JLD CV Skills Prezi

Interviewed and recruited 30+ paralegals in 4 years
Regularly hold CV surgeries around country
Worked in : Top 25 firm, national firms, trained in high street firm
Set up JLD 1 – 2 – 1 CV surgeries Are you applying to the right firms?
Consider the type of training you want
Where do you want to end up?
Be realistic in the firms that you approach
Keep a record of who you apply to
Remember your applications should reach into the dozens, if not hundreds
Don’t be put off by “Glory” tales from others who say its easy! The “Difficult” Second page…

Strong Academics a given
Awards from School / University
Have You travelled?
Gap Year?
Sports Teams
Drama Clubs
Positions of Responsibility
Musical Instrument?
Moot Competitions
Work Experience
-By hook or by crook get something! If you can’t get legal work…..
In – House legal experience
Commercial work experience – Bank/Council/Office environment
Good Referees?
Presentation of the CV – 2 pages absolute Maximum for Trainee
3 Pages for NQ
Ensure that it refers to ALL your skills and Experience
If you have managed files, drafted pleadings or drafted statements – Say So!
Do Not Presume that it will be obvious what your experience has been from your job title If sending via email – convert using Adobe PDF
If sending hardcopy – use high grade “engrossment” paper
If completing online form, draft answers on word
Cover Letters – be aware of cut and paste from previous versions
Don’t let small errors betray a lack of attention to detail!
Some people add a small passport sized photo to a CV
If you have a LinkedIn profile or a website, add it to your CV header It is a long process to find the right Legal Job
You can end up sending out 100s of applications
You can liaise with an Agent for well over 12 months before finding the right NQ position
But keep pushing, Believe in Yourself, Your Abilities & Your Successes and You Will get there …… In the end!
Leave the Candidate with confidence to know that they can succeed in a difficult market! If struggling to add life to Application forms & CVs – ask for help
Local JLDs, Careers Events at firms, local law society representatives
ALL of these may help you get some time with a Partner or Solicitor who will provide CV assistance & Guidance Why Can I Help? CVs FIRMS The "Difficult" Second page... Cover Letters & Presentation Social Media Add a LinkedIn profile
Add a Skype Account
Personal Email Account
Twitter feed
Website / Blog Any Questions? Stay in touch DigitalLawUK.com
@DigitalLawUK
peter.wright78@gmail.com
uk.linkedin.com/in/peterwrightlawyer Perfecting Applications and CVs


Peter Wright
Consultant Solicitor, DigitalLawUK
@DigitalLawUK
DigitalLawUK.com

Law Society Council Member Online Application Questions Where do you see yourself
in 5 years time? Strengths & Weaknesses What skills does a good manager need? How do you motivate others
when you are demotivated? Describe a situation where you
contributed towards a positive outcome How well do you take direction? How do you get the best
performance from people? Why do you want to be a solicitor? What interested you on LLB / CPE / LPC? Give an example of a difficult
decision you had to make Give an example of a
successful / unsuccessful business