Recently I have put together a couple of emails and letters for a client and these are included as free covering email and covering letter templates in this post below.
The candidate in question is currently in house as a General In House Counsel. The covering email/letter is in a classic layout with the information we would expect to see as recruiters or as a law firm recruiting directly.
For our covering letter or email review service please visit http://www.legalcareercoaching.co.uk
Example Covering Letter Template 1
Email (for agencies)
I am a 5 year PQE Solicitor currently working In House, handling a general company commercial caseload on behalf of a multi-national manufacturing company. Present caseload includes Corporate Commercial, Employment, Commercial Contracts and Commercial Litigation. My experience is extensive.
Notice period is 3 months and my current package includes a basic salary of £84,000, pension contribution, a company car and an annual bonus.
I am looking for in house roles in London at a salary level higher than my current and I seek a move to further my career.
Please register my CV, keep me informed of any vacancies arising and refrain from sending out my CV to prospective employers without my consent.
Many thanks.
Albert Denning
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Example Covering Email Template 2
(email for direct applications to companies)
Dear Sharon,
Further to your advertisment on Reed.co.uk please find attached my CV. I should very much like to apply for the role.
I am an In House Counsel (and qualified solicitor) with over 20 years experience. I currently work in house for a multi-national service sector company handling a general company commercial caseload.
My caseload includes all aspects of corporate commercial law (I attend company board meetings as company secretary), employment (contentious and non-contentious including tribunal advocacy), commercial contracts (over 75 sets of T&Cs reviewed each week) and commercial litigation (over 500 matters issued in the County Court and High Court). My experience is extensive (match the job description in this paragraph).
I seek a move to further my career and note that the role (say a bit about the role and the company).
My notice period is 3 months, which may or may not be flexible, and my current package includes £94,000 as a basic salary plus employer pension contribution, a company car and an annual bonus.
Many thanks for considering my application and I look forward to hearing from you.
Warm Regards
George Best
Mobile number
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Covering emails should always be kept very brief, straight to the point, and not attached to emails as covering letters. As a recruiter I really don’t care if you think of yourself as confident, bubbly, veracious and a go-getter. I used to keep sheep and this description could probably fit most of these!
Needless to say my sheep probably stood as much a chance as you of finding work if you think it necessary to write this sort of rubbish.
For Careers advice and assistance please visit our Careers Shop – www.legalcareercoaching.co.uk
Jonathan Fagan is a solicitor (non-practising), recruitment consultant and career coach to the legal profession since April 2000.
