Content of Your Attorney Resume - Part 4

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Content of Your Attorney Resume - Part 4

Be creative and professional at the same time. Attorney Resume: This is possible to do. If you have a particular interest or hobby that may not parlay into a skill used in a law practice, but it makes you stand out in a crowd, use it. Your Attorney resume needs to create an image of a person, not just a series of jobs and education. Your interests will let the employer know who you are as well as what you can do. You can have a section on your Attorney resume for "Personal" or "Areas of Interest". Be specific, too. Instead of being "Interested in sports and reading", you are an "Avid skier, and collector of Early American Literature." Personal interests and hobbies can be an excellent way to break the ice in an interview. However, you must use discretion. Keep in mind that, if your Attorney resume makes it past the HR Manager's hands, it is likely to be read by many eyes. While some may find your interest in collecting "Dukes of Hazard" memorabilia to be interesting, others may find fault.

Other categories that you can add could be "Professional Affiliations" or "Community Activities". These sections are a good way to show your level of involvement in the local professional or business community.

There is no need to record those abilities the employer will take for granted, such as ability to drive or type, unless it is critical to the position you are seeking. Every librarian, for example, should have general computer skills and know how to research online; therefore, by listing those skills on your resume, you are identifying those as the most notable of your abilities. This will make you look average, not exceptional. Other categories can include "Writing", "Public Speaking", or "Languages". If you speak a language, include that language and your level of proficiency. The employer has the right to know whether someone who lists "Chinese Language" as a skill has taken two years of Chinese or has lived in China for six years.

No grades are not good grades. Attorney Resume: Regardless what the old maxim says about "no news", the omission of your GPA or class rank on your Attorney resume implies that your grades were very likely mediocre to below-average. If you have any honors or an impressive GPA or class ranking, include them. As the years out of school grow, your grades may grow less important; however, a highly experienced paralegal that graduated in the top of his class still has an edge over a similarly qualified paralegal with poor grades. If you have mediocre or poor grades, omitting them will not get you off the hook. You should always be prepared to discuss your grades.