Resume Tips

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There is no absolute “right way” to write a resume but there are tips to writing it in a way that will be dynamic and attention-grabbing.

A quality resume will:

• Introduce you to the applicable decision-makers
• Influence how those decision-makers view you as a potential candidate
• Ensure that a 15-20 second review of your resume leaves a positive impression

Some basic Do’s and Do not’s would include:

Do:

• Know your reader and draft the resume accordingly
• To the best of your ability give the reader exactly what they want
• Spit the position description and job requirements right back at the reader

Do not:

• Do not waste space
• Do not label your resume. The reader knows what the document is
• DO NOT INCLUDE A PICTURE OF YOURSELF. (You are not an actor.)
• Do not include fancy graphics or colors
• Do not use your work email
• If your personal email does not include your name or initials ONLY, create a new email. “Supersexystar@yahoo.com” is not a professional email address
• Do not use long paragraphs
• Do not mislead the reader

Some basic preferences/recommendations:

• Dates on the right hand side of the document
• Do not have a personal profile/goal section
• One to two page resume maximum for US candidates (one is better) depending on the seniority of the candidate and seniority of the position
• Senior positions can include a “Synopsis of Legal Experience” attached to the resume
• The first page is the most important and should contain all your selling points
• Order of work experience vs. education depends on which is more impressive, with education usually being listed first
• Begin with your most recent employer (include a line about the company or firm) and include all titles and roles
• Mention specific highlights of the position that relate to the job they are looking to fill as well as other impressive specifics. Bullet points or a very short paragraph are appropriate
• Center your name at the top of the page in 14-point type. The “meat” of the resume should be in 10 or 12-point type. Use a clean font like Times New Roman or Arial
• Use one inch margins
• Be precise with dates (don’t hide your graduation date)
• Tastefully show off (highlight strong academic records)

Other headings that you might want to include depending on the job and location:

• Publications or Seminars
• Languages
• Citizenship
• Community Involvement
• Corporate Involvement
• Previous non-legal Experience
• Interests
• References