, name, role, and date), a salutation, and an introduction.
Next, follows the heart and soul of your paralegal cover letter or its body.
End your paralegal cover letter with a closing paragraph and, if you wish, a signature.
The top sections on a paralegal cover letter
Header with Contact Information: Essential to include so that the hiring manager can easily identify the candidate and know how to reach them for an interview.
Professional Greeting: Tailoring the greeting to the specific hiring manager or using a general but professional salutation sets a respectful tone for the cover letter.
Introduction with a Connection to Law: This should immediately engage the reader by highlighting the applicant's passion or connection to the legal field to differentiate themselves from other candidates.
Body Highlighting Relevant Skills and Experience: The body should provide specific examples of the candidate's legal knowledge, experience with legal documents, and any other law-related skills that would be beneficial in a paralegal role.
Closing with a Call to Action: In closing, the applicant should express their eagerness for an interview and proactively suggest follow-up, showing initiative and strong interest in the paralegal position.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
Proficiency in legal research and writing: Demonstrates the ability to locate and analyze legal precedents, draft legal documents, and succinctly summarize findings, which are fundamental components of legal assistance.
Attention to detail: Essential for reviewing and organizing complex legal documents, spotting errors, and ensuring that all filings comply with court procedures and deadlines.
Familiarity with legal software and technology: Shows competence in using case management systems, electronic discovery tools, and document management platforms, which increases efficiency in legal operations.
Knowledge of substantive and procedural law: Indicates a strong foundation in understanding the legal framework and court protocols, allowing paralegals to better support attorneys in case preparation and litigation processes.
Confidentiality and discretion: Paralegals often handle sensitive information, so it’s crucial to maintain client privacy and exhibit ethical judgment.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills: Paralegals coordinate with clients, attorneys, and other stakeholders, so the ability to convey information clearly and build professional relationships is vital.
How to personalize your paralegal cover letter greeting
Before you start writing your paralegal cover letter, take the time to find out who is recruiting for the role.
Search for the recruiter's name on LinkedIn or the corporate website to address them personally in your paralegal cover letter salutation.
What if you can't find out who's recruiting for the role?
Always aim to avoid the very impersonal "Dear Sir/Madam" - instead, opt out for "Dear HR Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager" to make a better first impression.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [Law Firm Name] Team,
- Dear [Specific Attorney's Name],
- Dear Ms./Mr. [Last Name],
- Dear Members of the [Department Name],
- Dear Recruitment Committee,
Introducing your profile to catch recruiters' attention in no more than two sentences
The introduction of your paralegal cover letter is a whole Catch 22 .
You have an allocated space of no more than just a paragraph (of up to two sentences). With your introduction, you have to stand out and show why you're the best candidate out there.
Set out on a journey with your paralegal cover letter by focusing on why you're passionate about the job. Match your personal skills and interests to the role.
Another option for your paralegal cover letter introduction is to show you're the ideal candidate. Write about how your achievements and skills are precisely what the company is looking for.
However you decide to start your paralegal cover letter, always remember to write about the value you'd bring about. Making it both tangible (with your metrics of success) and highly sought out.
What comes next: your paralegal cover letter middle paragraphs
In the next three to six paragraphs (or the body of your paralegal cover letter) you have to prove your unique value.
Most candidates tend to mess up at this stage. They tend to just copy-paste information from their resume.
That's one big no-no.
Remember that when writing your paralegal cover letter, it has to be personalized. And, your ultimate aim is to catch the recruiter's eye.
So, look back on key job requirements and write down a list that includes the ones you cover.
Next, select just one key achievement from your professional (or personal) history that meets those advert keywords.
Narrate a story around how you've grown your skill set and knowledge. Also, aim to show the unique understanding or soft skills you bring about, thanks to your past success.
Ending your paralegal cover letter to avoid "Sincerely yours"
Yes, this sort of closing statement may work best before your signature.
But you want to give recruiters something more with your paralegal cover letter ending.
Some professionals choose to go down the path of promises. In a single sentence, they map out what they'd bring about to the role (whether that's a particular technical skill set or personal traits).
Others, decide to be more concrete by thanking recruiters for their time and prompting for their next interview.
Whatever path you choose, remember to always be polite and respectful of the opportunity you've had. Good manners go a long way.
Lacking experience: here's how to write your paralegal cover letter
As a candidate with no experience, it's important to be honest from the get-go of your application.
Use your paralegal cover letter to sell your unique talents. Choose an accomplishment from your academic background or your volunteer work to show the skills that are relevant to the role.
Focus on your career objectives and how you see the job to align with them. Be specific and, at the same time, realistic about where you picture yourself in five years.
Key takeaways
Winning recruiters over shouldn't be difficult if you use your paralegal cover letter to tell a story that:
- Is personalized by greeting your readers and focusing on key job skills greets;
- Isn't spread all over the place, but instead focuses on one key achievement and selling your value as a professional;
- Introduces your enthusiasm for the role, passion for the job, or creativity in communication;
- Is also visually appealing - meeting the best HR practices;
- Ends with a nod to the future and how you envision your growth, as part of the company.
Paralegal cover letter examples
Explore additional paralegal cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
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