The Human Tendency to Infer the Worst: Why the Absence of a Proper Cover Letter Can Severely Damage Your Candidacy

1. What Can Actually Happen Behind Closed Doors When Your Submission Materials are Being Reviewed

Here's what the recruiting manager said to me:


"Dan, we get so many applicants and only have limited time for interviews. If there is any missing relevant information from a resume or cover letter, you'd be amazed at how the hiring committee automatically infers the worst possible explanation and before you know it, these inferences become fact."

She went on to share a story that had stuck with her, personally, for years:

[Upon reviewing a resume in a hiring committee meeting]

Partner 1: This candidate has a good resume, but why did he leave his last firm after only 10 months?"

Partner 2: "I heard through the grapevine that somebody in that practice group was fired. Maybe it was him?"

Partner 1: "Hmm. Does he mention in his cover letter why he left his firm after only 10 months?"

Recruiting Manager: "No, the headhunter just wrote that he has 'great experience' and is 'interested in interviewing with us.'"

Partner 1: "Hmm, maybe that is him. Let's put him in the "hold" pile and come back to him later. We've got a lot more resumes to review."

When the recruiting manager circled back with the partner a few days later about that particular candidate, the partner commented, "Oh, is that the one who was fired? Let's hold off on him right now - we don't want to inherit somebody's problems."

Naturally, my next question was, "Well, did you ever find out if the person was actually fired?"

Fortunately, the recruiting manager was very diligent and did call the candidate's headhunter, who only then informed the recruiting manager that the candidate was not laid off (in fact, the candidate received a very good 6 months performance review), but left the firm because the partner with whom he worked exclusively was asked to leave due to a major conflict with another partner. Rather than stay with the firm and work in a totally different practice area, the candidate felt it made sense to focus exclusively on a job search in his chosen field, which is why he quit his job and did just that.

Once the recruiting manager provided this new information to "Hiring Partner 1", her response was, "Oh, ok - let's bring him in then." The associate nailed his interviews and, according to the recruiting manager, remains the "golden child" of the practice.

2. Almost All Attorneys Leave Out the Most Critical Information from a Resume and Cover Letter

If you ask a hiring attorney in a law firm what he or she considers to be the most important information (aside from academics) when deciding to hire a lateral candidate, it's usually: (1) Does this candidate have relevant experience and training to handle our work?; (2) Did this candidate perform well at his/her other jobs (including, "Did the candidate meet the billables?"); and (3) Will this candidate do well here?

For some perplexing reason, in the world of attorney job searching, resumes only address number #1. While I strongly believe it's extremely beneficial to do so, you will very rarely see legal resumes that discuss a candidate's performance evaluations or billable hours, or reasons for leaving a prior employer. In terms of cover letters, the same problem exists. Candidates will typically take a paragraph to introduce their interest in the position, rehash the experience that is on their resume in a paragraph or two, and then explain in very generic terms that they are very interested in meeting with the firm.

Why is the most critical information not expected to be included? I don't really know, but I think perhaps it is rooted in candidates' faulty assumptions that they will have the opportunity to explain all of the relevant background information during an interview. As you can see from the above story, this opportunity is often not given.

3. The Importance of a Comprehensive Cover Letter

To be clear, I am not saying that a cover letter has to be very long in order to be useful. I am well aware of conventional wisdom that says, "A cover letter should be no longer than one page because nobody has the time to read it." This is sometimes true, but sometimes it could not be farther than the truth.

a. For Candidates Using a Legal Headhunter

If you are able to work with a headhunter, you have an excellent opportunity to have your background information presented in a compelling manner that you could not otherwise do yourself. Why? Because headhunters are speaking about you as a third-person, it is more acceptable to have them explain your background (and brag on your behalf!) through a well-crafted cover letter that can well exceed one page. (For some of my candidates, my cover letters need to be as long as 5 to 8 pages in order to sufficiently profile a unique career path.) A good headhunter will not only provide a detailed description of the legal skills you have gained, but will also be able to beautifully supplement your resume by providing important background information that is critical to your candidacy. If you are working with a headhunter, you should expect the headhunter's cover letter to discuss not only your legal skills and experience, but your unique achievements, accomplishments, performance reviews, billable hours, and most importantly, your reasons for seeking another position. If you are moving cities, a cover letter should explain in detail your connection to the new city.

[Quick Minor Detour] - What About Disclosing Negative Information in a Cover Letter?

You may be thinking, "What if my hours are low because my firm didn't have enough work to go around? Won't a cover letter hurt me?" Generally speaking, and based on very much experience, I believe that up front honesty in a cover letter is by far the best policy, with one exception (discussed below). First, if you try to withhold what you consider to be negative information, it may not be nearly as negative as you perceive it to be, and may actually be much more common than you expect. Second, even if you think you are concealing negative information going into an interview, your body language (including eye contact), vocal pitch, and other cues will send the signal that something is not "right." While attorneys are not experienced lie detectors, they are pretty darn close-especially litigators-and can smell blood from a mile away. When they do, they will pounce on you (much more than they would if you were to preemptively raise any negative information yourself). And if, after being pried open like an oyster, you finally do come clean with negative information, your credibility is completely gone and you can be guaranteed that you will be receiving a rejection letter within a few weeks. We have seen many qualified attorneys not get offers because they tried to withhold relevant information that, if disclosed voluntarily, would never have ruined their chances of getting the job. It's the act of withholding the information that causes the greatest damage, even if it is discovered after you start working at the new firm.

Now the exception: if there is truly negative information that would reflect poorly on your judgment if you included it in a cover letter (if somebody reading your letter were to ask, "Why would this person put THAT in a cover letter?") or if you truly feel that the negative information can only be conveyed appropriately in person during an interview, this is the exception that warrants leaving the information out of a cover letter to be discussed and preemptively brought up by you during an interview.

Enough of the Negative Information/Honesty Debate - Back to Cover Letters

Ok, ok, I'm getting off my "honesty on interviews" soap box and back to cover letters. So, the point here is that a good cover letter written by a headhunter will be able to not only fill in all the questions that a firm might wonder when reviewing your materials (such as your reasons for leaving your job), but will also be able to highlight why you would make a good fit for the firm and why you are likely to succeed, based on the headhunter's knowledge of both the firm and the candidate.

Inherent Risks When Your Headhunter Says, "Don't Worry About a Cover Letter - I'll Call the Firm and Tell Them Your Information."

I firmly believe that drafting a strong cover letter is among of the most important forms of added value a good headhunter can add to your candidacy. When I was an attorney, I worked with a headhunter and I asked how she was going to relay my background information to the firm. She replied, "Oh, I know people at the firm - I'll just call and tell them about your additional background information." At the time, that seemed like a perfectly fine answer. What I didn't realize at the time-but what I know now-is that more often than not, this call is never made and resume and transcript is presented with a single lined email such as "Enclosed please find an applicant for your ____ position." And if the call is actually made, the information that is mentioned during a brief phone conversation can hardly be effectively distributed to all the different interviewers (usually, a note or two is just scratched in the file and often forgotten), and the risk of erroneous assumptions (as discussed above) presents itself again.

With a solid cover letter that accompanies your resume and transcript, you are providing everybody with a document that contains all of your relevant background information, which is the only way to protect you from the risk of erroneous assumptions that nearly undermined the candidate in the story above. While there is no way you can guarantee that every interviewing attorney will read the entire letter prior to the interview, we have found that many of the interviewers do read every single word of the letters (and routinely comment favorably to our candidates). If they don't read the entire letter, they usually glance at the headings which, by themselves, can provide very important background information. In sum, it makes the interviewer's job easier by providing them with relevant information at their fingertips, and this reflects very well on you as a candidate.

Given the importance of cover letters for purposes of filling in missing critical information-and the dangerous risks that accompany the absence of a cover letter-this is perhaps the most important way a good headhunter shows his or her commitment and dedication to investing in your job search.

b. For Attorneys Applying Directly to a Firm (Not Through a Headhunter)

If you are not using a legal headhunter, you should try to limit your cover letter to discussing not only your qualifications, but your reasons for seeking a new position, an explanation of any prior job moves on your resume, and any relevant accomplishments that would be of interest to your new firm. If you are not sure of what critical information to include in a cover letter, take a look at your resume as if it was from somebody you were interviewing at your job. Then, with a critical eye, pick out questions that you yourself would have about this person's background and reasons for seeking a new position.

As a rule of thumb, include your reasons for seeking a new opportunity. In terms of your accomplishments, a good way to "brag without bragging" is to include a sentence such as, "While I very much enjoy my colleagues and am in very good standing at my firm, I am interested in your firm because of its strong regulatory health care practice, which is not present at my current firm." Also, you should include a sentence or two with specific reasons as to why you believe you would be a good fit for the firm.

CONCLUSION

By following the above advice-admittedly unconventional but proven to be extremely effective in my recruiting practice-you are not only protecting yourself from falling victim to an interviewer's human tendency to infer the worst about missing information, but also giving yourself an advantage over the other candidates who leave this useful information out.


About Harrison Barnes

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter

Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:

• Immigration Law
• Workers Compensation
• Insurance
• Family Law
• Trust and Estate
• Municipal law
• And many more...

This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

• Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
• Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
• Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
• Growing firms in small and rural markets

He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

• His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
• He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
• His placement success is unmatched-see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
• He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.

Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes

If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here

With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

• Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
• Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
• Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.

This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.

A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

He has worked with:

• Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
• Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
• Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
• Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.

For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.

Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation

If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.

Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.

Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.