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PLS Home
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> The Resume
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The Resume for Landing A Great Paralegal Position
By Chere B. Estrin
Few people attend paralegal school just for the sake of learning about the position. After spending significant time, dollars, and brainpower for this intense education, the reward is landing a job, preferably the one of your dreams.
Finding that dream job takes just as much passion, research, skill and persistence as the energy you spent going through school. DonĦt stop now! It would be the same as if a bride, preparing for the wedding of the century, outfitted herself in a dazzling gown, veil, jewelry, something old, something new, something blue and stopped at her choice of shoes: old worn-out Keds¸¸Uh, oh¸didnĦt complete the picture.
YouĦll need to break down your job search into 10 basic steps:
- Create a dynamic resume perhaps two or three versions
- Write nonstandard, interesting cover letters
- Put together your references and writing samples
- Gather together your job resources such as agencies, school placement office contacts, online resources, newspapers, network, associations, directories and more.
- Send out your resume and follow up
- Put together a polished interview outfit
- Rehearse your questions and answers
- Interview perhaps two and three interviews at the same firm
- Thank-you letter and follow up
- Start your dream job.
The Resume
LetĦs start with the resume. The first rule of writing any resume in any field for any job is: NEVER LIE. DonĦt even think about it. Not even a little bit. That being said, letĦs talk about formats and what youĦre going to need.
The reverse chronological format is by far, the most favored among employers. This format gives potential employers the opportunity to see just how youĦve progressed over the years. The format should have the following sections:
Education always put education first if you are an entry-level paralegal; then college. Do not list your high school.
Skills and Abilities If you are an entry-level paralegal with no work experience, this section will be looked at very carefully. You may mention skills such as: detail-oriented, team player, excellent communicator. You may also point out related backgrounds such as computer-savvy, accounting background, 10 years in the insurance field and anything else that may be related to the paralegal field.
Work history List your jobs in reverse chronological order, last job first. ItĦs best to include the months you worked.
Computer Skills Few paralegals get jobs without computers skills. This section highlights your unique abilities. List current programs. DonĦt list software thatĦs out of date.
Additional Skills - This section is for language, technical, public speaking, teaching, writing skills and the like.
Awards If you were given any business-related awards, here is the place to brag.
Publications If you have published any articles, books, newsletters, itĦs always impressive to see those listed on the resume.
Organizations and Affiliations If you are a member of a paralegal association or other business-related organization, this is the section to list it. It is not wise to list political affiliations. Keep it to business.
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