Landing the Job: Resume and Interviewing Tips to Keep You Out of the “No” Pile
Everyone knows that applying for jobs can be an incredibly competitive process. Your resume is often the first impression employers have of your skills and experience, and starting off on the wrong foot can quickly diminish your chances of landing a desired position.
In the CNN Money article “10 Reasons Your Resume Isn’t Getting You Interviews,” career blogger Alison Green offers up several common resume blunders that could stop you from getting that call-back you’ve been waiting for. Of Green’s list, here are PSJD’s top 3 that apply to law students on the public interest job hunt:
1. It Just Lists Duties and Responsibilities, Not Accomplishments. Generally speaking, law students do a lot of the same things at their respective jobs and internships (memos, legal research, etc.). However, potential employers may be more impressed by facts, figures or special awards related to your legal work. For instance, did you help the organization start any new projects? Have you ever been recognized for your service to a particular community or client population? Make yourself stand out by noting awards and accomplishments for the work you’ve done!
2. It wastes space on things that are irrelevant, like descriptions of your employer’s business. Public interest legal organizations do amazing work, and it’s tempting to add their mission to your resume. However, Green points out that this information is more suited for the job interview than your resume. Use this space to describe your role and how you contributed to the organization.
3. It includes everything you’ve ever done, rather than just the highlights. In the article, Green states that the initial scan of your resume takes employers only 20 seconds. Law students are pretty accomplished individuals, but you only want employers to know about the best of the best of your accomplishments. Keep your resume short, focused and concise to convey your most important highlights.
Click here to read the rest of the article for more tips. Once you’ve landed an interview, check out PSJD’s Interviewing Tips for Postgraduate Public Interest Jobs for tips and best practices gathered by PSJD from nonprofit and government legal employers. For guidance on following up, Harvard Law School’s Office of Public Interest Advising (OPIA) offers extensive tips and best practices on public interest job interviewing in their Job Interview & Follow-Up Guide.
Happy job hunting!