CV by Job type: Legal CV

Writing resumes can be tricky for a candidate in the legal sector, whether you’re applying at a law firm or corporate legal department, it’s a tough business. You might wonder what you can do to make your resume sample perfect.

Would a flashy design work? What about the format? What order of components will make your resume stand out?

The key advice in resume building: Be concise. Recruiters In the legal sector tend to scan resumes in seconds. If you write it too wordy, you run the risk of burying important information that makes you a good fit for the job. But that doesn’t mean to keep it short and simple either if you have five or more years of experience, there is no need to keep your resume on the new page. Every word should make you look good by summarizing your strengths.

Education over experience. How you’re going to write your experience and education depends greatly on the length of your career. If you’ve worked as a lawyer for more than three years, choose experience. If you’re new in the sector, start with your legal education. If you come from a top-tier law school, choose it over experience, even if you’ve had a few years of legal work under your belt. No matter which section  you start with, use reverse chronological style when describing your career: Put your most recent education or experience first.

Lastly, your resume is a long document – it should be continually updated, and be customized for each job application. Find out as much as you can in the job posting and tailor your resume to hit each relevant point. Include your accomplishments and achievements in your career and that resume of yours is a sure winner!