The legal industry is among the most competitive in the world and ensuring your resume stands out without a referral is a hard task. The best legal resumes know exactly what to include and what to leave out of your professional legal resume. If you’re wondering what should be on your resume, read on to learn more from the experts at Resume Pundits about resume writing for lawyers.
A Heading
This is basic resume writing for lawyers and anyone else applying for a job! You may have thought this obvious, but you would be surprised at how many lawyer’s resumes are missing a proper heading. Make sure all the information you provide is professional and include your:
- Name
- Mailing Address
- Telephone Number
- Email Address
You could also include a permanent mailing address if you wish to highlight that you live in the area where the law firm you’re applying for is based.
Give Concrete Examples
Many people writing their own resume don’t always give concrete examples of their skills. They may list their responsibilities, but without phrasing them as accomplishments. Just listing your duties doesn’t have the same impact that actionable successes have.
Resume Pundits has a lot of experience with resume writing for lawyers and after an initial interview with you, we have all the information we need to provide concrete, relevant examples of your work experience and accomplishments.
Make Sure All Your Information is Accurate
Up to date, accurate information is crucial. Obvious mistakes with dates and spelling are the easiest ways to get disqualified. Double check the dates on your education and work history to make sure that everything is accurate and listed in the correct order. You don’t want to show that you graduated law school before college, or look suspicious when you forget to include the month and year in your work history. Resume writing for lawyers must be precise, as most lawyers are paid to pay attention to even the smallest details.
Black on White Formatting
Reviewing applicants for legal positions is generally a very serious task that does not benefit from creatively formatted professional resumes. The best legal resumes will be in black and white with no additional colors, borders, or unique fonts. Ensuring everything is easy to read and that the correct information stands out with proper italics and bullet points is crucial.
Degrees in Reverse Order
To ensure you have a professional legal resume that’s easy to read and understand, you want to list your degrees in reverse chronological order. You don’t want to include your high school education either. If you received any honors, include them under the appropriate school entry instead of in a separate section. You may have a joint degree or several advanced degrees, but you should only include them if they are highly relevant to the position you seek.
Resume Pundits Resume Writing for Lawyers
Resume Pundits is here to provide you the best advice and information for your job search. We can help you write a resume, cover letter, or navigate salary negotiations and interviews. Reach out to us today to learn more.
