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In the legal field, resume writing is a very key part in getting that first interview. The typical law position is not usually closed after just one interview so the resume has to continue to represent you beyond the first meeting. Your goal in creating this resume is to make it an effective marketing tool that represents who you are.
The two law school students in the introduction were both waiting on call backs after their first interview. You can probably imagine the thoughts going through their minds during the agonizing wait. Did they like someone better than me? Maybe I really botched the first interview, what did I do or say wrong? Will they call me? I hope they call me. In the end neither student got a call for a second interview. What happened? The overriding reason that most call backs don't happen is competition.
When the applicant's resume writing shows the right qualifications, experience and references it is most likely he won't be disqualified for those reasons. So the whole lot falls to the competition. How many people applied for the position? Then the choice between you and someone else becomes a matter of statistics and was there anything special that made you standout from 20 other applicants? Was your resume writing strong enough to make you stand out in the crowd of law school students?
What does your resume writing say about who you are as a person?
The resume writing should use a format that lets employers get to the facts about you they want to see right away and with ease. No matter which format you use for resume writing, be sure the document puts forth the qualifications specified by the employer and the facts that represent you and who you have been all your life. For example, what are your educational honors and in which activities did you spend your time participating? Do your activities show your essence? Find the right place in your resume to insert your hobbies or interests that identify your nature. Are you an outdoor enthusiast? Do you participate in bike races or go kayaking on the Colorado River?
Studies show that most employers spend about 30 seconds looking over a resume. This means law school students need a resume written to encapsulate their life and put their best qualifications front and center. Some research says if it takes more than one page then the impression might be the applicant is not able to present any point directly and get to the crux of the matter.
Items to Exclude From Your Resume
Resume writing needs to be streamlined, so do exclude information that does not support your goals of presenting education, experience, and facts that represent your essence. Do not put personal information like: birth date, religion, single, married, or any health related issues. These are not legal interview questions. All you career plans and the statement of the job objective can be included in your cover letter. Here is wishing you law school students and graduates happy resume writing.
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