Your CV is your chance to impress. A well-presented, readable and informative CV is the key to clinching interviews and standing out from other job applicants.
Take the time to prepare a clear and detailed CV. This is an opportunity to show not only your experience but drafting skills, attention to detail and personal attributes. Here are a few pointers:
- Aim for a succinct, punchy style but don’t try to squeeze your CV into two pages. In the legal market, employers prefer a concise but comprehensive and detailed CV. Three to four pages are fine.
- Use headings to break down your work into seats or practice areas you have experienced (eg. commercial property, litigation, employment, private client etc).
- Under each heading, give bullet point examples of files you have handled. Include the nature of the client or type of entity e.g. X Bank Plc/blue chip, multinational, the value of the matter, the issues, the procedural steps taken, the documents produced and the other parties involved.
- Choose examples that allow you to shine, for example, high value, complex matters, disputes you have won or resolved, matters where you had substantial input or where you employed a particular skill (i.e. a language).
- Include relevant non-fee-earning information (eg. marketing events, presentations, social activities, etc). Include outside interests, as this helps build a picture of you as an individual.
- Do not leave gaps, either chronologically or in the information you give. Potential employers want to know your complete background. Never lie on your CV!
At Chadwick Nott, we have huge experience putting together impressive, effective CVs, tailored to specific legal roles. Our consultants would be more than happy to advise you on content and layout. Click here for an example CV.