CAREERS IN BUSINESS LAW

Today’s Objectives

Research career opportunities in the legal profession.

Compose a letter of application (cover letter) for employment.

Create or update a resume. Complete a job application.

Researching Careers

From last class… Using the Occupational Outlook

Handbook website, review your career information Court Reporter Paralegal / Legal Assistant Arbitrator / Labor Relations Manager Attorney / Lawyer Judge / Magistrate

Finish your one-page summary and submit it to the Global drive according to the directions provided on your handout.

Read the following slides about resumes, then complete the resume worksheet provided.

Resumes

What is a resume?

Summary of personal information

Outlines your qualifications for a particular job

Usually includes: Education

Skills

Work experience

Awards & activities

Not All Resumes Are Equal!

Resumes should be customized for each position to which you apply.

Resumes change over time and should be updated regularly.

Resumes for Employees

Usually first step in the job application process

Organizes facts about you; makes completing job applications easier

Importance of a Resume

First opportunity to make contact with an employer

Represents your qualifications for the job Any mistakes will hinder your job search

What makes a good resume?

Good Resumes

Easy to read

Logical flow

Includes relevant information

Name stands out

Good use of space

Common Mistakes

Spelling and grammatical errors

Writing in the first person

Including unrelated and/or personal information

Repetitiveness

Lacking organization or focus

Resume Writing Tips

In General…

Keep it concise – no more than one page

Make it neat!

Be honest about your qualifications

Use action words and phrases to describe your experiences

Customize it to the job description

Have others proofread it!

Submitting a Resume

Printed

Black ink

White or off-white paper

Include a cover letter

Electronic

Save it as a PDF file!

If you attach it to an email, the body of the email will serve as your cover letter.

APPLYING FOR AN INTERNSHIP Let’s pretend! You have some free time this summer, so you have decided to apply for a legal internship at a local law office.

From the Global drive, open the LegalInternship.docx file to read about the position.

RESUME ASSIGNMENT Complete the resume worksheet.

List as much information as you can.

From the Global drive, open the resume template. Fill in the information from your worksheet. You are applying for the legal internship.

Save your resume. Have someone proofread it.

Save your resume as a PDF with the file name [YourLastName Resume.pdf]

Submit your PDF resume to the Global drive.

Read the following slides about cover letters. Then, complete the assignment on your own.

Cover Letters

What is a Cover Letter?

Tells the employer about you and why you are applying

Can also be used to inquire about possible positions

Purpose of a Cover Letter

Introduces you and who you are

Explains why you are sending a resume

Makes a good impression

Demonstrates professionalism

Formatting a Cover Letter

Layout

As with all professional

business letters, a cover letter

should be written in block

format.

Cover Letter Contents

Use simple language

Be short & concise

Proofread! All cover letters should be error-free.

Paragraph #1

Explain why you are writing

Indicate the position you would like to apply for

Explain how you heard about the job opening

Paragraph #2

Describe what you have to offer the employer

Match your abilities with their needs

Refer to your resume by highlighting qualifications and relevant background

Paragraph #3

Ask for an interview!

Thank the employer for considering you

Explain how & when you will follow up

COVER LETTER ASSIGNMENT From the Global drive, open

the CoverLetter.docx file. This is a general cover letter template.

Rewrite the cover letter to make it apply to you. You are applying for the legal internship position.

Save your cover letter. Have someone proofread it.

Save the letter as a PDF file with the file name [YourLastName Letter.pdf] and submit it to the Global drive.

Read the following slides about completing applications for employment.

Job Applications

What is an application?

Form that employers give to potential employees to complete

Lists relevant information Work Experience

Education

Skills

References

Applications vs. Resumes

Standardized forms make it easier to compare job candidates

Demonstrate ability to follow directions

Ensure that complete information is provided

Require a signature to attest to truthfulness

Tips for Applications

Make sure to…

Complete the form neatly. Spell all words correctly. Use a pen with blue or black ink. Answer every question – write

“N/A” for those questions that are not applicable.

Use your full name (not a nickname)

Common Mistakes

Watch out for…

Incomplete or missing information Inaccurate information Any unintentional marks, such as

scribbles or marking out words Colored ink or pencil Listing “anything” for your

preferred position

References

Who should be a reference?

People who know your work habits and personal traits well

People who can confidently recommend you for the job

People you have known for a significant amount of time

Professional References

Always ask for permission to use their contact information!

You may consider: Teachers Former employers Friends established

as business contacts

APPLICATION ASSIGNMENT You will complete an

employment application for the legal internship position.

We will do this as a class – you will need a blue or black pen.