If you’re a lawyer looking for a new job or trying to advance in your career, your legal CV is likely one of the most important tools in your arsenal. It’s the first impression you make on potential employers, and it can make or break your chances of landing that dream job. But are you underselling yourself in your legal CV?
We often have a tendency to downplay our accomplishments and skills. We’re taught to be humble and not brag about our achievements, but when it comes to your legal CV, it’s important to showcase what makes you stand out from the crowd.
Highlight your Achievements
One common mistake that lawyers make on their legal CVs is not highlighting their specific skills and accomplishments. Instead of just listing your job duties and responsibilities, take the time to detail your achievements and how you added value to your previous roles. Did you win a difficult case? Negotiate a successful settlement? Bring in new clients? These are the things that will set you apart from other candidates and show potential employers what you’re capable of.
Showcase your Technical Expertise
While soft skills and personality is important to build rapport with clients and work as part of a team, recruiters / employers want to know you can perform the requirements of the role. A Key Skills and Technical Expertise section that lists your core competencies is vital. Not only does it help with keyword optimisation, but it also helps the reader understand your capabilities in practice. For example, if you are a Commercial Property Lawyer – highlight the type of deals you have worked on. Acquisitions and Disposals, Grant and Lease Renewals, Developments, Overages and Option Agreements, Commercial Lending etc.
Tell them your USP
Emphasise any additional qualifications, certifications, skills or capabilities you have that set you apart from your peers. Whether you have carved a name for yourself by regularly publishing or speaking at events, developed a niche within your area of law or hold a language proficiency that could be valuable to a global firm, these competencies can make you a more attractive candidate.
Focus on your Recent and Relevant Practical Experience
You are far better off honing in on and describing your recent and relevant experience over the last 10 years in detail. That part-time retail work you did during your degree or volunteering at the citizens advice bureau is not going to make any difference at this stage. It is wise to use the space to really dig deep into what it is you do now and can offer the firm.
Underselling yourself in your legal CV is a costly mistake in a highly competitive market. Take the time to showcase your skills, accomplishments, USP and recent a relevant experience. By doing so, you’ll increase your chances of landing that dream job and advancing in your legal career.
If you are looking to step up your career with a stand out legal CV, please do get in touch with me.