Work is hectic, family life full on, and, quite frankly, writing a CV isn’t the most exciting job. Many Solicitors I talk with recycle an old formatted CV and simply add an extra line for their current role. Whilst this might seem like a time-saving hack, it rarely produces the results you are looking for.
Tips for writing a CV
You need your CV to demonstrate all of your legal expertise and experience. When preparing your CV, you should illustrate examples around the files (whilst maintaining confidentiality of course) rather than discussing your skillset and abilities. You want the reader to get an in depth understanding of your work.
For example, if you are working on a residential subdivision, expand on it and state the Lot size of the subdivisions. The reader wants to know that it is a 1,500 Lot rather than guessing it might only be 5 Lots. As an Immigration Lawyer, processing visas could mean ten, or you may have achieved the successful granting of work visas for 100 engineers. Talk about the industry, whether it is an international client and expand on matters to give further information and clarity.
Make sure you outline any technical achievements. Be proud of them, and profile them in your CV. Boast about that litigation case, the employment case you won or how you negotiated and resolved a construction dispute.
CVs should be a great balance of demonstrating who you are as an applicant, not too sterile that your personality doesn’t come through but also not so wordy that the reader loses interest – it is a fine balance.
Correct dates of employment and education are critical, as is your admission date, including the month and year.
You only get one chance to get your CV in front of a firm. I can ensure that you maximise that opportunity to ensure you have produced the best document you can.
As a recruiter, where do I fit in?
I see the good, bad, and ugly regarding legal CVs as a recruiter. I know what law firms want to see, and I’m in a great position to advise and guide you to help get you the best outcomes. In addition, I can tell a potential employer about your achievements, your soft skills and what it is you’re looking for, which is tough to describe on a CV or introduction cover letter. I can also advise you what a supervising partner wants to know about your strengths and where you might need further training and support. If you would like some pointers on your CV or advice on the current legal market, please get in touch. Using a recruiter takes the guesswork out of the recruitment process and allows you to find that next long-term opportunity.
Here at Tyler Wren, we know good people know good people. Receive a referral voucher for *$600 when you refer a friend to Tyler Wren.