Writing Successfully:Crafting 1L Resumes and Cover Letters that Work

Career & Professional Development Center

Duke University School of Law

October 24 & 25, 2011

““Above all, a query letter is a Above all, a query letter is a ‘sales pitch’ and it is the single ‘sales pitch’ and it is the single most important page an most important page an unpublished writer will ever unpublished writer will ever craft. It’s the first impression craft. It’s the first impression and will either open the door or and will either open the door or close it. It’s that important, so close it. It’s that important, so don’t mess it up. Mine took 17 don’t mess it up. Mine took 17 drafts and two weeks to write.”drafts and two weeks to write.”

~Nicholas Sparks ~Nicholas Sparks

The “Red Pen” Has Real Consequences

The Big Picture: What are legal employers seeking?

Successful attorneys: 0Show commitment

0Solve problems creatively

0Stay focused on client service

0Display good judgment0Work efficiently0Take ownership

0 Inspire confidence0Demonstrate

leadership0Have business sense or

mission focus0Manage complex

projects0Build networks

The Two Essential Elements of Effective Cover Letters0Complement your

resume, not simply repeat its contents in paragraph form; and 0Focus on how you, as

the applicant, will help the employer if given the opportunity.

The Resumes of Michael G. Scott

You have 30 seconds to “wow” me, and your time starts…NOW

So, what must you do to rise above the crowd?

1.Ensure the factual accuracy of every entry and be ready to support it;

2.Identify the core skills acquired or enhanced in each work experience; and

3.Craft powerful descriptions by focusing on actions taken and the tangible benefits realized from those actions.

1. Include only accurate,well-supported information.

0Scrutinize every phrase and representation, eliminating even the appearance of exaggeration.

0Embrace the “Five-Minute” Rule.

0Stay Current.

2. Slow Down & Step Back To “Capture the Core” of Each Position.

0To create an exceptional description of prior work experience, every writer must first identify: 0The essential skills

needed to excel in that position; and

0His/her particular successes while in that role.

3. Maximize the Positive Impactof Your Past Achievements.

0Break larger tasks into several smaller, more concrete stages.

0 Then, highlight those stages which demonstrate your successful application of a core skill.

Three-Point Inspection For Quality Assurance

0For quick confirmation that you’ve crafted a more compelling description of prior work experience, test each bullet point separately.0 Does each bullet point:

Start with an action verb? Continue by conveying your achievements with

specificity?Conclude with external evidence of positive value

resulting from your work?

The Power of Packaging Does this really

matter?

Absolutely!

Branding affects a consumer’s perceptions of relative quality and value.

Finally, When Revising Your Resume, Remember…

0This version is just the beginning.0 A resume is not a fixed

document to be written once and mailed to all.

0 Expect to create multiple versions, refining your descriptions and, thereby, your brand to align with the position sought and core skills essential to success.

Questions?

Don’t forget, you can sign up for

individual advising sessions starting later

this week, so watch your email for details!