work experience covering letter

As most legal employers outside the city firms rarely push their work experience positions, you must take it as a given that most of your applications will be speculative. You are going to have to grab someone’s attention and convince them of your worth without becoming an interruption. All lawyers are busy so bear this in mind when preparing your covering letter.

The covering letter is the paper equivalent of that initial few seconds when we meet someone. Much is judged upon little. The ultimate aim of the covering letter is to convince them to take you on for work experience. As it is likely that you are speculatively applying, you must make it clear how you can benefit them with your presence for a week or two.

Consider the employers perspective. They will have to divert some of their attention away from their usual tasks to deal with your work experience request. As their time is very valuable, it is important that you do not waffle and are straight to the point.

When creating your covering letter, it is important that you follow a clear structure. Outlined below is a guide to help you prepare that all-important work experience covering letter.

Intro

Who are you and why are you writing to me?

You must let them know this within the first few lines of your covering letter, otherwise it is unlikely they will go any further.

Why are you looking for work experience?

Most law firms will literally receive hundreds of letters and emails from law students each year requesting work experience. As such, it is important that you explain why you are looking for work experience and what you think you could offer.

Employers will be far more receptive to your application if you have taken the time to read up on their business and where you think you could contribute.

Why should I offer you work experience?

If you are fortunate enough to get some work experience, the employer will have to take time out during your visit to brief you and monitor your progress. This takes time, time that could otherwise be spent on other pressing matters.

As such, it is important that you make absolutely clear what benefits you can bring to them. Whether it is drafting, proofreading, filing or even making tea, you have to build a case that makes somebody within that firm stop what they are doing and take the time to consider your letter.

Conclusion

Briefly detail any practical issues that might need to be addressed. For example, if you are prepared to work for free, make it clear early on.

So summarising how to write a covering letter for work experience… be concise and highlight any benefits that having you around may bring. Remember that they get a lot of requests for work experience so make it clear how you can genuinely offer them something, even a good cup of tea can help your cause!