7
SECTION II
Resume & Cover Letter Writing
8
HOW TO WRITE EFFECTIVE RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS
This section consists of suggestions about and examples of legal
resumes and cover letters. Before scheduling an appointment for a
resume critique, please use this information to revise your current
resume.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Legal Resume 10
Generic Sample 11
Law Related Action Verbs 12
Questions and Answers on Resume Writing 13
Sample Resumes 19
First-Year Student 20
Second-Year Student 21
Second-Year Student 22
Second-Year Student 23
Third-Year Student 24
Two-Page Resume 25
Third/Fourth Year Student 27
Third/Fourth Year Student 28
Reference Sheet 29
Third/Fourth Year Evening Division Student 30
Recent Graduate 31
Questions and Answers on Cover Letter Writing 32
Cover Letter Models: General 34
First-Year Student 35
Second-Year Student 36
Third-Year Student – firm 37
Fourth-Year Student – prior clerkship experience 38
Fourth-Year Student – no prior clerkship experience 39
2L/3L Student – Public Interest - Environmental Law 40
Out of Town Job Search 41
Acceptance/Rejection Samples 42
Alumni Cover Letter 43
10
The Legal Resume: Format and Examples
There are a number of things to keep in mind when preparing your legal resume. First, a legal
resume varies in format and content from other types of resumes; therefore, it is probably necessary to
revise your current resume. Potential employers will formulate their first impressions of you while
reviewing your resume. Consequently, you want to make sure your resume is a true reflection of your
skills, interests, abilities, accomplishments, and even your personality. When employers review
resumes, they will usually scan them first, looking quickly for achievements, experience and other
highlights. Instead of writing in sentences and paragraphs, use phrases; be concise. Through the
judicious use of spacing, highlighting, and underlining you can exercise a great deal of control over the
initial thirty-second scan your resume receives by emphasizing those items enhancing your candidacy.
Included in the following pages are: a general resume format; a list of law-related action verbs to
draw from when writing job descriptions for the "Experience" section of your resume; "Questions and
Answers on Resume Writing"; a number of sample resumes; "Questions and Answers on Cover Letter
Writing"; and cover letter samples.
Variations on the standard resume form are encouraged. You may decide to highlight certain
information and underplay other details depending on your targeted employer. Notice that, while each
sample resume generally conforms to the legal resume format, each is unique.
The ways in which one may produce a resume are numerous. The campuses have computer
equipment for student use; therefore, students seeking employment can create a professional, laser
printed resume. An attractive substantial grade of stationary should be used and it is recommended you
use a conservative color (white or off-white); avoid stationary with imprinted fibertone (i.e., flecked or
speckled). Your final documents should be perfectly word-processed with no errors. Additionally, legal
employers are usually interested in obtaining as much information as quickly as possible. Therefore, a
resume that calls attention to keywords by using underlining, uppercase letters or bold face type will
appeal to employers.
Employers looking for legal talent expect clarity, neatness and evidence of strong
communication skills. If your resume is poorly designed, copied, not printed, difficult to scan, hard to
understand or contains a typographical error, you will give the employer reason to assume you may not
live up to his/her expectations of you on the job.
Remember, your resume is the first “writing sample” an employer will see!
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GENERIC SAMPLE
NAME
Street Address
City, State Zip
Phone Number(s)
E-mail Address
EDUCATION
Widener University Commonwealth Law School J.D. expected May 20__
City, State
GPA/Rank: 3.010/Top 20 percent
Competitions: Include participation in Trial Advocacy and Writing
Competitions, ATLA competitions;
Moot Court Negotiation and Client Counseling
Competitions
Activities:
Memberships: Include active memberships such as
Pennsylvania Bar Association, Student Membership
American Trial Lawyers Association, etc.
Name of Undergraduate School B.A. awarded May 20__
City, State
Major:
GPA: (or class rank) [Optional]
Honors:
Research:
Activities:
Memberships:
EXPERIENCE
Name of Employer Dates worked
City, State
Job Title. Job descriptions (use phrases beginning with action verbs;
divide phrases with semicolons or periods; use present tense if still working
with this employer; otherwise, the past tense of verbs should be used).
INTERESTS
This section is optional.
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Law-Related Action Verbs
accepted
accomplished
achieved
acquitted
adapted
added
administered
admitted
advised
advocated
afforded
aided
allocated
amended
analyzed
answered
appeared
applied
appointed
approved
arbitrated
argued
arranged
articulated
assembled
assessed
assisted
attained
attended
authored
balanced
billed
briefed
budgeted
catalogued
chaired
challenged
changed
classified
collected
combined
communicated
compared
competed
compiled
concluded
conducted
constructed
consulted
contracted
convinced
convicted
coordinated
corrected
corresponded
counseled
created
critiqued
cross-examined
debated
defended
defined
delivered
demonstrated
deposed
described
designed
determined
deterred
developed
devised
devoted
directed
disseminated
distributed
documented
drafted
edited
effected
elucidated
enforced
engaged
engineered
entered
established
evaluated
executed
exercised
expanded
explained
explored
exposed
facilitated
familiarized
filed
financed
focused
formulated
fulfilled
gathered
generated
governed
guided
handled
held
highlighted
identified
implemented
improved
increased
informed
initiated
innovated
inquired
instituted
instructed
interpreted
interrogated
interviewed
introduced
investigated
launched
litigated
maintained
managed
maximized
mediated
mobilized
modified
monitored
named
negotiated
observed
obtained
operated
orchestrated
organized
oriented
originated
oversaw
participated
persuaded
pinpointed
planned
predicted
prepared
presented
prevailed
produced
processed
proofed
prosecuted
protected
provided
publicized
pursued
questioned
read
recommended
reconciled
recorded
rectified
redirected
reduced
referred
reported
represented
researched
resolved
responded
revealed
reviewed
revised
ruled
scheduled
selected
served
settled
solved
specialized
specified
sponsored
strategized
strengthened
studied
submitted
subpoenaed
suggested
summarized
supervised
supported
surveyed
targeted
taught
tracked
trained
traveled
tried
updated
verified
won
worked
wrote
used
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Questions and Answers on Resume Writing
Below are frequently asked questions to the Career Development staff. The answers should help
you in preparing a rough draft of your resume before your appointment. We may then spend our time
clarifying wording and format, as well as dealing with concerns unique to your situation.
Keep in mind that the answers in this handout are only suggestions. There are a variety of
approaches you may wish to take in creating your resume.
GENERAL
Q: What is the purpose of a resume?
A: A resume serves to introduce you to potential employers in the most favorable light
possible, ultimately culminating in interviews. Further, what you include in your resume
will influence the interviewer’s questions and the tone of the interview in general. You
actually exert a significant amount of control over the interview by what you present in
your resume.
Q. How do I begin to write a resume?
A. The first thing you do when drafting a resume is to take an inventory of everything you
have done. To begin this process you are going to make six (6) different lists with the
following headings: education, work experience, activities, academics, interests and
miscellaneous.
Under education, list all post-secondary education including law school, colleges and
universities attended, exchange programs, off-campus study, etc. List degrees, month
and year obtained or expected to obtain, names and locations of schools, major and
minor, and grade point average.
Under work experience, list all jobs held full time, part time, paid or unpaid including
externships. List the months and years you worked, position, name and location of
employer, and your duties and responsibilities. You may also choose to create a separate
legal experience section in order to distinguish your legal positions from your non-legal
positions.
Under activities, list all extra- and co-curricular activities, i.e., organized groups, teams,
clubs, community involvements in which you participated in both undergraduate school
and in law school.
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Under academics, list scholarships received, class rank, special
recognition and academic achievements.
Under interests, list hobbies, travel experiences and special talents.
Under miscellaneous, list everything you left out thus far. This list may
contain computer languages and software, foreign languages, etc.
DO NOT LIMIT YOURSELF AT THIS POINT; LIST
EVERYTHING, EVEN IF IT SEEMS TRIVIAL.
Q. Now that I have all this information, what do I do with it?
A. Once you have made your lists, the editing process begins. Ask yourself the
following questions for each item listed: Do I feel a sense of pride or
accomplishment? Does it relate to what a prospective employer might be looking
for? What aspects of my education, experience or skills will be most attractive to
an employer? For example, working at Hershey Park as a ride attendant for three
years may seem trivial to you, but being a conscientious worker and having the
ability to deal with the public during this job may be pertinent information.
Which things on my list show different aspects of my personality?
Q. What do I do once I have identified the most pertinent information?
A. Organize your information. Review the sample resumes in this packet. Prepare a
draft copy of your resume and make an appointment with the Career Development
Office to have it reviewed. Once the CDO has offered suggestions, prepare a final
product.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Q: Should I include my memberships in student organizations and participation in activities?
How should I include them?
A: In general, well-rounded individuals impress legal employers, so it is recommended that
you list your activities on your resume. The next question is, “What are the most
important items to put on the resume?” Ask yourself which facts are most important to
you, as well as what you are trying to accomplish. If you are trying to emphasize your
writing ability or experience, you may include writing for the Widener Law Review or
your participation in a writing competition. For future litigators, it may be important to
stress excellence in advocacy skills and training. Consider adding participation in trial
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competitions or memberships in Moot Court and/or Moe Levine. If you are editor-in-
chief of the Widener Law Review, you may want a separate heading for that item.
PRE-LEGAL EDUCATION/EMPLOYMENT
Q: How much information about pre-legal education should I include? Should I mention
high school?
A: As with all sections of your resume, emphasize your highest levels of achievement. For
example, mention serious academic honors and achievements, as well as positions of
leadership in organizations. The inclusion of social/recreational activities will help
present you as well rounded. Regarding high school: this information is rarely included
unless a specific reason exists for doing so, e.g., you attended a small select prep school
or a school that you believe will be of special significance to the employer.
Q: What if I have little or no legal background or experience?
A: Probably at least one of your jobs, if not all, facilitated the development of skills and
abilities which are used by a lawyer. For example, if you have sales experience or have
otherwise dealt directly with people, you have probably developed excellent oral
communication skills. Additionally, your participation in undergraduate activities and
organizations may provide employers insight into your organizational and leadership
skills. Other transferable skills include research and writing, analytical skills, problem
solving, supervisory skills, ability to handle large workloads, negotiation skills, and
ability to work independently.
Your career goals will influence the manner in which you present your experience. If
you have experience in a field in which you wish to continue, it makes sense to include
that experience. If your goal is to work for a law firm, emphasize your legal or law-
related experience, such as law clerk. Remember to use law-related action words such as
"drafted," "interviewed," "argued," etc., to assist you in describing your skills in a legally
relevant manner. NOTE: It is recommended that you do not include personal pronouns
on your resume.
Q: What if I have substantial professional experience that is not law-related?
A: You will want to find a balance whereby you emphasize the fact that you are a person
with extensive professional experience, but without over-emphasizing your particular
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field. You want to demonstrate that your orientation is now toward a law career, and that
skills developed through previous work experience are transferable. An appointment
with a Career Counselor will help you determine whether this is an appropriate option.
Q: What if I have held a variety of jobs that were not on the same professional level to which
I now aspire?
A: You may include a short paragraph summarizing such experiences, e.g., "Held various
hospitality industry positions providing the opportunity to build communication/public
relations skills." If you worked in order to help finance your education, you may include
this information, e.g., "Worked summers throughout college as (include title, separated
by commas) contributing substantially to college tuition." See Resume Sample p. 14.
Q: What if I have little or no work background?
A: In this case, emphasize positions of responsibility, activities, honors and grades in college
and law school, as well as community interests and volunteer activities.
PERSONAL/INTERESTS
Q: Should I include personal data such as birth date, marital status, and health?
A: The appropriate emphasis in a resume is on professional qualifications. Personal data is
not included.
Q: What if I took several years off to raise my children? How should this be reflected on my
resume?
A: If your gap in time is more than 6 months, it should be addressed in your resume. Create
an “Other Experience” section towards the end of your resume. Briefly state that you
were involved with significant volunteer and/or leadership positions (i.e. PTA Treasurer,
School Fund Raiser- raised amount in # of years). These are significant achievements
and denote skills that are transferable to the legal industry.
Q: Should I list interests on a resume?
A: This is an optional section on a resume, which is seen with increasing frequency. The
advantage is that by including interests, you make it known you are a well-rounded
person, and you create a safe topic of conversation which can serve as an icebreaker for
the interviewer.
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Q: How should I handle affiliations, which may point out a political, religious, or other orientation
different from a potential employer?
A: In order to strike a balance between being practical and being true to yourself, you must decide
how important to your identity that affiliation is, and whether or not you can work comfortably
with an employer with a different viewpoint. For example, if the affiliation is crucial to your
identity, but you could work with an employer with a divergent viewpoint, you may want to de-
emphasize the affiliation or leave it out. If you could not work with such an employer, it may be
more important that your resume make your affiliation clear to potential employers.
REFERENCES
Q: What about references?
A: Ideally, references should be respected individuals in the legal field who are able to speak
to
your legal abilities. Include references as a separate document to your resume, listing
each
reference's name, title, work address, and work phone. If the relationship is not apparent,
you might also consider including a brief line describing that person’s relationship to you,
e.g.: supervising attorney at Smith, Jones, and Wilson. You should confirm this
information with your references; advise them as to when you will begin your job search,
and follow-up with a courtesy copy of your resume for each reference.
BAR EXAMINATIONS/ADMISSIONS
Q. How should I reflect that I sat for a Bar Exam on my resume?
A: One example would be to include a separate section as your first entry on your resume
entitled: BAR EXAMINATION(S) and then list “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania” July
2011, results pending.
Q: As a graduate, how should I word my bar admission(s)?
A: There are several ways to present your bar admission(s). One alternative is to include
separate header entitled BAR ADMISSIONS" and then list "Supreme Court of
Pennsylvania November 2011; Supreme Court of New Jersey, December, 2011; U.S.
District Court E.D. Pa., November, 2011. See Resume Sample, p. 23. Another
alternative is to center your bar admission across the page and state "Admitted to
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania November, 2011:" or "Admitted to Practice
18
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania November, 2011." In any event, your bar admission(s)
should appear at the top of your resume.
MISCELLANEOUS
Q: May I get further assistance with my resume?
A: Yes. After reading the information in this packet you may still want suggestions about
specific concerns. Please make an appointment with the Career Development Office
counselors to review your resume draft and discuss your career options.
The following is a checklist to aid in resume preparation.
__ Hold your resume at arm's length to see how it looks
__ Evaluate the content of your resume
__ Make important information easy to find
__ Use action verbs to describe work responsibilities
__ Use the correct tense (past/present) of action verbs
__ Review resume for correct capitalization, punctuation and dates
__ Review resume for consistency in date format usage
__ Make your name stand out by utilizing bold text, underlining or capital letters
__ List your current address, email address and telephone number
__ Match your resume content to the employer and the position sought
__ Include only accurate information
__ Review for typographical, grammatical and spelling errors
__ Eliminate excessive type/font styles, sizes, lines or boxes creating a "busy" look
__ Avoid excessive blank space on your resume
__ Avoid excessive repetition of words or phrases including articles like "a," "an" and “the"
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Sample Resumes
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First-Year Student
JOHN J. JUSTICE
1515 Somewhere Street
Anywhere, Pennsylvania 17110
(717) 999-9999
EDUCATION
Widener University Commonwealth Law School J.D. expected May 2015
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Competitions: Alternative Dispute Resolution, finalist
Memberships: Pennsylvania Bar Association, Student Division
Dickinson College B.A. awarded May 2012
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Major: Political Science
GPA 3.18
Honor: Dean’s List (all semesters); Dickinson Scholar
Athletics: NCAA Division III (Centennial Conference), Captain – Track & Field
Volunteer: Habitat for Humanity – Chester, PA (semester breaks)
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Widener University School of Law Fall 2012
Wilmington, Delaware
Law Library Assistant. Worked in government documents section; maintained tax and
labor loose-leaf services; filed state and federal slip laws; assisted patrons in locating the
proper reference materials and government documents.
Dickinson College Fall 2010 & Spring 2011
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Resident Assistant. Assisted students in campus residence hall with academic and social
issues; maintained safety and order in the residence halls.
OTHER EXPERIENCE
*Held various other positions throughout college, including bartender, lifeguard and waiter to
finance undergraduate education.
INTERESTS
Softball, golf, theater
21
Second-Year Student – Extended Division
MARILYN R. SPENCER
mrspencer@anywhere.com
20 Spring Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 541-0000
EDUCATION
Widener University Commonwealth Law School J.D. expected May 2015
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Extended
Division
GPA: 3.013 (Top 20 percent = 3.013)
Honor: Certificate of Achievement: Torts
Leadership: Treasurer, Environmental Law and Policy Society
Competition: Pace University Environmental Law Writing Competition - semi-finalist
Lehigh University B.S. awarded May 2007
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania cum laude
Major: Economics
Minor: Business Administration
Honor : Central Dauphin Education Association Scholarship
Activity: Chi Omega Sorority, Intramural Sports Coordinator
Study Abroad: University of Cologne (2 semesters), Cologne, West Germany
LEGAL EXPERIENCE
Jones & Powell May 2012 - Present
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Law Clerk. Conduct legal research primarily in the area of insurance defense claims arising out of
medical malpractice suits; draft briefs, memoranda and pleadings; summarize depositions; assist attorney
in trial preparation; and observe appellate arguments.
The Honorable Donald E. Wieand Summer 2011
Superior Court of Pennsylvania
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Judicial Clerk. Analyzed cases, which were submitted to and/or argued before the Superior Court;
researched case and statutory law; drafted opinions and bench memoranda and assisted with court week
duties.
EMPLOYMENT
Lambert Industries June 2003 - May 2010
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Account Executive. Assessed customer requirements; generated corporate accounts in excess of $2
million; procured government business; negotiated pricing structure for purchasing contracts; and
reviewed and evaluated new product implementation procedures.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Lehigh University Alumni Club - Board of Directors, Big Brother/Big Sister Program - 3 year volunteer
22
Second-Year Student – Regular Division
JANE D. DEMURRER
2030 Anywhere Road
Somewhere, Pennsylvania 19380
EDUCATION
Widener University Commonwealth Law School J.D. expected May 2014
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Rank: 10 out of 209
Law Review: The Pennsylvania Journal of Corporate Law, Staff
Honors: Widener Scholar; Dean's Honors List – (two semesters);
Phi Delta Phi, Harrington Inns of Court
Memberships: American Bankruptcy Institute, Student Membership
Research: Directed Research Topic, Law and Economics Analysis of
Pennsylvania Corporate Law.
Saint Joseph's University B.A. awarded May 2011
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Major: History
GPA: 3.46
Honors: Phi Alpha Theta, National History Honor Society
Pi Gamma Nu, Social Science Honor Society
Dean's List (all semesters)
LEGAL EXPERIENCE
United States Bankruptcy Court Summer 2012
Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Reading, Pennsylvania
Law Clerk. Researched legal issues related to the United States Bankruptcy Code;
drafted judicial opinions; and observed Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 hearings and pre-
hearing judicial conferences.
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Macys, Inc. Summers 2009, 2010 & 2011
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Assistant Manager. Supervised and trained staff of 14 employees. Handled all
opening and closing procedures, sales meetings and incentive program, bank deposits,
receipts and computer level inventory control.
*Held various positions throughout college to help finance undergraduate education.
23
Second-Year Student – Regular Division
John M. Alexander
119 Crawford Lane
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17999
(717) 444-4444
EDUCATION
Widener University Commonwealth Law School J.D. expected May 2014
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Honors: Certificate of Achievement - Property I
High Grades: Torts I (A); Property I (A+); Legal Methods (A-)
Member: Pennsylvania Bar Association, Student Division
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
The Pennsylvania State University B.S. awarded May 2009
University Park, Pennsylvania
Major: Internal Family Studies
Minor: Business/Liberal Arts
GPA: 3.1/4.0
Honor: University Scholarship - Freshman Year
LEGAL EXPERIENCE
York County Legal Services August 2009 to Present
Reeceville, Pennsylvania
Legal Assistant: Assist attorneys representing indigent clients in matters of general practice including
divorce, child custody, personal injury and landlord/tenant law.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Dick’s Sporting Goods May 2006 to July 2009
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Sales: Assisted customers in selection of merchandise; operated cash register; opened and closed
department.
VOLUNTEER WORK
York County Division Three Little League Coach
Division of Youth and Family Services--Big Brother Program
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Third-Year Student – Regular Division
U. Charles Cullen, III
1300 North South Road
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17999
(717) 111-1111
EDUCATION
Widener University Commonwealth Law School J.D. expected May 2013
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
G.P.A.: 3.243; (Top 20% of class)
Honors: Moot Court Honor Society
Advocacy Training: Intensive Trial Advocacy Program
Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition
Leadership: Class Representative, Student Bar Association
Memberships: Widener Republican Caucus, Sergeant at Arms
Pennsylvania Bar Association, Student Division
Gettysburg College B.A. awarded June 2010
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
GPA: 3.25
Major: Finance
Honors: Dean's List (8 semesters)
LEGAL EXPERIENCE
Judicial Clerk Intern Summer 2012
Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas
Assisted Judge's law clerk in reviewing briefs, petitions and orders; researched criminal law and
procedural issues; assisted in trial preparation and trial conferences; and drafted opinions.
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Dormitory Resident Assistant September 2008 - May 2010
Gettysburg College
Served as a counselor for 75 coed students in a university residential hall. Coordinated dormitory
activities; acted as student liaison in dealing with university administration; and performed various
counseling functions.
Department Manager Summer 2008
The Department Store
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Ordered all merchandise for several departments; maintained the stockroom inventory for these
departments; and assisted customers in locating and choosing merchandise.
25
Two-Page Resume
CHRISTOPHER P. ALLEN
2500 East West Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19999
home (215) 555-5555
work (215) 666-6666
EDUCATION
Widener University Commonwealth Law School J.D./M.B.A expected May 2013 School of Law Evening Division
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Honors: Certificate of Achievement, Civil Procedure
Membership: Philadelphia Bar Association, Student Division
School of Business Administration
Chester, Pennsylvania
Honors: Dean’s List (2 semesters)
Temple University B.B.A. awarded May 2000
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania summa cum laude
Major: Accounting
G.P.A.: 3.8/4.0
Honors: Dean’s List (all semesters)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Philadelphia Platforms, Inc.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 2007 - Present
Controller. Supervise financial management of corporation. Plan and implement budgets and
cash flow analysis. Prepare payroll and all corporate tax returns. Oversee computer and manual
operations including internal auditing.
November 2006 - February 2007
Senior Staff Accountant. Prepared tax returns for individuals, corporations and partnerships;
provided compilation and review services; represented clients at tax audits and arranged deferred
payment agreements with various governmental agencies.
Achievements- Promoted to Senior Staff Accountant after one year as Junior Staff
Accountant
November 2005 – October 2006
Junior Staff Accountant. Worked with senior staff accountants to assist with preparation of tax
returns; attended client tax audits with senior staff; assisted with other general administrative
tasks.
Awards – Won “Work Achievement Award” as Junior and Senior Staff Accountant positions.
26
Christopher P. Allen Page two
McTavish and Company July 2004 - November 2005
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Junior Accountant. Maintained cost accounting and inventory records and assisted in
preparation of monthly financial reports to management.
Safety Insurance Co. May 2002 - June 2004
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Claims Service Representative. Received and reviewed property and casualty claim reports;
recorded statements from involved parties and witnesses and participated in other investigative
and claim settlement procedures.
Achievements – revised claims procedure manual and successfully negotiated 50 claims
resulting in 20% cost savings for company.
Office Assistant. Handled high volume of client intakes; scheduling and general administrative
tasks.
Wilson Temporary Staffing Inc. May 2000 – April 2002
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Temporary Secretary . Worked in various business settings on a temporary basis, assisting
management with accounting, budgets and secretarial duties, such as web maintenance, filing,
and client communications.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Habitat for Humanity (2005 – present)
Red Cross Blood Drive Representative (2004 – 2009)
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
Certified Public Accountant
INTERESTS
Classical music, piano, world history, certified NASCAR Mechanic
27
Third/Fourth Year Student
Joseph Davis
2525 North Main Street
North Ashcroft, New Jersey 19999
(215) 222-2222
EDUCATION
Widener University Commonwealth Law School Juris Doctor expected May 2013
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
GPA: 3.21
Honors: Executive Board Member, Moe Levine Trial Advocacy Honor Society
Oral Advocacy: Semi-finalist, Hugh B. Pearce Trial Advocacy Competition
Argued State's case-in-chief in matter involving collection of fire
insurance policy
Law Review: Case note Writer, The Widener Law Review
Memberships: Association of Trial Lawyers of America
New Jersey Bar Association, Student Membership
American Criminal Justice Association, Student Membership
Villanova University Bachelor of Arts awarded May 2010
Villanova, Pennsylvania
Major: Political Science
Minor: Criminal Justice
Honors: Pi Sigma Alpha, Political Science Honor Society
Dean’s List – 3 semesters
LEGAL EXPERIENCE
Smith, Jones & Brown Summer 2012
Cherry Hill, Pennsylvania
Law Clerk. Drafted discovery requests and responses in personal injury cases; performed
investigative services necessary for preparation of cases including witness interviews,
document searches, and filing of pleadings in state and federal courts.
Court of Common Pleas Summer 2011
Pretrial Services
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Bail Interviewer. Interviewed defendants prior to preliminary arraignment and assimilated
information on prior record, current charges, and court appearance history to determine risk
of flight; provided conclusions as to appropriate bail amounts and recommendations to the
Presiding Municipal Court Judge for purposes of lodging bench warrants.
28
Third/Fourth Year Student
Lawrence L. Marks
121 Progress Street
Harrisburg, PA 19999
(717) 555-5555
e-mail: [email protected]
EDUCATION
Widener University Commonwealth Law School J.D. expected May 2013
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
GPA: 3.069
Class Rank: Top 25%
Honors: Law Review, Widener Law Journal
Publication: Marks, Lawrence L., The Fourth Amendment in the New
Millennium. 8 Widener L. J. 212 (2011)
Activities: Widener New Horizons Club, Vice President
Pennsylvania Bar Association, Student Division
St. Joseph’s University B.A. awarded May 2010
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Major: English
GPA: 3.5
Honors: Dean’s List (7 of 8 semesters)
Activity: Varsity Soccer Team
LEGAL EXPERIENCE
Pennsylvania Civil Clinic August 2010 - present
Widener University School of Law
Certified Legal Intern. Conduct legal research; draft pleadings, memoranda and briefs; interview
clients; negotiate agreements; and represent clients at mediation as well as court hearings pursuant to
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Rules 321 and 322.
Smith, Jones & Brown Summer 2010
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Law Clerk. Conducted legal research, prepared motions, and drafted memoranda on a variety of
topics relating to corporate law and assisted in trial preparation.
INTERESTS
Golf, Music, U.S. History
29
REFERENCE PAGE - SEPARATE DOCUMENT FROM RESUME
Lawrence L. Marks
121 Progress Street
Harrisburg, PA 19999
(717) 555-5555
e-mail: [email protected]
REFERENCES
Professor Thomas Torts
Widener University Commonwealth Law School
3737 Vartan Way
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17106
(717) 541-3900
(Torts Professor)
John D. Smith, Esquire
Smith, Jones & Brown
277 Somewhere Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 19999
(717) 999-9999
(Supervising Attorney at Smith, Jones & Brown)
Professor Frances Finance
Widener University Commonwealth Law School
3737 Vartan Way
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17106
(717) 541-3900
(Business Organizations Professor)
30
Third/Fourth Year Evening Division
Patricia Patent
123 Main Street
Anywhere, Pennsylvania 17112
(717) 555-1234
patsy[email protected]
EDUCATION
Widener University Commonwealth Law School J.D. expected May 2013
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Extended Division
Rank: Top 30%
Honors: Certificate of Achievement, Legal Methods II
Certificate of Achievement, Patent Law
High Grades: Legal Methods II (A-)
Patent Law (A+)
Copyright Law (A)
University of Pennsylvania B.S. awarded May 2004
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania summa cum laude
Major: Chemical Engineering
G.P.A.: 3.82/4.0
Honors: Dean’s List (all semesters)
Activities: President, Engineering Society
Dormitory Resident Advisor
Chair, Special Olympics Committee (Fall 1998)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
United States Patent and Trademark Office June 2004 - Present
Washington, D.C.
Patent Examiner. Determine the patentability of inventions submitted by engineers, inventors and
scientists to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Analyze the subject matter of the application for
a patent, as well as the prior art to the field. Grant or reject the claims of the application. Possess
area of specialization in chemical engineering. Gained knowledge of the patent laws, rules of
practice, using the Manual of Patent Examining Practice and Procedure.
PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE
United States Patent and Trademark Office March 2005
INTERESTS
Renaissance Art, Antiques, Gardening, Hot Air Ballooning
31
Recent Graduate
SARA M. ABRAHAMSON
429 Alcott Drive
Somewhere, Pennsylvania 19808
(717) 478-2222 (H)
BAR ADMISSIONS
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania November 2010
State of New Jersey December 2010
LEGAL EXPERIENCE
Schaffer and Lewis September 2010 to Present
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Associate Attorney. Civil defense firm with emphasis in patent litigation; correspond with clients
and provide opinions as to patentability of client's products; assigned an excess of twenty-five files.
September 2008 to 2010
Law Clerk. Researched legal issues; prepared briefs, motions, pleadings and discovery responses.
Law Offices of Alan C. Marks May 2007 to September 2008
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Law Clerk. Firm specializing in personal injury litigation; researched legal issues; prepared briefs,
motions, pleadings and discovery; corresponded with clients and interviewed trial witnesses; and
prepared files for arbitration and trial.
EDUCATION
Widener University Commonwealth Law School J.D. awarded May 2010
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
High Grades: Contracts II; Criminal Procedure; Legal Methods/Analysis, Research & Writing
Activities: Student Bar Association, Class Representative
Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity
Women's Law Caucus
Research: Completed research in the area of Toxic Tort Litigation under the direction of
Professor Theresa X. Torts.
Villanova University B.S. awarded May 2007
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Major: Industrial Engineering
Minor: English Literature
32
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON COVER LETTER WRITING
Q. What information should I include in a cover letter?
A. A cover letter should highlight your skills and qualifications as they relate to your targeted
employer. This differs from the resume, which highlights your achievements and
accomplishments. Your cover letter should not repeat verbatim the information contained in
your resume, but instead, demonstrate how your skills can meet the employer's needs. The
employer perceives the cover letter as a writing sample and/or work product; therefore, it
should be treated as such by you. NOTE: A common pitfall in writing a cover letter is the
over-use of personal pronouns to begin sentences and paragraphs. Always review your cover
letter to determine if editing is necessary.
Q. What is the appropriate length of a cover letter?
A. The cover letter should be written in a strong, concise, but brief manner. It is strongly
recommended that a cover letter be no more than one page in length.
Q. May I use the same cover letter for each employer?
A. In today's competitive job market, every effort should be made to strengthen your candidacy.
Individuality and creativity will pique the interest of the reader while the mass mailing of
form cover letters is ineffective and wasteful and easily recognized by the employer. It
conveys a lack of research and, therefore, knowledge about the employer, as well as a lack of
commitment to wanting to work for that employer. Conducting research on employers
before preparing your cover letter enables you to personalize or target cover letters to
individual employers.
Q. How should I address my cover letter?
A. It is best to address your cover letter to the firm's designated contact person. If this
information is not available, it is suggested you phone the firm to acquire the name of the
contact person. If you cannot determine who the individual contact person is, use the title of
the firm's contact person, e.g., “Recruitment Coordinator," "Hiring Partner," etc. AVOID the
use of “Dear Sir" or "Dear Madam" or “To Whom It May Concern” as salutations.
Q. What does an employer look for when reading a cover letter?
A. You should answer the reader's questions, “Why is this candidate interested in my
firm/organization?” "What can this candidate do for me (my organization)?" Tell the
employer specifically why you want to work for them and also convey to the employer your
relevant experience and abilities as well as concrete evidence that you possess those skills
necessary to perform the job. Remember that your cover letter is, in a very real sense, a
33
schematic of yourself. It reflects your personality, your attention to detail, your
communication skills, your enthusiasm, and your intellect. Your cover letter and resume are
usually all an employer has to decide
whether or not you will reach the next phase in the application process -- the interview.
These documents are the first Writing Samples an employer reads, as such, they should be
concisely written and free of any typographical or grammatical errors.
Q. How should I address a request for salary requirements in a job ad?
A. Often it is difficult to determine what a specific position will pay. Although you may be
interested, there is a concern that your salary requirements may be too high or too low for
consideration for the position. The best way to handle this request is to state a salary range
that is typical for the position, e.g., I am currently interviewing for positions in the low to
mid sixties. The Career Development Office has salary surveys available to help you
determine what the market will bear for the position you seek in your geographic region.
CAUTION: All documents should be spell checked/proofread for errors before sending/mailing to
employers.
34
SAMPLE COVER LETTERS
Below is a standard cover letter format for reference when creating cover letters.
Your Name
Mailing Address
City, State and Zip Code
Telephone Number
E-mail Address
Contact’s Name, Job Title
Firm/Organization Name
Mailing Address
Today’s Date
Dear Mr. (or Ms.) Last Name:
The first paragraph should answer the questions: Why do you want to work for this employer and
what intrigued you about the potential position? Start the letter with an attention getter: a statement that
establishes a connection with your reader, research conducted, or person who referred you. State
something unique about the firm or organization and why it is of specific interest to you. Briefly state
what job you are applying for and briefly who you are (1L, 2L, 3L, licensed DE attorney, etc…).
The second and/or third paragraphs should consist of relevant points about the firm’s/organization’s
needs and your qualifications and how you can add value. Reference your enclosed resume here (i.e. As
my enclosed resume provides, …). This is where you need to sell yourself! Relate your skills and
qualifications, whether direct or transferable, to the needs of the employer by stating relevant
experience, achievements and how it benefits the employer. You should support all statements of your
abilities with specific examples of your achievements or job tasks that relate to your abilities. (i.e. “I
have excellent organizational skills and in my current position created a new database for client files”…)
Do not summarize your resume. Keep in mind that the focus of this paragraph should be what you can
do for them, not what they can do for you! (You may find it helpful to break this information into two
paragraphs, one concentrating on your knowledge, skills and abilities, and a second paragraph relating
these qualifications to the employers needs.)
The closing paragraph should pave your way to an interview. Restate your interest in the position
and your desire for an interview. Thank the reader for his/her time and consideration. Restate your
phone # and email address for their convenience.
Very truly yours,
Your handwritten signature
Your Name (typed)
Enclosure(s)
35
FIRST YEAR SAMPLE
Joshua S. Silverstone
53 Colony Boulevard
Building 3, Apartment 1067
Harrisburg, PA 19927
(717) 555-9842
josh_silrock@hotmail.usa
Joanne Angelou, Esquire
Hiring Partner
Dewey, Snerd & Angelou, LLC
6822 Delaware Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 19722
(Insert date here)
Dear Ms. Angelou:
At your suggestion and Mr. Joseph Bush, I reviewed the information on your website concerning your
summer program and was intrigued by the significant opportunities offered for legal research and writing. I have
excelled in my legal writing classes and look forward to the prospect of making a positive contribution in your
summer program.
As my attached resume indicates, my work background has allowed me to develop numerous job skills
applicable to the legal world. As the co-chair of my mock trial team in college, I began my training in public
speaking and oral advocacy. As a cashier and later manager for Office Depot in Harrisburg, I experienced a high-
pressure work environment where I was required to balance competing priorities and keep customers happy while
also implementing cost saving strategies. Currently, I am working part-time as a telemarketer for a local credit
card company and have developed my communication and problem-solving skills, which I am confident will help
me succeed as your summer intern.
I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my qualifications. I can be reached at (717)
555-9842 or via email at josh_silrock@hotmail.usa. Thank you for your consideration of my resume.
Very truly yours,
Joshua S. Silverstone
Attachment
36
SECOND YEAR SAMPLE
Kaneesha C. Washington
451 South Cherry Avenue
Holland Point, PA 19825
(717) 555-7621
kaneeshdub@centric.com
Lawrence H. Schwartz, Esquire
Schwartz and Associates
The Riddick Building, Suite 86015
2400 John F. Kennedy Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(Insert date here)
Dear Mr. Schwartz:
Your website mentions that your firm represents plaintiffs in products liability and medical malpractice
matters. I am very interested in these areas of practice and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to positively
contribute to the work at your firm. I am currently a second year law student at Widener University
Commonwealth Law School and would like to be considered for your summer clerkship position as advertised
through my Career Development Office.
As my attached resume demonstrates, my background includes a variety of experience that is relevant to
your litigation practice. Last summer, I worked with the Bureau of Consumer Protection at the Pennsylvania
Office of the Attorney General. That position allowed me to perform a variety of tasks including conducting legal
research, writing memoranda of law, counseling consumers on products liability issues and negotiating
settlements with business owners. In addition, my work as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for the past
six (6) years has taught me how to balance my priorities and provided me with valuable people skills which I
developed further while working for the Attorney General. My EMT experience also exposed me to legal issues
related to healthcare, including medical malpractice.
I am confident that my work with the Attorney General has prepared me to contribute to your products
liability practice, while my EMT experience will serve you well in the analysis of medical malpractice matters. I
look forward to meeting with you to discuss my qualifications. I can be reached at (717) 555-6721 or via email at
kaneeshdub@centric.com. Thank you for your consideration.
Very truly yours,
Kaneesha C. Washington
Attachment
37
THIRD YEAR SAMPLE-FIRM
Jane R. Green
114 Silverside Road
Anywhere, PA 19802
(717) 454-2252
jrg@yahoo.com
Jonathan F. Gold, Esquire
Senior Partner
Silver, Gold & Platinum LLC
416 Legal Way, Suite 411
Georgetown, PA 19967
(Insert date here)
Dear Mr. Gold:
I met your colleague, Janice Emerald, at a Pennsylvania Bar Association function, and she recommended
I contact you immediately regarding an open associate attorney position with your firm. After reviewing your
website, I was excited to read about your successful Criminal Defense practice. I have a strong interest in criminal
defense work and have discussed my relevant experience below. I am currently a third year student at Widener
University Commonwealth Law School and am on schedule to graduate this May.
As my attached resume indicates, I have had two valuable internships as a Widener Commonwealth
student. After my first year, I was selected to work as a summer intern with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s
Office. This experience allowed me to participate in each aspect of the criminal justice system and also provided
me with practical experience drafting legal orders and memoranda. During my second summer, I interned with
the United States Army’s Judge Advocate General Corps. While there, I assisted in Courts-Martial and drafted
briefs on behalf of the United States of America. My exposure to the prosecution of criminal cases for the State
of Pennsylvania and The United States Army has provided me with a valuable and strategic perspective on
criminal defense work, which will be of benefit to you in your practice.
I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my qualifications in further detail. I can be reached at (717)
454-2252 or via email at jrg@yahoo.com. Thank you for your consideration of my resume.
Very truly yours,
Jane R. Green
Attachment
38
JUDICIAL CLERKSHIP SAMPLE (with prior clerkship experience)
John C. Law
2117 North Widener Avenue
Hopetown, PA 08797
(717) 555-1212
jclaw@woofboom.net
The Honorable Richard A. Bean
Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas
400 Swede Street, P.O. Box 311
Norristown, PA 19404-0311
(Insert date here)
Dear Judge Bean:
During this past school year, I had the honor of working as an extern with your colleague Judge LeRoy
Mervin. Since he has retired from the bench, Judge Mervin suggested I contact you to express my interest in
applying for a judicial clerkship with you during the 2013-2014 term. I am currently a fourth year evening
division student at Widener University Commonwealth Law School. In addition, I am a native of Norristown and
intend to practice law in my hometown.
My experience with Judge Mervin exposed me to the challenges and rewards offered while working as
judicial clerk. I carried out a wide variety of tasks for the Judge, such as performing legal research, drafting
opinions, assisting during voir dire and providing support at settlement conferences. These experiences would
allow me to make an immediate positive contribution to your chambers should you grant me the opportunity to
work with you. In addition, my academic achievements support my ability to positively contribute to your work.
For example, I obtained a Certificate of Achievement in Legal Methods II signifying the highest grade in the
class. I also performed well above the class average in my Pennsylvania Civil Practice class and the Intensive
Trial Advocacy Program.
I look forward to utilizing both my academic and work experience and skills as outlined above and in my
attached resume. I would be honored to meet with you to discuss the contributions I might make to your chambers
and can be reached at your convenience at (717) 555-1212 or via email at jclaw@woofboom.net.
Thank you for considering my application.
Respectfully,
John C. Law
Attachment
39
JUDICIAL CLERKSHIP SAMPLE (NO PRIOR CLERKSHIP EXPERIENCE)
Jane C. Law
2117 North Widener Avenue
New Wilmington, PA 08797
(610) 555-1212
jclaw@woofboom.net
The Honorable Helen T. Thomas
Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas
400 Swede Street, P.O. Box 311
Norristown, PA 19404-0311
(Insert date here)
Dear Judge Thomas:
I am writing to you to express my interest in clerking for your chambers post graduation from law school.
I am currently a fourth year evening division student at Widener University Commonwealth Law School. In
addition, I am a native of Norristown and intend to practice law in my hometown.
As my attached resume details, I have served as an intern with two law firms in Montgomery County,
Pennsylvania. At both of these firms, I conducted legal research and drafted memoranda, briefs and motions. In
addition, my academic achievements support my ability to positively contribute to your work. For example, I
obtained a Certificate of Achievement in Legal Methods II signifying the highest grade in the class. I also
performed above average in my Pennsylvania Civil Practice class and the Intensive Trial Advocacy Program. I
am confident that my research and writing experience as well as my exposure to Pennsylvania procedural rules
will allow me to make an immediate positive contribution to your chambers.
I look forward to applying both my legal experience and skills outlined above and in my attached resume.
I would be honored to meet with you to discuss my qualifications in further detail. I can be reached at your
convenience at (717) 555-1212 or via email at jclaw@mail.widener.net.
Thank you for considering my application.
Respectfully,
Jane C. Law
Attachment
40
THIRD YEAR SAMPLE – ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
Joan E. Barnes
1101 North Oak Road
Castle Park, NJ 08062
(876) 555-9263
jebscuba@sailnet.net
Carol E. Gowling, Esquire
Executive Director
Friends of Coral Reefs
4450 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 200
Washington, D.C. 20034
(Insert date here)
Dear Ms. Gowling:
In examining your website, I was very impressed by the variety of activities that Friends of Reefs
undertakes to educate lawmakers and the public regarding the dangers faced by the reef ecosystem. I would like to
be considered for your summer intern position that you listed on PSLawnet. I am currently a third year Evening
Division student at Widener University Commonwealth Law School.
As demonstrated in my enclosed resume, I have been successful in law school. I rank in the top third of
my class and performed well in a variety of classes. I received an “A” in my Civil Procedure and Environmental
Law classes and will be taking the Intensive Trial Advocacy Program (ITAP) at the end of this school year.
Currently, I work as a volunteer at the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic (Clinic) where I have
performed legal research and drafted the federal preclusion section of the Clinic’s recent amicus brief to the United
States Supreme Court filed in opposition to proposed state regulations permitting commercial development of
Delaware wetlands. While attending law school, I work full-time as a litigation support paralegal with Krump &
Stone, LLC, located in Wilmington, Delaware.
I am highly motivated to do everything I can to help stop the devastation of the world’s reef systems. For
the last eighteen years, I have enjoyed scuba diving on various reefs in the Caribbean, including the fantastic Belize
Barrier Reef. I have seen with my own eyes the deterioration of coral structures during that period. Global
warming, pollution, careless anchoring practices and mindless harvesting of coral have all contributed to the crisis
that reefs face worldwide. I am confident that my academic and work experiences would allow me to positively
contribute to the Friends of Reefs mission to protect coral structures located outside the National Park system.
I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you in Washington, D.C. to further explore how I might
assist you with your important work. Please contact me at your convenience at (876) 555-9263 or via email at
jebscuba@sailnet.net.
Thank you for your consideration.
Very truly yours,
Joan E. Barnes
Attachment
41
OUT OF TOWN JOB SEARCH
Your Name
Contact Info
Contact person
Firm name
Address
Date
Dear :
I am presently attending Widener University Commonwealth Law School and will receive a Juris Doctor
degree in May, 20__. I am interested in applying to (Name of firm) for an associate position following the
completion of my studies in May. After reviewing your website, I was pleased to learn that your firm specializes
in (areas of law). In addition, I am quite familiar with and fond of (City name) as I have several friends and
relatives who live in the area. (state your connection to the area).
My academic achievements and my legal experience with (name of organization) have provided me with
a strong substantive background in (relevant areas of law). Throughout law school, I held positions that often
required as much as 20 hours of work each week. My work with clients, including drafting motions and legal
memoranda enabled me to attain practical legal skills which would be of value to your firm. I look forward to
putting that experience to work on behalf of your firm.
I have enclosed a resume and writing sample for your consideration. I would be pleased to speak with
you about the needs of your firm during the coming year. I will be in (geographic area) (state dates) and would
appreciate meeting with you during that period. I can be reached at (phone) or (email). Thank you very much for
your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.
Very truly yours,
Name
42
ACCEPTANCE/REJECTION SAMPLES
Letters for Acceptance of Offer
Dear Mr. Reed:
I am very pleased to accept your offer of employment with Smith & Reed. I thoroughly enjoyed my recent visit
to the firm to meet with several junior and senior associates in the Corporate Department, including Joan Smith
and Tom Peters. I plan to contact them in the next few days to thank them for their assistance in making this
important decision.
Thank you and I hope that we will have an opportunity to speak again before I begin next summer.
Sincerely,
Offer received: acceptance/rejection put off:
Dear Ms. Connell:
I appreciate your interest in me for an associate position with your firm. I am still very interested in the
possibility of working for (Name of firm). However, in view of the fact that I am considering other possibilities
at this time, I am not prepared to make a final commitment. Understanding that you must make some decisions
too, I will make a final decision by _________, and will communicate that decision to you. I appreciate your
understanding and flexibility.
Again, thank you for your offer.
Sincerely,
Detailed Letter Rejecting an Offer:
Dear Mr. Smith:
I am writing to advise you that, after much deliberation, I will not be accepting your offer to join Smith & Reed.
As I am sure you can imagine my decision was based on a great deal of information obtained over the course of a
lengthy recruitment process. Through the candor and forthrightness of you and your colleagues, I was provided
with excellent information about Smith & Reed. The friendly and professional demeanor of everyone I met with,
coupled with Smith & Reed’s outstanding corporate practice, made this a very difficult decision. I would like to
thank you again for all of your consideration and assistance in this endeavor, and hope that our paths cross again
in the future.
Sincerely,
*It is also good practice to write a note even if you do not get offered the job. In addition to displaying good
manners, it is possible that your resume could be kept on file for future openings or be passed on to the
interviewer’s colleagues who may also be seeking help. Never burn your bridges! Try turning the negative into a
positive!
43
ALUMNI COVER LETTER
Matthew K. Mulligan, Esquire
66 Walker Way
Camden, New Jersey 08911
856.219.2626
Joseph Marks, Esquire
Franks, McGillicutty and Shaloub, LLP
1500 Mellon Bank Center
1735 Market Street
Philadelphia PA 19103-7595
October 21, 2013
Dear Mr. Marks:
Franks, McGillicutty and Shaloub, LLP is an outstanding organization as evidenced by its
excellent reputation in the legal community. After reviewing your website I was excited to learn about
your corporate litigation, tax and real estate practices. I have experience in these practice areas and
would like to be considered for an associate position with your firm. I am a licensed Pennsylvania and
New Jersey attorney and a Certified Public Accountant. I also reside in the Philadelphia area.
As my enclosed resume provides, my professional experience in tax, corporate governance, and
real estate finance has enabled me to gain the skills necessary to add immediate value to your corporate
practice. During my current employment at Wesson & Barretta, I work on corporate litigation as well as
commercial and residential real estate matters. While employed at Guberoff Consultants in
Philadelphia, I directed international audit projects and managed a portion of the Sarbanes-Oxley
implementation project. I have also worked in public accounting with a concentration in tax matters. I
am confident that my legal and professional experience will be an asset to your practice.
I welcome the opportunity to personally interview with you at your convenience. Please feel free
to contact me by email at mkm@yahoo.com or telephone 856-219-2626 at any time. Thank you for
your consideration.
Very truly yours,
Matthew K. Mulligan, Esquire
Enclosure
