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.