Job Placement Strategies for Paralegals Resumes Cover Letters Job Search Interviews.

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Job Placement Strategies for Paralegals Resumes Cover Letters Job Search Interviews

Transcript of Job Placement Strategies for Paralegals Resumes Cover Letters Job Search Interviews.

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  • Job Placement Strategies for Paralegals Resumes Cover Letters Job Search Interviews
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  • 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
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  • 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
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  • 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!!!)
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  • 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!!
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  • 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
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  • 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)
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  • 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.
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  • 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
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  • Start Writing Your Resume Write a QUICK draft Format Contact Information Objective Educational Background Work Experience Optional: References
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  • 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
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  • 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?
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  • 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.
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  • Action Words Action words express action researched conductedpresentedidentifiedanalyzed producedcreatedassessedinitiated briefed preparedcoordinatedinvestigatedrepresented developed maintainedfacilitatednegotiatedestablishedorganized
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  • White Space Blank space Makes a resume easier to read Balance white space with text
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  • 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
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  • Resume Elements Contact Information Objective Educational Background Work Experience Optional: Reference Listing
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  • 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]
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  • 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
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  • 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.
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  • 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
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  • Work Experience List relevant work experience Reverse chronological order Consider transferable job skills Employment gaps Consider volunteer experience Use bullets, not narrative
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  • 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
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  • 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
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  • 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
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  • 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?
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  • 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
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  • 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
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  • 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
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  • 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,
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  • 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!!
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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]
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  • E-mail Cover Letters Key Points to Remember: Use proper capitalization Use proper punctuation Use proper grammar Use SPELLCHECK
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  • 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!!!
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  • Chapter 7: Job Search Techniques Where to begin: School Postings Newspaper Ads Bar Association Ads Employment Services
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  • 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
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  • 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..
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  • 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
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  • 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
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  • 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
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  • Internet Searches Search Terms: paralegal employment opportunities (your state) paralegal jobs Job sites: lawjobs.com legalemploy.com monster.com
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  • Cold Calling Benefits: Locate firms in your area Select firms specializing in your area of interest Sources: Martindale-Hubbell Yellow Pages
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  • 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
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  • Job Interview Pearls Research the Law Firm/Office Dress Professionally Bring the interview essentials Be prompt = 10 minutes early Write a thank-you note
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  • 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
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  • 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.
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  • 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
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  • Be Prompt Be Prompt Be On-Time Be Early Be Professional Plan for Emergencies Dont be Late!!!!!
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  • 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
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  • 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)
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  • 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?
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  • 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?
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  • 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