by Beverly Aarons
8. May 2009 09:30
For maximum effectiveness in your job search, your cover letters should be specific and customized for each prospect. But you should also make sure that your cover letters address the needs of the type of target you are writing to. For example, legal recruiters want to get an overview of your skills and what you have to offer for their various clients. Here are a few tips on crafting cover letters specifically for recruiters:
1. Focus. Target legal recruiters who have clients or job opportunities in your practice area. If you have skills in several practice areas create a list of recruiters in each area of expertise. This is going to take a little research on your part but the payoff can be huge.
2. Be specific. You cover letter should focus on your area expertise highlighting how your skills and experience can benefit their clients. You may even want to mention some of their clients and talk about how your experience would be beneficial to them. Once again, this is going to take some research on your part. You will need to do a little research on their clients. If you're not sure where to start with your research, start with a Google search or the recruiter's website.
3. Cast your net wide. Don't just send your cover letter to one recruiter; send out customized cover letters to many recruiters who would benefit from your experience. Also, don’t limit your search to only regional recruiters, many legal recruiters work nationwide.