This is an article in a series of articles called Your Ultimate Guide to Law Student Recruitment. Don’t forget to read the previous article here: Requesting Reference Letters or Writing Your Own (with free template)
Introduction
Once you’ve completed building your application package, it’s time to submit it! Here are a few final notes and tips before submitting your law student recruit application.
1. Write personalized cover letters
This is probably the most tedious thing you will have to do throughout this entire application process. But it’s also the most important. Write personalized cover letters. That means writing a different cover letter for each firm you apply to. Remember, your cover letter will be the first thing that a firm reads so make it specific to them and catch their attention.
2. Proofread your documents
Firms aren’t just reading your documents to learn more about you as a person. They’re also judging your written communication skills so spelling and grammar mistakes are a big no-no. Proofread your documents and make sure they’re free of any spelling and grammatical or any other errors. If you’re applying to Dentons, don’t send them a cover letter with the name and address for Bennet Jones. Proofread your documents!!!
3. Read the instructions
Every law firm will have a different application process so make sure to read the instructions provided carefully. For example, some law firms will want you to submit your application through a centralized application portal. Others will want you to email them your application or upload your application on their firm’s website. Read and follow the instructions given by the firm. Otherwise, you risk your application being missed by the hiring committee.
4. Watch out for deadlines
Most firms have the same application deadline. But there will be some with earlier deadlines and others with later deadlines so be sure to watch out for those.
Need help with taking down important dates? Check out: Important Dates Tracker (free download)
To be safe, apply early. Don’t leave your application to the last minute to avoid missing a deadline. I’ve done that once (oops) so learn from my mistake. Is it too late and you’ve missed a deadline already? Apply anyway! You never know. You might still be considered and it’s not like you have anything to lose.
5. Combine your documents
In your application package, you should have AT MINIMUM your cover letter, resume and law transcripts. Instead of submitting these documents separately, combine all of them into a single document. Especially if you’re submitting by email or uploading it to a firm’s website. Yes, even if you’re sending all the documents at once (in one email, etc.). This just makes sure that your documents are nice and organized and nothing gets lost.
PROTIP: change the filename of any document you submit to include your first and last name. That way, even if a document gets lost, it’s identifiable to you.
6. Submit your application as a PDF
Convert your document into a PDF and submit that as your application to keep the formatting intact. Any other filetype (I’m looking at you, Word) will mess up your entire document and it won’t look anything like it looks on your end.
Conclusion
Write a personalized cover letter for every firm you apply to. Make sure to proofread your application and read instructions carefully, watch out for deadlines, and organize your documents by combining them into a single document and converting it into a PDF. Once you’ve done all of that, then you’ve covered all your bases. Your application is ready to go. Go ahead and submit it and give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back!
This is an article in a series of articles called Your Ultimate Guide to Law Student Recruitment.
Next article: Do Grades Matter for the Law Student Recruit?
Previous article: Requesting Reference Letters or Writing Your Own (with free template)
Start at the beginning: Law Student Recruitment
