When it comes to applying for a job in the legal field, your Law CV is your first opportunity to make a strong impression on potential employers. A well-crafted and professional Law CV can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview and ultimately securing the job. However, there are certain do’s and don’ts that you should keep in mind when creating your Law CV. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the key points to consider when crafting your Law CV for a legal position.

Do’s:

1. Tailor your Law CV to the specific job: It’s important to customise your Law CV for each job application. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications that align with the requirements of the position you are applying for. This will show employers that you have taken the time to understand their needs and are genuinely interested in the role.

2. Include a clear and concise personal statement: Start your CV with a brief personal statement that summarises your key strengths, experiences, and career goals. This will give employers a quick overview of your profile and help them understand why you are a good fit for the role.

3. Highlight your academic achievements: In the legal field, academic qualifications hold significant weight. Include details of your law degree, any relevant certifications, and any academic honors or awards you have received. Be sure to mention any specialised courses or areas of law that you have studied.

4. Highlight achievements and contributions: Whilst it is important to set out your responsibilities in your Law CV, don’t forget to specify any achievements, and the skills you developed during these experiences. Employers like to see this because they can envisage you delivering the same results or outcomes for their firm and clients.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t include irrelevant, outdated information: Keep your Law CV focused and concise. Avoid including irrelevant personal details, or unrelated outdated work experiences. If you are quite experienced in your career – consider including a section titled “Earlier Career” and just listing the dates, company and job title for any roles that are 20+ years ago.

2. Don’t neglect proofreading: A Law CV riddled with spelling and grammatical errors can create a negative impression. Take the time to carefully proofread your Law CV and ensure that it is error-free. Consider asking a trusted friend or family member to review it as well.

3. Don’t use fancy templates: While it may be tempting to use a fancy Law CV templates, these don’t always work well with Applicant Tracking Systems. Less is more when it comes to Law CVs – a simple linear structure without any graphics or tables works best.

4. Don’t exaggerate or lie: Honesty is crucial when it comes to your Law CV. Avoid exaggerating your skills, experiences, or qualifications. Employers value integrity and will likely verify the information you provide. Be truthful and transparent in your Law CV.

5. Don’t forget to update your Law CV regularly: As you gain new experiences and skills, make sure to update your Law CV accordingly. Keep track of your achievements and update your Law CV regularly to reflect your most recent accomplishments.

In conclusion, creating a strong Law CV requires careful attention to detail and a focus on relevant information. By following the do’s and don’ts outlined in this blog post, you can increase your chances of impressing potential employers and securing your dream job in the legal field.

If you need help with your Law CV, please do get in touch with me.