In a tight job market first impressions make all the difference. What better place to make a good first impression than in your cover letter? Below are a few tips on taking your cover letter from ho-hum to wow:

1. Start your cover letter with a strong opening. Get right to the point of why you are contacting the employer and immediately focus on why you’re a good fit for the job. Remember to begin with a brief but powerful explanation of why they should not only continue to read your cover letter (and resume); but why they should call you for an interview.
2. Make sure to avoid being too modest in your cover letter. Surprisingly too many attorneys are extremely modest about their accomplishments and skills --- to a fault. The cover letter is not the place to display humbleness.  Instead of being humble or downplaying yourself, highlight your most valuable skills right from the beginning in your cover letter.
3. Show the employer that you are not only qualified for the job; but that you are a great “package” which includes other skills and characteristics that come as a bonus if you’re hired. For example, if your bilingual or have experience working with immigrant populations, this is a “value added” characteristic you want to mention in your cover letter.