Chapter 1 Getting the Job You Want The paralegal profession is
one of the fastest growing fields, so what does it take to land the
perfect paralegal position? 1. Resume 2. Cover Letter 3.
Networking/Job Search 4. Interview Skills
Slide 3
Get Ready, Set What is a resume? Brief overview of your
education, relevant work experience, and job skill What is a cover
letter? A brief sales pitch expressing your interest in the
position and highlights your abilities and qualifications for the
job
Slide 4
Go Find That Job! How do I find job opportunities? Networking,
Newspapers, Cold Calling What do I need to know for the interview?
How to Dress What to Bring Responses to Potential Questions Sample
Questions to Ask (yes, you ask too!!!)
Slide 5
Chapter 2: Resume Writing The purpose of your resume is to win
an interview Resume = Personal Advertisement One interview is
granted for every 50-100 resumes An employers scans a resume in
10-20 seconds Top-half of the first page of your resume is
KEY!!
Slide 6
The Purpose of a Resume = Calling Card If the employer likes
your resume, you will be called for an interview Purpose of a
Resume: Indicates if the candidate meets the hiring criteria Covers
educational background Provides overview of work experience Lists
contact information Provides references Your resume will be viewed
as a professional writing (and proofreading) sample
Slide 7
How Long Should a Resume Be? Depends... Depends Depends Depends
Minimal Legal Experience: 1 page Extensive Work Experience: 1-2
pages Extensive Legal Experience: 2 pages No more than 2 pages
(absent an advanced degree with publication listings)
Slide 8
Hiring Criteria Minimal hiring criteria: What is the firm
looking for? Oops, What if you dont meet the hiring criteria? Apply
anyway!!! Employers are looking for a candidate that is a good fit
in their office culture or they may have another position for you
now or in the future Paralegal Position Large corporate firm seeks
paralegal with five years litigation experiencing, preparing and
drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery. WPM 90.
Slide 9
Resume = Writing Sample Resume = first impression of writing
sample A resume should be: Clear Brief Well-organized Well-designed
Error free: NO spelling or grammatical errors Proofread Obvious
mistakes show that you are not detail-oriented Have others read and
critique your resume
Slide 10
Start Writing Your Resume Write a QUICK draft Format Contact
Information Objective Educational Background Work Experience
Optional: References
Slide 11
Resume Layout Key: A resume should be clean and easy-to-read
What education or experience do you have that is relevant to a
career as a paralegal? Such as: Research/writing ability Management
experience Interpersonal skills Job commitment
Slide 12
Formatting Your Resume Use: Bullet headings Action words White
space Limited pages (1-2 pages) Key: Can you scan over your resume
in 10 seconds?
Slide 13
Bullet Headings Use bullet headings rather than paragraphs
Example: Stan & Hope, Paralegal, Los Angeles, California
Drafted pleadings, motions, and discovery documents Conducted
client interviews NOT: Stan & Hope, Paralegal, Los Angeles,
California Prepared and drafted complaints, answers, requests for
admissions, requests for production, interrogatories, and motions
for dismissal, motions for summary judgment and other legal
documents. Responsible for client intake interviews, consulting
with clients in document preparation, and updating clients
regarding the status of their cases.
Slide 14
Action Words Action words express action researched
conductedpresentedidentifiedanalyzed
producedcreatedassessedinitiated briefed
preparedcoordinatedinvestigatedrepresented developed
maintainedfacilitatednegotiatedestablishedorganized
Slide 15
White Space Blank space Makes a resume easier to read Balance
white space with text
Slide 16
Resume Length Varies based on experience: 1-2 pages unless
Extensive legal experience Other related experience If resume is
continued on Page 2: Julia Wright Page 2
Slide 17
Resume Elements Contact Information Objective Educational
Background Work Experience Optional: Reference Listing
Slide 18
Contact Information Full name Address Home & Cellular Phone
Email Address Gene Davis, Jr. 4567 Sienna Heights Roadcellular(702)
243-7678 Summerlin, Nevada 89079(702) 808-7965 email:
[email protected]
Slide 19
Finding An Applicant It may be more difficult than you think
Address Use a current address Check mail frequently Phone Contact
List a number you will answer!! List your preferred number FIRST
Provide a professional message Check message frequently Dont
provide your current work number Email Address Create a
professional email address [email protected] Dont use
a work email address
Slide 20
Objective Optional No: To obtain a paralegal position. Yes:
Example: To obtain a paralegal position as a bilingual speaker with
experience drafting pleadings, discovery, and motions and who
offers excellent computer processing skills, including proficiency
in Windows, Word, Excel 1 & 2, PowerPoint, Lotus, West Law, and
Lexis/Nexis.
Slide 21
Educational Background List paralegal training and other
education Reverse chronological order Provide awards, achievements,
organizations, associations 2007 Paralegal Studies Certificate,
University of California, Berkeley Coursework in legal terminology,
legal writing, interviewing, field investigation, arbitration
procedures, and legal research Legal document preparation including
pleadings, discovery, motions and service of process Substantive
emphasis in Family Law and Business Law
Slide 22
Work Experience List relevant work experience Reverse
chronological order Consider transferable job skills Employment
gaps Consider volunteer experience Use bullets, not narrative
Slide 23
Narrative vs. Bullets DONT use Narrative Form: Supercuts, Shift
Manager April 2002 to June 2002 Having been a manager for this
company in Nevada I was able to give support to the store manager
and maintain business in her absence. I was responsible for
managing and directing employees during my shift and
troubleshooting any occurrences during such times. Several of my
other job duties included record keeping, balancing the cash
drawer, and maintaining morale of the shop. During this time I also
demonstrated self- discipline and client loyalty while continuing
to work in Las Vegas. DO use Bullets: Supercuts, Shift Manager
April 2002 to June 2002 Managed and directed employees Responsible
for recordkeeping of daily accounts Maintained client loyalty by
continuing to work in Las Vegas, Nevada
Slide 24
Listing References References should be: Professional/work
associates References answer Is Joe a good employee? NOT family and
friends Generally, reserve reference list for interviews References
are generally not provided on a resume Check with references BEFORE
you list them
Slide 25
Chapter 3: Getting Started with a Resume Worksheet Worksheet
items Contact Information Job Objective Education and Training Work
Experience Volunteer Experience Optional: Reference Listing
(separate sheet) Provide all dates in reverse chronological
order
Slide 26
Chapter 4: Everyones an Expert Key Resume Drafting Points: Keep
it short (1-2 pages) Highlight strengths (first half of the page)
Make it look professional Provide white space Proofread Proofread
Proofread Did you remember to PROOFREAD your resume?
Slide 27
Creative Resume Ideas Creative yes, but not necessarily for a
law firm: A box of chocolates with a resume A bouquet of flowers
with a resume as the gift card Singing resume telegram Lunch
delivered with a resume Balloons with a resume attached
Slide 28
Chapter 5: Introducing Your Resume with a Cover Letter Cover
letters introduce you and your resume Cover Letter Basics Limit
cover letter to 2-3 paragraphs Personalize cover letter Direct it
to the needs of the particular employer Cover Letter = Five Second
Super Bowl Commercial
Slide 29
Why do I need a Fantastic Cover Letter? Employers look at cover
letters either: (1) As an introduction to the resume OR (2) After
reading the resume to determine how this candidate is particularly
suited for this job
Slide 30
Step One: Formatting Date, recipients address, subject line
Dont know the hiring manager? Call the firm and ask!!! Otherwise,
address the letter to Dear Hiring Manager April 15, 2006 Ms. Lisa
Ward Lye & Wood, L.L.P. 657 Main Street Nowhere, State 89052
Re: Paralegal Position Dear Ms. Ward,
Slide 31
Step Two: I am applying for a paralegal position First
Paragraph: Tell the reader: (1) You are applying for a paralegal
position (2) Where you heard about the opening Kim Howarth
recommended that I contact you regarding a paralegal position
available in your office. If you were referred by someone, tell the
employer!!
Slide 32
Step Three: Highlight Your Qualifications Second Paragraph:
Highlight your qualifications Identify unique qualifications and
skills for the job DONT: Sound desperate, send personal photos,
list weaknesses, or lie Re-state your resume DO: List significant
accomplishments or awards Example: I have experience with client
and witness interviewing, field investigation, arbitration
procedures, and legal research. I have prepared pleadings,
discovery, motions, and legal memoranda. In addition, I am
proficient in Windows, Word, Excel 1 & 2, PowerPoint, Lotus,
West Law, and Lexis/Nexis. While working as a paralegal at the law
firm of Jacobs & Marley, I received the award for Employee of
the month.
Slide 33
Step Four: Close with Consideration and Commitment Closing
Paragraph: (1) Be complimentary and appreciative (2) Ask for
further opportunities to discuss your qualifications Example: Thank
you for your time and consideration in reviewing my application. I
look forward to meeting with you to discuss my qualifications
further.
Slide 34
Step Five: Sign and PROOFREAD Sign the cover letter!!!!
Signature block includes: Proofread!!! Use spelling and grammar
checks Dont make handwritten corrections Jane Sullivan 678 Highland
Drive Nowhere, State 89078 (890) 879-9098
[email protected]
Slide 35
E-mail Cover Letters Key Points to Remember: Use proper
capitalization Use proper punctuation Use proper grammar Use
SPELLCHECK
Slide 36
Chapter 6: Making a Good First Impression Key Points:
Personalize your cover letter Indicate the position you are
applying for Highlight your qualifications for the position
Indicate that you will follow-up Sign and PROOFREAD!!! The first
impression is lasting!!!
Slide 37
Chapter 7: Job Search Techniques Where to begin: School
Postings Newspaper Ads Bar Association Ads Employment Services
Slide 38
Beginning a Legal Career First job = training ground A firm
will invest time and money in training you in a law office setting
and this will be reflected in your compensation package
Slide 39
Choosing a Practice Area Legal practice areas: Family law
Personal injury Construction Bankruptcy Business law Immigration
Real estate Estate planning Criminal law Governmental agencies and
more..
Slide 40
Martindale- Hubbell Attorneys Yellow Pages Multi-volume
encyclopedia of attorney providing: Firm address Firm and attorney
practice areas Professional biographical sketch on attorneys
Includes schools attended, professional associations, articles
authored, major cases argued, etc. Listings: By state/city Paid
listings therefore not comprehensive Martindale.com
Slide 41
Where to Begin School Postings: Targeted to schools graduates
Employers know applicants may not have experience Newspaper
Advertisements: Excellent Resource BUT Long listings with little or
no information = mailing frenzy If phone numbers are listed, call
and ask who to direct your resume to
Slide 42
Paralegal & Bar Assoc. Listings National Association of
Legal Assistants National Federation of Paralegal Associations
State Bar Associations Local Paralegal & Bar Associations
Employment Services Temporary and Part-time Employment Experienced
and non-experienced positions available Employer paid NOT employee
paid Benefits: Resume Basics Interview Coaching Hiring Advocate
High-end Firms
Slide 43
Internet Searches Search Terms: paralegal employment
opportunities (your state) paralegal jobs Job sites: lawjobs.com
legalemploy.com monster.com
Slide 44
Cold Calling Benefits: Locate firms in your area Select firms
specializing in your area of interest Sources: Martindale-Hubbell
Yellow Pages
Slide 45
Chapter 8 Preparing for the Interview The interview is your
final sales pitch Youve met the employers minimum hiring criteria
Your resume/cover letter has sparked the employers interest What is
the purpose of an interview? The employer wants to meet the job
applicant and Determine if s/he will fit within the office
culture
Slide 46
Job Interview Pearls Research the Law Firm/Office Dress
Professionally Bring the interview essentials Be prompt = 10
minutes early Write a thank-you note
Slide 47
Research the Law Firm Sources: Martindale-Hubbell Internet
search Purpose: Background information on firm/attorneys Determine
practice areas Consider the firm size Source of interview
answers/questions
Slide 48
Dress Professionally Law firms are generally conservative
Issue: Am I portraying a professional image for the firm? Dress
Professionally = Men: dark suit, tie Women: suit, low heels, no
perfume Caveat: These recommendations are not one size fits all, it
just may take longer to find a job if you thinkout of the box.
Slide 49
What to Bring Interview Essentials: Resume: 3 copies Reference
List -- 2-3 references Names/Addresses/Contact Numbers Professional
Associates Pen & Legal Pad Writing Samples SILENT cell
phone
Slide 50
Be Prompt Be Prompt Be On-Time Be Early Be Professional Plan
for Emergencies Dont be Late!!!!!
Slide 51
The Interview The interview begins when you walk into the
office Donts: Chew gum Smoke Eat Talk on your cell phone Be
impatient with the receptionist
Slide 52
Ice Breakers Greeting Choose formal (Mr./Ms.) or contemporary
Ice Breakers Comment on family pictures, hobbies, other items of
interest Mention any commonalities (I love the Yankees)
Slide 53
Zinger Questions Tell me about yourself. What are your
strengths and weaknesses? Why do you want to be a paralegal? What
are your hobbies? I notice that your job experience is limited How
many children do you have? Where do you see yourself in ten years?
What are your salary requirements?
Slide 54
Do you have any questions? You have considered this job
opportunity and would like to know: How many paralegals do you
have? What are the primary responsibilities of the paralegals in
the firm? Do the firms paralegals work primarily with one attorney
or with several? What created this job opening? What is your vision
for this position? Tell me what I need to do to be successful in
this position. What is the turnover rate for paralegals in the
firm? What is the average work week for your paralegals here?
Slide 55
Follow-Up Write a thank-you note = Professional appreciation
Immediately after the interview Addressed to each interviewer
Reinforces applicants name and professionalism Proofread.Proofread.
Proofread