Beyond the Resume – Application Materials

Your application is the first opportunity you have to show your future employer both what you’ve already done and what you hope to do for them. Whether you are an experienced associate looking to transition to a new firm or practice area, or a newly licensed lawyer looking to find your first legal role, the way you first present yourself on paper will determine whether you get the call, the interview, or the position. Your application strategy, and the information you choose to include, should be carefully tailored whether you are applying for a posted job or seeking a position at a place you are passionate about. While certain jobs may have other requirements or recommendations, these are the bare minimum documents you should consider including when seeking employment.

The Resume

“A resume should only be one page.”

“You should include personal information about yourself in your resume such as your interests.”

“You should not include unrelated jobs or education.”

“You don’t need to include your law school accomplishments.”

 If you asked 100 employers whether these common “principles” of resume drafting are correct as a general rule, you’d probably get a 50/50 split. Your resume is equally as much about you as it is about what your potential future job wants from you. For example, while you should aim to be concise, that doesn’t mean you should limit yourself to one page if you have relevant experience that you want your potential future employer to know about. If you are applying to be a professor, you might want to consider including your law school accomplishments on your resume. If you and the managing partner were in the same fraternity or went to the same undergraduate school, it might be worth moving those details up on your resume. If community service is an important part of your life and the organization you are applying for values community involvement and outreach, list organizations that are important to you. Political organizations and/or religious organizations can also have a place depending on the nature of the job you are applying for (think lobbyist or lawyer at a non-profit), but try to limit anything that might be against the culture of your future employer (and consider whether you would be a good fit if that is the case).

Despite popular opinion, there isn’t a “right” or a “wrong” way to present your education and work history. As long as you take the time to tailor your resume to highlight the areas most relevant to the job you are applying for, you are including the right things.

The Statement of Interest

This is what most people refer to as a “cover letter,” though it is more accurately branded as a “statement of interest.” Your statement of interest might be particularly important when you are applying for a job with an employer that is “not accepting applications,” or does not have an active job link posted.  Why are you applying for this job? Why do you want to work here? Why should this employer hire you, specifically? While you might not know everything about the business or the people you might work for, twenty minutes of preparation will go a long way. I’ve, personally, found some pretty great topics of conversation at interviews just by doing a few minutes of research on the folks I  knew or anticipated I’d interview with (if you don’t know, ask when you get the opportunity to interview).

 Something to keep in mind with any of the written materials you choose to provide is the likelihood the initial reviewer holds a different role than the one you are applying for. Your statement of interest can make a big difference and cause you to stand out from other applicants. For that reason, it is crucial to tailor each cover letter to the job you are applying. “Dear Employer” or “To Whom it May Concern” shows only that you weren’t interested enough in the role to do the limited research needed to determine who to send the materials to. If you really can’t find that information, considering calling to ask prior to sending your materials to a general “info.com” address or other general mailbox.

Taking the time to consider what the job will entail can help you identify off the bat what skills you have that may contribute to your success in the role, what areas the employer is involved in that may interest you, and what you may have in common with some of the people who already work there. You can use the information you learn from your research to tailor your cover letter, and also for your interview preparation if you are invited for an interview.

The Writing Sample

 While many people think a writing sample is a requirement for “entry level” lawyers only, that has not been my experience—many positions still request (or require) a writing sample. Again, even if you aren’t asked to provide one, a writing sample could be a good way of showing your future employer what you bring to the table.

 Try to pick something that relates to the area you are seeking to be employed. Even if you are changing practice areas, show your advocacy for something you’re passionate about, explain a nuanced concept—do anything to convey your aptitude and adaptability to different areas of the law and interest to expand your knowledge base.

 If you’re re-purposing work product you’ve used in the past, make sure to protect confidential information and apply redactions or change names when necessary to preserve attorney-client privilege. Being proactive in seemingly small details such as this demonstrates you are a forward-thinking person who is cognizant of these requirements.

Wrapping up

While the quality of the materials you provide far outweighs the quantity, take the time to do preliminary research to tailor your application package accordingly. Focus on the qualities you would prioritize if you were hiring for that role and determine the best way to effectively communicate how you meet and exceed those criteria. By making small adjustments to your resume, statement of interest, and writing samples when marketing yourself to different job opportunities, you can greatly improve the likelihood of getting a call back to interview. 

This monthly article series will illuminate the unspoken challenges and oft-overlooked aspects of navigating a successful legal career. Each installment will identify practice tips and answer questions you might not otherwise know to ask. If you have topics of interest or wish to contribute to this series, please get in touch with Corinne at comiller@childsmccune.com.