BOSTON
COLLEGE LAW SCHOOL
Office of Career Services
PREPARATION FOR THE JOB SEARCH
SELF EVALUATION
RESUMES, TRANSCRIPTS AND WRITING
SAMPLES
COVER LETTERS
ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE
NETWORKING AND INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING
EXAMPLES
Self-analysis is the most important and most frequently overlooked step in the job-search process. If you do it well, and are totally honest with yourself, the remainder of the job search will proceed much more easily.
Evaluating yourself involves identifying:
This self-assessment can be a lengthy process. However, unless you take the time and make the effort to consider these questions, it is unlikely that you will find a job that will satisfy you. There is enormous pressure during law school to find a job. Because of the nature of the second year fall on-campus recruitment program, this often translates into pressure to find a job with a large law firm. Before you become involved in this process, it is important for you to start to think about the type of work and environment that you really want.
To assist you with this process, we have included several techniques developed by the Boston College Carroll School of Management to help you focus your preparation.
Skills Inventory
List all the areas in which you have some competence and state your level
of proficiency. A few categories of skills are:
Experience Inventory
You will need to compile a complete job history for your resume. This experience
inventory will help in writing your resume, as well as allow you to be better
prepared for questions during an interview.
List all of the "substantial" jobs you have held, either paid or volunteer. Include all the tasks and responsibilities you had. Be sure to list what you accomplished in each position.
Focus on leadership and fiscal responsibilities, supervisory duties, opportunities for communication, initiative, independent problem solving and creativity. Employers look for functional skills, (i.e., those skills which are transferable from one job situation to another).
Lifestyle Considerations
You need to determine exactly what type or types of jobs you would like,
where you would like to do it/them and how your particular lifestyle will
affect the choice you make. Too often, people look for a job doing something
which is contrary to their basic beliefs (e.g., an environmentalist working
for an oil company, or someone interested in public interest law who accepts
a position in a large corporate law firm).
Consider the following issues:
There are likely to be many other lifestyle considerations which are important to you. Make sure that you address all of them. You do not want to look for or accept a position in a company or law firm which is the wrong type for you or in a location where you will not be happy.
Strengths and Weaknesses
At some point in your job search, you will be asked a question about
your strengths and weaknesses. It will come in a variety of ways:
Use the following to identify your strengths and your weaknesses. You should highlight your strengths during an interview and provide specific examples of achievements which demonstrate that you posses these attributes. Be sure to pick out those areas of your background that you may feel uncomfortable talking about: your G.P.A., your lack of legal experience, your reasons for changing careers, any gaps in your schooling or jobs, and be prepared to discuss them. When identifying your weaknesses, try to choose areas in which you have improved and which do not directly relate to job performance. You should be able to talk openly and comfortably, even when discussing a difficult subject. Practice answering questions about your weaknesses in a positive and concise way. Do not dwell on the subject - instead, move on to how you have learned from the experience and segue onto a strength.
Ability to communicate
Clear speech and writing, good listening skills.
Intelligence
Common sense, as well as a high GPA.
Self-confidence
A self-assurance and trust in one's own ideas and abilities.
Willingness to accept responsibility
Acceptance of a challenge and ability to see tasks through to completion.
Initiative
Demonstrated enthusiasm in undertaking and following through with a
task.
Leadership
The ability to guide and motivate others.
Energy level
Demonstrated ability to work hard and put in long hours when necessary.
Imagination
The ability to generate and contribute new ideas.
Flexibility
The ability to adapt to different people and situations.
Interpersonal skills
The ability to relate well to others. The art of diplomacy.
Self-knowledge
Knowledge of personal goals, capabilities and limitations.
Ability to handle conflict
The ability to function effectively under pressure.
Goal achievement
The ability to set realistic (or even lofty) goals and achieve them.
Competitiveness
An alert, alive, competitive spirit.
Vocational skills
The ability to think and reason in applying technical skills.
Direction
Knowing where you are going and why.
(From a survey conducted by the College Placement Council. Adapted from
Cover Letters and Resumes, Tulane University Law School, Office of Career
Services.)
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
Since 1989, the Career Services Office has offered the Myers-Briggs Type
Indicator (MBTI) to all interested students. The MBTI is a self-assessment
tool to help people understand their preferences on four scales: where they
like to focus their attention, the way they like to take in information,
the way they like to decide, and the kind of lifestyle they adopt. Knowledge
of these preferences helps people understand their learning styles and interpersonal
relationships and is useful in making career choices.
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RESUMES, TRANSCRIPTS AND WRITING SAMPLES
About Resumes
A resume is a marketing tool - an advertisement of your qualifications.
It is a summary of your education and experience, rather than an exhaustive
personal statement. The resume serves to introduce you to a potential employer,
to focus the attention of the interviewer on the pertinent areas of your
background and to remind the employer after the interview is over of the
important facts about you.
The resume is initially the only impression a prospective employer has of you. Thus, it is important that it reflects you as favorably as possible. There is no single perfect resume. Every employer has different criteria when reviewing a resume, and every individual has different qualifications and objectives. The most frequent criticism of resumes is that they say too much and end up being unfocused and vague. The content of the resume should be restricted to information which demonstrates why you would be an asset to that particular employer. It is often better to create several different versions of your resume - each tailored to a different practice area or type of work - than to try to make one resume appeal to all audiences.
When writing a resume, every word should be relevant - the text translating directly into benefits for the potential employer. Follow these four rules when deciding what information to include or exclude:
Once you write your resume, edit it vigorously, eliminating all details
that are not essential to the message you want to convey.
Content of a Legal Resume
Heading
Choose from the samples provided (see Sample Resume Headings), or create
your own. The heading includes:
Job Objective
This section is almost never appropriate on a legal resume. It is generally
more effective to tailor your job objective to a particular position and
include such a statement in your cover letter.
Education
For law students and recent graduates, the name of the law school, law school
academic performance and law school achievements are usually the most important
part of the resume. Put them first and in more detail than other educational
experiences.
Outline education in reverse chronological order: (1) legal education, (2) graduate education, if any, and (3) undergraduate education. Indicate the month and year of graduation and the degree attained, as well as the address - city and state only - of each college or university. Indicate your anticipated law degree as: "Candidate for Juris Doctor", or "Juris Doctor anticipated". Following your degree, list any distinction you received, such as cum laude. Latin phrases should always appear in lower case letters and be italicized. Do not include high school education unless you are applying for jobs where your high school or home town establishes important geographic ties.
Honors and Activities
Under each school you have attended, use separate subheadings such as "Honors,"
"Awards," or "Activities" to detail your academic achievements
and organizational memberships in that school.
List all law school activities, including memberships (especially law review), committees and teams. Differentiate staff membership from membership on an editorial board. List any articles you have published. Highlight your leadership roles in organizations (i.e. President, Vice President). Indicate if you have a distinguished record in competitions (i.e. finalist, quarter finalist, best brief). If you had quite a number of collegiate activities, consider listing only those which are significant to you or the employer. List major honors received, including scholarships, elected offices and awards. If any of the honors or activities you include are not self-explanatory by title, include a brief description. If relevant, include "Worked 20 hours per week to finance education".
G.P.A.
Although the Career Services staff encourages employers to consider many
indicators of competence, recruiters continue to focus on G.P.A.'s when
selecting students to interview. This is more likely to be the case with
large, well-known law firms and organizations than with smaller ones. It
is, therefore, important to present yourself in the most favorable light.
Employers will also look at your undergraduate G.P.A. as indication of
your potential. As a general rule, if your G.P.A. is distinguished, 3.0
or better, include it. Otherwise omit it, but be prepared to discuss it
in an interview. If your approximate class standing makes a more favorable
impression than your G.P.A., indicate "top 20 % of class" or "top
third of class." Boston College Law School does not officially compute
class rank. The Career Services Office does, however, make available to
prospective employers a statistical chart of approximate percentile ranks
based on students' grade point averages. G.P.A.'s should be presented on
your resume as they appear on your transcript. You do not need to carry
it out as many digits, but you may not round up your G.P.A.
LSAT Scores
LSAT scores should not be included on your resume, but interviewers may
ask for this information. Remember, LSAT scores were relevant in evaluating
your potential as a law student. They are not a predictor of your success
as a lawyer.
Experience/Employment
Either word can be used, but "experience" offers the advantage
of encompassing paid, volunteer, intern and clinical positions. List jobs
in reverse chronological order. This section can be divided into "Legal
Experience", "Professional Experience", "Related Experience",
"Work Experience", or "Other Experience" categories.
This is particularly useful for students with extensive work experience
prior to law school. For each position, list the name of the organization,
job title, city and state and dates of employment. Note that it is easier
to read "Summer 1998" than "June 1998-August 1998" or
"6/98-8/98." It is not necessary to provide a complete inventory
of every position you have held, nor to make distinctions among full-time,
part-time and volunteer work.
When describing your employment experience, include more details for jobs that involved legal responsibility. Other employment can be summarized briefly to avoid leaving large gaps in your employment history. If your experiences are not directly applicable to the position, then describe transferable skills that you have acquired in different subject areas that demonstrate similarities with the employer's work. Common legal skills that almost all organizations look for include research, writing, client interviewing, and evidence of analytical organizational and leadership skills. Consider summarizing in a single sentence a number of different kinds of work you have done. For example: "Held various positions including camp counselor, waitress and lifeguard to defray costs of education."
Use short phrases, not sentences, to describe employment. Begin each entry with a law-related action verb (see Action Words For Resumes and Cover Letters such as "Coordinated," "Drafted," "Oversaw," "Researched." Review how an employer describes it's work, then convey that you understand the field by using similar language to describe your own job responsibilities or activities. Use present tense of verb for current job(s), past tense for past jobs. Omit articles "a," "an" and "the" whenever possible. Omit personal pronouns.
List the most substantial responsibilities and achievements first. Be brief but specific, including #'s, $'s and %'s whenever possible. For example, "Supervised staff of 15", "Managed $45,000 budget", or "Increased sales by 15 percent".
Foreign Language
If you are fluent in a foreign language, this should be noted on your resume.
You may be asked to demonstrate your skills during an interview, so be
sure to accurately convey your level of proficiency. You can use these
descriptions: fluent, proficient, conversant, working knowledge of...
Military Service
Optional. However, this is impressive to many employers and should be listed
as employment.
Publications
Indicates previous research and writing experience. Include if relevant.
Skills
Do not list personality attributes such as "able to work with minimal
supervision". Only list computer skills if they are extra-ordinary.
Most lawyers and law students have word processing and Westlaw/Lexis-Nexis
skills, so listing them is unnecessary.
Personal
Such information as health, weight, age, marital status and number of children
is not relevant for most legal jobs.
Outside Interests and Activities
This category is optional, but can show that you are a well-rounded individual.
It often provides good topics for conversation during an interview. Only
include special accomplishments or unique interests and hobbies that identify
a personal strength or significant accomplishment. Mastering a musical
instrument or excelling as an athlete indicates an ability to succeed in
several different areas. Avoid common interests such as "enjoy movies,
reading and sports".
The Format of a Legal Resume
Though the substance of the resume is more important than the form, the
visual aesthetics of your resume are surprisingly important. Readability
is the primary objective. Information should be clear, concise and presented
in a consistent writing style and format throughout the document. Experiment
with different layouts. Keep tabs and margins consistent and limit the
number of different fonts and sizes you use. Judicious use of white space,
capitalization, indenting, bold-face print and italics can serve to make
your resume more interesting, aesthetically appealing, and easier to read.
(See Resume Format).
Limit your resume to one page if possible. Research suggests that employers spend only 30-45 seconds reviewing a resume before determining if a candidate should be interviewed. Two pages are acceptable only if you have many relevant experiences, but be sure every entry is salient. Print your name and "Page 2" in the top margin of the second sheet, and staple the two sheets together.
Resumes should be produced on a computer with a laser printer. They can then be commercially photocopied on 8 1/2"x11" high-quality white or off-white bond paper. Darker colors are more difficult to read and can produce photocopies which are shaded or streaked. Aim for a crisp, professional look.
Proofread your resume! Misspelled words and grammatical errors make a very poor impression. Before you finalize your copy, ask for suggestions and comments. Consult with the Career Services staff who will be happy to review your resume with you.
Falsification of Resumes
Be scrupulously honest. Putting false or misleading information on your
resume is a serious offense. Employers are becoming more and more sensitive
to the problem of misrepresentation on resumes. Increasingly, they are
asking applicants for transcripts and checking references to verify the
accuracy of the resume.
Anyone found to have falsified information on his/her resume will not be allowed further use of the Career Services Office. Notice of these falsifications will be sent to the Dean for disciplinary action. Falsifying your resume could also cost you your job and your professional reputation. It is no way to start your career!
References
It is not necessary to include the names of references or "references
available upon request" on your resume. If an employer wants references,
he/she will ask you for them. You should be ready with a separate sheet
of matching bond paper which lists the names of three or four references.
(See Reference Format). The most appropriate references for legal jobs
are current and former employers and undergraduate and law professors who
know you well and think highly of you.
Important: Before you offer the name of a reference, either orally or on paper, contact the person and ask permission to use his/her name. This procedure is not only professionally correct, but it also allows the reference time to think about your strengths and accomplishments.
Transcripts
Some government agency, judicial clerkship and law firm positions will require
an official transcript. Not all employers need official transcripts, in
which case a copy of the official one will suffice.
You can obtain a copy of your transcript (official or unofficial) from the Registrar's Office, Lyons Hall, on the main campus. Requests for official transcripts must be made in person or in writing. To obtain a copy of your transcript by mail, or to sent it to a third party, mail or fax a request which contains the following information: your name, your social security number or ID number, your dates of attendance, the school you attended, the degree you received, the address to which the transcript should be sent, and your signature. There is no fee for this service.
Mail the request to:
Please not that faxed transcripts are not official.
To request a transcript in person: Come to Lyons Hall between 9:00 am and 4:15 pm and fill out a request form. Transcripts take three to five days to process. In order to ensure that you receive an official copy of your transcript, please indicate that you wish the transcript to be sent in a separately sealed, signed envelope.
Please note that the Office of the Registrar will not process e-mail requests.
Writing Samples
Many prospective employers want to see a legal writing sample and will use
it to evaluate your ability to effectively research and analyze a topic.
Ideally the content of the writing sample will be related to the area of
law that the job requires, however, 1L's often use excerpts from their Objective
or Advocacy Memoranda. Writing samples should be in finished form (no typos,
no corrections, no professor's comments). They should be six to ten pages
in length. Longer samples can be excerpted and submitted with a preliminary
summary page, outlining the facts, making it simple for the reader to immediately
grasp the subject matter. Legal briefs or legal memos are also appropriate
writing samples. If you wish to use a legal brief or memo you wrote at
work, get your employer's permission and cross out any confidential material.
You may insert "firm name", "client name", etc. to
protect confidentially while maintaining readability. Prospective employers
generally do not want your law review article, as it is edited extensively.
Remember, your writing sample will likely be the only example of your
writing that a prospective employer sees. Spend the time to make it impressive.
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The Purpose of Cover Letters
The letter which accompanies your resume can be as important as the resume
itself, but it is often more difficult to draft. The purpose of the cover
letter is to persuade the employer to consider your resume seriously. The
cover letter can do what the resume cannot: it can individualize your resume
for a specific position in a specific organization and, thereby, enhance
your credibility as an applicant.
What to Include
The employer is looking for evidence of sincerity and genuine interest,
so it is important that the cover letter be personalized. Information which
might not seem relevant in a general resume, such as courses you have taken
or where you grew up, can be included in the cover letter if they are relevant
to a particular position. You can relate how you came to apply, what you
know about the work and how the work matches your interests and experience.
Focus on the skills you possess that would be valuable to the employer.
If a cover letter is broad enough to be sent to virtually any employer,
it may be too vague to be effective in helping you obtain an interview.
The Format
There are fewer constraints in writing a cover letter than in writing a
resume. However, as a general guideline, a three-paragraph model is suggested.
(See Cover Letter Format).
The first paragraph introduces you and explains who, if anyone, referred you. Items that must be included are: where you go to law school, your year in law school, the position for which you are applying, and where you wish to obtain employment.
The second paragraph highlights your special skills and abilities. You should communicate what you can do for the employer and persuade him/her that you are uniquely qualified for the position and would be an asset to the firm, agency or corporation. Use specific examples to highlight actual and transferable skills that are relevant to the employer. Convey your genuine interest in his/her particular organization.
The third paragraph calls for action. Do not conclude your letter by indicating that you will wait to hear from them. Rather, be politely assertive and ask to meet with them to discuss your qualifications or how you might contribute as a summer associate (intern) at their firm (organization). Suggest a range of dates when you are available to interview and/or indicate that you look forward to speaking with them. Thank them for their time and consideration. (See Sample Cover Letter Phrasings, below).
General Rules
There are some general rules to follow in writing cover letters:
Your cover letter is often the first contact you make with an employer,
and is considered a sample of your writing - a positive first impression
is important.
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Some Sample Phrasings
Your cover letter should reflect your personal experiences and your
own professional and personal styles. Write it in your own words! Below
are a few sample phrases to help you get started.
Opening
Explain who you are and exactly why you are writing. Are you responding
to a job posting? Were you referred by a personal contact? Would you like
to arrange an informational interview? Clearly state the purpose of the
letter.
Body of letter
Demonstrate that you have researched the employer and it's area(s) of
practice. Then show your commitment to the issues and client community
which are important to the employer. Make the connection between your resume
and how your experiences are immediately transferable to the current job
opening. This is also a chance to mention information which you did not
include in your resume due to restrictions on space.
Closing
Reiterate your interest and specifically what you would like to happen next.
Thank the reader for his/her consideration/time.
(Adapted in part from "Cover Letters: Making a First Impression",
Public Interest Advocate, January 1997.)
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THANK-YOU LETTERS
Thank you letters should be sent to people who have:
It is not necessary to send a thank-you letter following an on-campus "screening" interview. A thank-you letter is recommended, however, whenever you visit an employer's office. First and foremost, offer the interviewer your sincere thanks for his/her time and interest. Mention that the interview has reaffirmed your interest in, and enthusiasm for, the position, and that you are confident that your skills and experience match the needs of the organization.
If you talk with a number of people when you visit the office of a potential employer, you need not send a letter to each of them. Instead, send a letter to the recruiting coordinator, the hiring partner or the person who was responsible for your visit. You can ask the individual to "Please extend my thanks to... (the names of the attorneys with whom you spoke)".
You may also include in a thank-you letter any relevant awards you received or activities you joined since the interview. It is appropriate to enclose materials requested at the interview, such as references, a transcript or writing sample.
Type your thank-you letter in business format, print it on matching bond paper, and mail it within 24 hours of the interview. You want to make sure that your qualifications are still fresh in the interviewer's mind by the time your letter is received.
THE FOLLOW-UP
Do not wait for an employer to call you. You are responsible for following up on the status of your cover letter and resume. It is perfectly acceptable to call one week after sending your resume, and then every couple of weeks after that to check on the status of your application.
Follow-up letters should:
If the employer requests that you do not phone to follow up, the following closing to a letter is appropriate:
"...I look forward to meeting with you to discuss the possibility
of summer employment. If you require further information, please feel
free to contact me at the above address or by telephone at 617-123-4567.
Thank you for your consideration."
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Inquiry Letters
Letters Of Acknowledgment
Acceptance Letters
Letters Of Refusal
Note: All the above letters should be in business form on bond paper.
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NETWORKING & INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING
Networking
One of the best ways to find a summer or permanent job is through networking.
Networking is the process of using the people you know and even the people
they know as resources to help you gather information useful to a job search
and to develop employer contacts.
There are two ways to approach these contacts for assistance. The first is the direct approach. You can inform these people that you are looking for a position and ask if they know of any job openings, potential employers or others who can help you. The second approach focuses more on establishing long term relationships. It is called the informational interview. Informational Interviewing works because prospective employers count on their friends and colleagues as referral sources and constantly exchange information about unadvertised job opportunities.
Your network can consist of:
The Informational Interview
The Purpose
One purpose of an informational interview is to learn first-hand what it
is like to perform a particular kind of work in a particular kind of organization
or setting. A second purpose is to gather information about the types of
job opportunities and career paths that exist in a given field or organization.
A third purpose is to develop contacts with people who are in a position
to hire or who act as resources for those who do. The process of informational
interviewing allows the interviewer (you!) to develop communication skills
and sell his/her professional skills and personal attributes in a non-threatening
and open-ended situation.
The Approach
Start by selecting someone to interview. Then contact that individual by
phone, mail or third-party introduction. Generally, the best approach is
to write a letter and indicate that you will phone on a specific date to
arrange a mutually convenient time to meet or converse on the telephone.
When you contact the person, be sure to emphasize that you are gathering
information or conducting research and that you are not looking for a job
at this time. Mention to the person that you chose to talk with him/her
because of his/her expertise in a particular area or on someone else's recommendation.
Request 20-30 minutes of the individual's time.
Prior to the interview, plan carefully what information you want to receive and what questions you want to ask in the allotted time. Prepare to take the lead in the conversation. Remember, you are the interviewer!
If you plan thoughtful and insightful questions, you will derive the most benefit from the conversation, and the interviewee will most likely enjoy the experience as well. Most people are flattered to be sought after for advice and enjoy talking about themselves and their work. Sometimes a planned twenty- or thirty-minute informational interview lasts much longer!
Suggested Questions
Plan to develop questions to fit your particular situation and experience
level. Examples:
Follow-up
After the interview send a thank-you letter expressing your appreciation.
You can mention anything that you found especially informative in your
meeting, and tell the person what further steps you plan to take in the
near future as a result of your discussion.
Keep a record of the people with whom you speak. Include the date of the meeting, a short summary of your discussion, and the names and addresses of all the additional contacts who were suggested to you. Also, remember to stay in touch with those whose help and advice were especially valuable. Sending a note, card or interesting newspaper clipping now and then, or touching base with a quick phone call are all ways to maintain the relationship. If a job or other interesting opportunity comes up, the person may then think of you. You may even find a mentor in this process!
Best Resources for Informational Interviewing
James Sterling Alexander 93 Kilsyth Road, Apt. #2 Brookline, MA 02146 (617) 738-3519
Melanie Cooper Berkman
School Address: 80 Sutherland Road, #10 * Brookline, MA 02146 * (617) 739-3176 Permanent Address: 4780 Arapaho Trail * Okemos, ME 48864 * (517) 332-0729
DOMINIQUE MARTINA HOULE 93 Kilsyth Road, Apt. #2 Brookline, MA 02146 (617) 738-3519 houledom@tony.bc.edu
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Name
Current Address: Permanent Address: Street (Optional. Shows City, State ZIP geographic connection) Telephone #
EDUCATION Reverse Chronological Order
Boston College Law School Newton, MA Candidate for Juris Doctor May, Year or Juris Doctor Anticipated May, Year Honors: (Awards, scholarships, include journal article title or subject, if relevant) Activities: (Memberships, committees, teams, "worked 20 hours per week") to finance education"...)
Graduate School City, State Degree, Honor Year Obtained Thesis, Honors, Activities, etc.
Undergraduate School City, State Degree, Honor (ex: B.A. in Sociology, summa cum laude) Year Obtained GPA/Class Rank: (if distinguished) Honors, Activities, etc.
EXPERIENCE Reverse Chronological Order. Include the most relevant full-time and part-time, internship, volunteer or paid positions.
Employer City, State Title of Position Year(s) or Summer(s)
Job Responsibilities - Use Action Words to describe duties and accomplishments.Use telegraphic style, no sentences or personal pronouns.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This category may be called "OTHER," "SKILLS and INTERESTS," "ACTIVITIES," etc.It can include foreign language skills, advanced computer literacy skills, community activities, professional licenses/qualifications and/or affiliations, relevant publications, unique interests/hobbies.
NAME Street City, State ZIP Telephone #
EDUCATION Reverse Chronological Order
Boston College Law School Newton, MA Candidate for Juris Doctor, May, Year or Juris Doctor Anticipated, May, Year Honors: (Awards, scholarships, include journal article title or subject, if relevant) Activities: (Memberships, committees, teams, "worked 20 hours per week to finance education"...)
Graduate School City, State Degree, Honor, Month,Year Thesis, Honors, Activities, etc.
Undergraduate School City, State Degree, Honor (ex: B.A. in Sociology, summa cum laude, Month,Year GPA/Class Rank: (if distinguished) Honors, Activities, etc.
EXPERIENCE Reverse Chronological Order. Include the most relevant full-time and part-time, internship, volunteer or paid positions.
Employer City, State Title of Position Month,Year or Summer, Year Job Responsibilities - Use Action Words to describe duties and accomplishments.Use telegraphic style, no sentences or personal pronouns.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This category may be called "OTHER," "SKILLS and INTERESTS," "ACTIVITIES," etc. It can include foreign language skills, advanced computer literacy skills, community activities, professional licenses/qualifications and/or affiliations, relevant publications, unique interests/hobbies.
YOUR NAME Street Address City, State ZIP Telephone Number
REFERENCES
Name, Title General format Company Name Company Address (City, State) Telephone Number Relationship to you
Mr. John Smith, President and CEO Example #1 Tufts Associated Health Plan Waltham, Massachusetts (617) 782-1234 Relationship: Immediate Supervisor
Raymond Howard, Esq., Partner Example #2 Sachs, Firth and Avon New York, New York (212) 345-3456 Relationship: Supervisor
Include the names of 3 - 5 individuals. The most appropriate references for legal jobs are 1) current or former employers or 2) law school or undergraduate professors. Before you offer the name of a reference, either orally or on paper, contact the person and ask permission to use his/her name. This procedure is not only professionally correct, but it also allows the reference time to think about your accomplishments and strengths. Your reference may request that you send them a copy of your resume to refresh his/her memory.
OPTION #1
Your Street Address City, State ZIPcode Date
Person's Name and Title Firm/Agency Street Address City, State ZIPcode
Dear Mr. /Ms.:
First Paragraph: The Basics. Create an interest in you. Include who you are, where you go to law school, when you plan to graduate, the location in which you plan to obtain employment. Mention the resource used in finding them.
Second Paragraph: Your interest. Highlight your resume and note that you have enclosed it. State the position in which you are interested and why you are uniquely qualified to apply for it. Point out pertinent achievements without duplicating exactly what is on your resume.
Third Paragraph: Invite response. State that you will call on a specific day to see if an interview can be arranged at this person's convenience. Inform the person of dates you plan to be in his/her city and state that you would like to arrange an interview during that time. Thank the person for his/her consideration/time. Follow up with a phone call.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your Name Typed
Enclosure
OPTION #2
Your Street Address City, State ZIPcode Date
Person's Name and Title Firm/Agency Street Address City, State ZIPcode
Dear Mr. /Ms.:
First Paragraph: The Basics. Create an interest in you. Include who you are, where you go to law school, when you plan to graduate, the location in which you plan to obtain employment. Mention the resource used in finding them.
Second Paragraph: Your interest. Highlight your resume and note that you have enclosed it. State the position in which you are interested and why you are uniquely qualified to apply for it. Point out pertinent achievements without duplicating exactly what is on your resume.
Third Paragraph: Invite response. State that you will call on a specific day to see if an interview can be arranged at this person's convenience. Inform the person of dates you plan to be in his/her city and state that you would like to arrange an interview during that time. Thank the person for his/her consideration/time. Follow up with a phone call.
Sincerely, Your Signature Your Name Typed
Enclosure
ACTION WORDS FOR RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS
| Actively | Accelerate | Achieve | Adapt | Administer | Analyze | Approve | Coordinate | Conceive | Conduct |
| Complete | Consistently | Contribute | Control | Create | Delegate | Design | Develop | Demonstrate | Direct |
| Effect | Eliminate | Establish | Evaluate | Expand | Expedite | Facilitate | Found | Generate | Guide |
| Increase | Influence | Initiate | Interpret | Improve | Instruct | Launch | Lead | Lecture | Maintain |
| Manage | Master | Motivate | Negotiate | Operate | Organize | Originate | Participate | Perform | Plan |
| Pinpoint | Prepare | Present | Program | Propose | Prove | Provide | Produce | Proficient | Recommend |
| Reinforce | Reorganize | Revamp | Responsible | Responsibilities | Revise | Review | Schedule | Significantly | Simplify |
| Set Up | Solve | Strategy | Structure | Streamline | Substantially | Successfully | Supervise | Support | Translate |
| Train | Thoroughly |
FORMS
OF ADDRESS AND SALUTATION
Addressee Envelope and Inside Address Salutation
Attorney John Smith, Esq. Dear Mr. Smith: Mary Jones, Esq. Dear Ms. Jones:
Person with John Smith, Ph.D . Dear Dr. Smith: Doctor's degree Mary Jones, M.D. Dear Dr. Jones:
Human Resources John Smith, Director Dear Mr. Smith: Director Human Resources
Married person Ms. Mary Jones-Doe Dear Ms. Jones-Doe: using hyphenated surname
Academic:
Dean of a school Mary Jones, Dean Dear Dean Jones: Best University Law School
Professor Mary Jones, Ph.D. Dear Dr. Jones: with doctorate Professor of History -or- Best University Dear Professor Jones:
Professor Professor Mary Jones Dear Ms. Jones: without doctorate History Department -or- Best University Dear Professor Jones:
Judicial:
Chief Justice, The Chief Justice of the United States Dear Chief Justice: U.S. Supreme Court Washington, DC 20543
Associate Justice, Justice John Smith Dear Justice Smith: U.S. Supreme Court The Supreme Court of the United States
Chief Justice, Honorable Mary Jones Dear Justice Jones: highest State court Chief Justice, (name of court)
Justice, Honorable John Smith Dear Justice Smith: highest State court (name of court)
Chief Judge of all Honorable Mary Jones Dear Judge Jones: other Federal and Chief Judge, (name of court) State courts, including U.S. Courtsof Appeals and District Courts
Judge or Senior Honorable John Smith Dear Judge Smith: Judge of all other (name of court) Federal and State courts,including U.S. Courts of Appeals and District Courts
Federal Magistrate Honorable Mary Jones Dear Magistrate Judge Jones: Judge U.S. Magistrate, (name of court)
Federal and State Legislators:
Senator Honorable John Smith Dear Senator Smith: Representative Honorable Mary Jones Dear Representative Jones:
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