Q: How long should a resume be? I was told once that I was trying to include too much information and a resume should only be one page, but it's hard to get it down to just one page if you have been working for awhile.
- Edna M., Louisville, KY
A: It is true that you should aim for a one-page resume. There is a general trend toward one-page resumes because the average amount of time an employer takes to look over a resume is less than 30 seconds. The more compact your resume is, the better your chances are of getting your information across to the hiring director in less than 30 seconds. However, if you've done your best to cut it down, and it's still longer than one page, that is acceptable. Just be sure it is as precise and focused as you can possibly make it.
Q: I can't seem to get my resume down to one page. How do I decide what to omit?
- Josiah W., New Milford, CT
Q: Should I include previous jobs in the experience section that are not related to law?
- Lynn R., Newburg, OR
A: Including information about non-law-related experience is beneficial in two circumstances: when you are changing careers and when the skills you learned in a previous position are directly transferable to the position you are seeking. If neither of the above criteria applies to your current situation, mentioning previous non-law-related experience is probably not necessary and will only take up space on your resume that would be better utilized by including other information.
Q: How far back should I go with my relevant experience/ knowledge/ employment history?
- Mason A., Santa Monica, CA
A: The key to deciding how far back to go with your experience is remembering to keep your resume focused on the law and on the specific position you are applying for. If you are a young attorney or a law student, you will, of course, begin earlier in your employment history than someone who has been practicing for over 20 years. However, whatever you do, don't pad your resume with irrelevant experience. Stick to listing jobs and skills that will prove to the hiring director that you are qualified for the position at hand.
Q: I stopped working for two years to take care of my sick mother. How should I handle the gap on my resume?
- Sandy R., Little Rock, AR
A: It is best to be honest and explain any gaps in your employment history. This can be done by inserting a brief explanation in your cover letter or a short statement on your resume. If you leave the missing gap, you are opening the door for all sorts of ideas. It's better to be up front. That way, your potential employer will not be distracted by missing information and will be able to concentrate on evaluating your resume.
Q: What if I have practically no work experience at all? How can I make myself appear marketable?
- Sean T., Shelter Island, NY
A: If you are a recent graduate or currently still in school and don't have a lot of work experience, you should lead with information pertaining to your education. Start out by listing your school, your degrees, relevant organizations you were or are involved in, any academic honors you received, and your GPA and class standing. You can also include details about any law-related summer internships.
Have your own question for Mother Resume? Email it to Chalsma@attorneyresume.com.
See 6 Things Attorneys and Law Students Need to Remove from Their Resumes ASAP If They Want to Get Jobs with the Most Prestigious Law Firms for more information.
