How long are typical cover letters when applying to lateral positions? I’m a junior associate looking to switch firms and am afraid my cover letter is just my resume regurgitated. Does anyone even read cover letters?

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3 paragraphs, 1 page including signature, to/from/re:.

If you are regurgitating your resume, you're doing it wrong. Why are you looking to work here...

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This isn’t responsive to your question, but I truly hope cover letters eventually become a thing of the past. I consider them pointless (I’ve been responsible for reading them). Why do I want to work here? Obviously because I think my credentials are good fit and the job fits into my career goals. Everything else is fluff. And it’s so formulaic as to be worthless.

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Amen! Hated writing them and hated reading them. A purpose of a resume is to get you in the door for an interview. Writing samples can be provided or obtained independently. Discuss those topics during the interview.

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To me and most employers, it’s very important. It has to be flawless (take time to proof read and ask friends and family for help and comments) and short (max one page).
Basically the idea is for it to be 3 paragraphs: « you, me, us ». I.e. Why should the prospective employer hire you (without regurgitating the resume), why do you want the job and what can the both of you achieve together.
Sounds simple, but very few applicants get it right...

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Thank you!!

I think they are still very useful. I consider a cover letter akin to an email where the resume is attached to the email. Would you send the email with no text just the attachment to the managing partner? No. What you put in the email is your cover letter. It forms the connection between you and the employer.

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People read then, but it's usually just filler unless the applicant uses that opportunity to share some info that isn't otherwise captured in the application, e.g. some unique reasons why applying to this position.

If that's not you, I wouldn't stress about it (but don't regurgitate your resume).

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Thank you

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