Resume and Cover Letter Guide
Wayne State University Law School • Career Services Office
2010-2011
RESUME AND COVER LETTER GUIDE I. Resume Writing 1. Purpose of a Resume Think of your resume as a glossy color brochure and the product you are selling is yourself. It is the first impression any prospective employer will have of you. As a result, your resume is one of the most important career search tools and you should invest the time and effort necessary to make it work for you. As a marketing tool, a resume should highlight your skills and accomplishments. It should be a concise and compelling presentation of why an employer should hire you. The goal of a resume is to convince a prospective employer to meet you in person and to seriously consider you for a position. 2. Contents of a Resume A legal resume should contain the following information: Name and Contact Information including email address: The heading of your resume should identify who you are and where you can be reached. Include the address where you are currently receiving mail, your phone number(s) and your email address. You may want to include your permanent address as well, especially if it is not local and if you intend to return to that area to work after graduation. Education: This section should include a list of your educational history in reverse chronological order. Each item should include the name of the school, the location, the degree conferred or expected and the date of the degree. As a law student, your first entry should be Wayne State University Law School. Indicate that you are a Juris Doctor Candidate and the date of your expected graduation. You may also omit the “Candidate” designation and simply include the date of your expected graduation. Another common designation is Juris Doctor Expected plus the date of your expected graduation. You should always include a high GPA or class rank on your resume, preferably bolded for extra emphasis. Even if you are not at the top of the class, you should consider including your GPA on your resume. Employers often ask for copies of transcripts so omitting a less than stellar GPA from your resume will not keep the GPA from being considered by the employer. Additionally, if you omit your GPA, the employer might mistakenly assume that it must be especially low. If you include your GPA, it must be absolutely accurate. Do not round up. 1
Your education section should also include your undergraduate and other graduate degrees, but should not include your high school. Do not include your GPA for your undergraduate and other graduate degrees unless you also include your law school GPA. Also include any honors, activities, and memberships related to your education in this section such as awards, academic scholarships, journal and moot court participation and board positions, and student organization memberships and leadership positions. Examples: Wayne State University Law School, Detroit, Michigan Juris Doctor Candidate, May 2006 • GPA 3.25/4.00 • Student Trial Advocacy Program • Sport and Entertainment Law Society Wayne State University Law School, Detroit, Michigan Juris Doctor Candidate, May 2005 Class Rank 15/219 Honors: ƒ Gold Key Certificate 2003‐2004 Activities: ƒ Executive Articles Editor, Wayne Law Review 2005‐2005 ƒ External Chair, Women’s Law Caucus 2004‐2005 Experience List your work experience in reverse chronological order beginning with your most recent or current position. Each entry should include the name and location (city and state only) of the employer, your job title, the dates of employment, and a concise list of your accomplishments and achievements. Include experience showing your supervisory, professional, research, communication, leadership or other skills that would be valued by a legal employer and all legal experience. You should include both paid and unpaid positions such as internships if your experience demonstrates any of the skills that would be valued by legal employers. When listing your non‐legal jobs, make sure to highlight any research, writing and analytical responsibilities, organizational and communication skills, and significant achievements and accomplishments. Avoid a generic list of job responsibilities. Instead, use each entry to convince the reader that you have the potential to excel in a challenging legal position. Use short phrases to describe your employment and introduce each phrase with an action verb. See Appendix B. A legal resume may also contain the following sections: Community/Civic Activities If you have meaningful participation in volunteer activities, you may want to include it in a separate section. This section is particularly useful if your volunteer activity has some 2
legal component or if your participation demonstrates the type of skills identified above. Make sure to indicate whether you served in any leadership capacity. Languages In today’s global economy, many legal employers will have international clients. Public interest and other employers may also serve a non‐English speaking clientele. As a result, any fluency or proficiency in a foreign language should be included in a separate section. Interests There are two schools of thought on whether to include an interests section. One is that it is not necessary and somewhat superfluous. The other is that it provides some personal information about you that can separate you from the pack and provide the basis for ice breaking material during an interview. The choice of whether to include an interests section is entirely up to you. If you have a unique interest or hobby, it will certainly distinguish you from the other candidates. On the other hand, listing common interests such as reading and sports is not likely to achieve the desired result. Publications Listing publications, especially professional or academic publications demonstrates research and writing skills. Professional Licenses/Certifications If you have a professional certification such as a CPA, you may want to include it in a separate section along with the date and state of certification. Military Service You can include military service as a separate section or as an item in your experience section. Make sure to include honors and awards. A legal resume should NOT include the following sections: Objective An objective or goal section is not appropriate for a legal resume. Skills Do not list common computer skills such as word processing or Westlaw and Lexis. In this day and age, these are skills that you will be expected to possess. Only list computer skills if they are unique, such as knowledge of high level programming languages or complex drafting skills. Unfortunately, it is a fact of life that controversial items such as political affiliations and certain organizational memberships have the potential to negatively impact your resume. Whether to include such items is entirely up to you. Just be aware that some employers may exclude you from consideration on the basis of these items. 3. Format 3
Because it is a marketing tool, you should pay as much attention to format as to content. Make sure your resume looks professional and is easy to read. There is no one particular format you should use, but there are a number of guidelines you should follow: • Try to keep your resume to a single page, unless you have significant previous professional experience • Use good quality bond paper in a neutral color such as white, ivory, beige or gray • Use a laser printer to reproduce your resume • Do not use a resume template • Format to achieve maximum white space for ease of reading • Proofread carefully, mistakes and typos will eliminate you from consideration at the outset • Use a simple style and be consistent (do not combine fonts) • Use headings, bold face, italics or other type styles to highlight important information • Always ensure that every piece of information is accurate II. Cover Letters 1. Purpose of a Cover Letter A cover letter is a transmittal letter for your employment application. It should not be a form letter and should be personalized for each application you make. Much of the content can be recycled, but you will need to tailor the letter to each potential employer. A cover letter is your opportunity to specifically explain how your background meets the requirements of a particular job. 2. Contents of a Cover Letter A cover letter should rarely exceed one page. It should consist of three to four brief paragraphs. The first paragraph identifies who you are and the reason for writing the letter. You should try to capture the employer’s interest as quickly as possible to encourage further reading. Often you can open simply by stating that you are a first, second or third year law student at Wayne State University Law School and that you are writing in application for a particular position posted with the Career Services Office. Be as specific as possible in describing the position to which you are applying. When making a cold contact with an employer, it can be very helpful to have a referral. A letter opening with a statement that you are writing at the suggestion of a person who knows the recipient will increase the chances that your application will receive serious consideration. The second paragraph is the meat of the letter. In it, you will detail your interest in the employer and why you are the best candidate for the position. Explain how your experience 4
and education meet or exceed the qualifications set by the employer. Use concrete examples if possible to demonstrate your potential for success. Make sure you do more than merely repeat the highlights in your resume. In the last paragraph, you may thank the employer for its consideration, identify the enclosed materials that comprise your application, and indicate how you intend to follow up on your application. It is perfectly acceptable to state that you look forward to hearing from an employer or that you are available for an interview at the employer’s convenience. If you are writing to an out‐of‐town employer, you may want to indicate your availability for an interview during a planned future visit if applicable. 3. Format Use a business style letter format and proofread carefully. As with your resume, a typo in your cover letter will negatively impact the employer’s first impression of you and may even eliminate you from consideration. Use high quality bond paper that matches the paper of your resume and print the cover letter using a laser printer. Use proper salutations: Mr., Ms., Judge, The Honorable in your address to the recipient. You should avoid using “To whom it may concern” or “Hiring Partner” if possible by researching the name of the individual in charge of hiring. III. WRITING SAMPLES 1. Purpose of a Writing Sample A writing sample is required for most legal positions. It operates as a demonstration of your research, writing and analytical abilities. It should be thoroughly prepared and edited, but it should not have been significantly edited by others. In other words, while you should use the editing comments from your legal writing professors to make corrections, do not submit a sample that has been heavily rewritten by someone else. Be sure to be familiar enough with the sample to answer any questions the interviewer might have! 2. Contents of a Writing Sample Length is always a difficult issue. You should remember that legal employers are busy and not likely to read long samples. As a result, you should try to submit the best short or moderate length sample you have, preferably 7 ‐10 pages. While excerpts are permissible, make sure that any excerpt is comprehensible without the omitted material. Ultimately, when deciding between length and quality, quality should be the determinative factor. During the first year of law school, your writing sample will most likely be either your Research Memo or your Appellate Brief from Legal Research and Writing. After the first year, if you’ve done legal work over the summer, ask for permission to use a brief, memo or other 5
work product as your writing sample. Be sure to guard all confidential information by redacting names of clients and parties unless the document was filed with a court as a public record. 3. Format of a Writing Sample Your writing sample need not be printed on resume paper. Include a cover sheet indicating the type of assignment and, if using a work product, note that permission was obtained from your employer. If your writing sample is an excerpted portion of a longer document, make a note of that as well on the cover sheet. IV. REFERENCES 1. Purpose of References The purpose of a list of references is to provide the potential employer with people they can contact about you. Make sure to only include people who have agreed to be references in advance. Also make sure to ask people who are likely to give you a strong reference. If someone is not enthusiastic about being a reference, do not use them. A lukewarm recommendation from someone you have identified as a reference will negatively impact your application. It is most useful when one of the references is associated with the prospective employer. Appropriate people to list as references include those with the ability to speak on your performance and personality. Potential references include professors and current or former employers. 2. Format of References You should not include references as part of your resume or add a section in your resume indicating that references are available upon request. The potential employer will assume this fact without your having to state it. Instead, you will have a separate reference sheet containing the name and contact information of your references that you will provide to a potential employer only when asked. Make sure your name is on the sheet at the top. List the
name and position of the reference followed by their contact information including phone
number and email.
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APPENDIX A – HONORS, AWARDS & ACTIVITIES Wayne State University Law School Juris Doctor Candidate, May 20XX Editor‐in‐Chief, Wayne State Law Review Assistant Editor, Wayne State Law Review Advocate, Student Trial Advocacy Program, Fall 20XX President, Jewish Law Student Association Representative at Large, Student Board of Governors Dean’s Scholar (for recognition of high academic achievement) Member, State Bar of Michigan, admitted November 20XX Member, State Bar of Michigan (use if law student member) Clinical Participant, Disability Law Clinic Finalist, Best Appellate Brief Competition, March 20XX (Position), Moot Court Competition 7
APPENDIX B – RESUME ACTION WORDS accelerated accomplished achieved acted adapted addressed administered advanced advised allocated analyzed appraised approved arranged assembled assigned assisted attained audited authored automated balanced budgeted built calculated catalogued chaired clarified classified coached collected compiled completed composed computed conceptualized conducted consolidated contained contracted contributed controlled coordinated 8
corresponded counseled created critiqued cut decreased delegated demonstrated designed directed developed devised diagnosed directed dispatched distinguished diversified drafted edited educated eliminated enabled encouraged engineered enlisted established evaluated examined executed expanded expedited explained extracted fabricated facilitated familiarized fashioned focused forecasted formulated founded generated guided headed up identified illustrated implemented improved 9
increased influenced informed initiated innovated inspected installed instituted instructed integrated interpreted interviewed introduced invented investigated launched lectured led maintained managed marketed mediated moderated monitored motivated negotiated operated organized originated overhauled oversaw performed persuaded planned prepared presented prioritized processed produced programmed projected promoted provided publicized published purchased recommended reconciled 10
recorded recruited reduced referred regulated rehabilitated remodeled repaired represented researched restored restructured retrieved reversed reviewed revitalized saved scheduled schooled screened set shaped skilled solidified solved specified stimulated streamlined strengthened summarized supervised surveyed systemized tabulated taught trained translated traveled trimmed updated upgraded validated worked wrote 11
APPENDIX C – RESUME DO’S & DON’TS Some Tips For Improving Your Resume PLEASE DO Remember the order of priority • You, your positions, your transferable skills • Schools, employers, affiliations • Dates & addresses Consider the potential reader • Busy employers, 1 chance to make an impression, 1 mistake may be fatal • One of many other resumes, distinguish yourself from the pack Guide the readers eye • Gross organization—Table of Contents vs. manuscript • Parallel construction— strive for consistency & clarity Use tangible examples to demonstrate transferable skills
• Highlight achievement—measurable, concrete, individual • Show personal development—growth, advancement, maturity • Demonstrate awareness—insightful, adaptable, teachable Use language and formatting to your advantage
• Introduce bullet points or short phrases with action verbs • Never use personal pronouns • Avoid repetition • Never use introductory phrases such as “Responsible for” • No periods at the end of bullet points or other sentence fragments • Avoid false columns of less important information such as dates and locations Insure accuracy • Never overstate or misrepresent your education and experience • Have someone else proofread your final draft to avoid any typos or mistakes PLEASE DO NOT Take advice without challenging sources • Everyone has good intentions—only you have the investment • Excellence is not common— use common sense • It is your resume—your risk Use templates for resumes • Wizards and templates—limited cookie‐cutter formats • Overuse of formatting—too much of a good thing • Do not include information that will be obvious to experienced readers Overload or short change • White space is essential • Marketing tool vs. biography • No unimportant jobs Use unnecessary items • Objectives • “References upon request” PRINTING SUGGESTIONS • Use a laser printer instead of an inkjet •
Choose professional quality paper in neutral color APPENDIX D – SAMPLE RESUMES Sample Resume 1 – 1L Resume James Stanley _ ________________________________________ 471 W. Palmer, Detroit, Michigan 48202, 313‐577‐3949, [email protected] Education___________ _________________________________________ Wayne State University Law School, Detroit, Michigan Juris Doctor Candidate, May 2007 Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan Bachelor of Arts in English, May 2004 • GPA 3.65/4.00 • Dean’s List • Treasurer, MSU Shakespeare Society Experience____________________________________________________ Hometown Newspapers, East Lansing, Michigan Editorial Intern, Summer 2003 • Researched background facts for newspaper articles • Authored student column on MSU news and events • Edited classified advertisements Bella’s Books, East Lansing, Michigan Reference Clerk, August 2002 – May 2003 • Managed information desk at bookstore • Assisted customers with questions and sales • Analyzed store sales and prepared weekly reports detailing sales activity • Organized author lectures and book signings Jerry’s Coffee Shop, East Lansing, Michigan Server, November 2000 – April 2001 • Created Poetry Evening program • Assisted with purchasing of food and supplies Community Activity____________________________________________ Eastside Community Center, East Lansing, Michigan Tutor, August 2001 – Present • Tutored high school students in reading and writing skills 13
Sample Resume 2 – 2L Resume JEROME LOCKE 471 W. Palmer Detroit, Michigan 48202 [email protected] 313‐577‐3949 EDUCATION: WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL, Detroit, Michigan Juris Doctor Candidate May 2006 • GPA: 3.2, top 25% of class • “Honors Pass” in Legal Research and Writing UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, Ann Arbor, Michigan Bachelor of Arts ‐ Organizational Studies Program, April 2003 • GPA in major: 3.76/4.0 • GPA Cumulative: 3.36/4.0 • Delta Epsilon Iota National Honor Society • University Honors, April 2001 • Risk Reduction Chair, Sigma Nu Fraternity, 2002 EXPERIENCE: OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL, Ann Arbor, Michigan Law Clerk, Health System Legal Office, May 2004‐present • Drafted a memo for the University of Michigan tax manager explaining how M‐CARE qualifies for tax exemption as a social welfare organization • Reviewed and summarized medical records for medical malpractice claims • Researched and prepared memos on various health law issues including HIPPA, confidentiality of protected health information, and healthcare fraud • Attended civil commitment hearings, and medical liability review committee meetings PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES, INC., West Bloomfield, Michigan Intern, June‐August 2002 • Assisted Senior Vice President of Investments • Provided clients with updated stock, mutual fund, and asset allocation reports GRIZZLY PEAK BREWING COMPANY , Ann Arbor, Michigan Server, January 2003‐August 2003 • Trained newly hired servers in performance of job duties MEMBERSHIPS • American Health Lawyers Association, Law Student Division • Former Organizational Studies Peer Mentor 14
Sample Resume 3 – New Graduate Resume ETHEL HOUSTON 471 W. Palmer, Detroit, Michigan 48202, (313)577‐3949, [email protected] EDUCATION Wayne State University Law School, Detroit, Michigan Juris Doctor, May 2004 • Bronze Key Certificate (GPA 3.5‐3.68), 2002‐2003 and 2003‐2004 • Moot Court: National Team 2003‐2004, Fall 2002 First Place Oralist and First Place Brief Writer • Women Lawyers Association of Michigan Justine Orris Awardee, 2004 • Women’s Law Caucus, Co‐Chair 2002‐2003 Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan James Madison College, Bachelor of Arts, 1992 ‐ 1995 • Major: Social Relations Minor: Psychology Cambridge University, Cambridge, England • Michigan State University Study Abroad ‐ Public Affairs Program, July 1995 CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Honorable Denise Page Hood, United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan Judicial Intern, Winter 2004 and Fall 2002 •
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Researched and wrote bench memos regarding civil rights litigation, employment law and evidentiary issues Prepared case summaries and checked jurisdiction for new cases. Observed jury selection, pretrial motion oral arguments, trials, and conferences. Sommers, Schwartz, Silver and Schwartz, P.C. Summer Associate, May 2003 – December 2003 •
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Researched and wrote memoranda regarding adoption, employment and civil rights, commercial litigation, personal injury, and municipal matters. Prepared drafts of complaints, motions, and briefs. Observed depositions in child support and personal injury matters, retainer conferences, and motion call. Wayne State University Student Assistant to Zanita E. Fenton, Associate Professor of Law, May 2002 – December 2003 •
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Researched applicable law concerning domestic violence, American class and education systems. Researched sources and checked citations for journal article regarding domestic violence. Michigan Attorney General Law Clerk, Children and Youth Services Division, January 2003 – April 2003 and May 2002 – August 2002 •
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Represented client at Preliminary Hearings and Post Termination Review Hearings. Researched and wrote memoranda, notice and response documents, and presentation materials. Researched allegations, prepared discovery, and interviewed witnesses for child protection proceedings. MSX International Instructional Systems Designer/Performance Analyst assigned to Ford Motor Credit, 2001 •
Consulted with department management on performance improvement matters to enhance client service and employee skill development. AFFILIATIONS •
Oakland County Women’s Bar Association, Newsletter Co‐Editor 2004‐05, Law Student Liaison 2003‐04 15
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Woman Lawyers Association of Michigan State Bar of Michigan, Student Member American Bar Association Law Student Division and Family Law Section, Student Member 16
Sample Resume 4
WILLIAM J. ROTHSTEIN 500 Metaphoric Rock Road Bedrock, USA 48446 [email protected] 313‐515‐1212 EDUCATION: WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL, Detroit, Michigan Juris Doctor Candidate, May 2008 SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY, Charleston, South Carolina FRED SCHOOL OF INDUSTRY Master of Science, August 1997 UNIVERSITY OF DINOSAURS, Detroit, Michigan COLLEGE OF LITERATURE Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Political Science, May 199X EXPERIENCE: KIRK CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, Lapeer, Michigan ESTIMATOR/PROJECT MANAGER, August 2000‐August 2004 • Estimated and bid projects ranging up to $2 million • Maintained and updated company’s safety program ensuring compliance with state and national codes • Managed marketing plan for company including direct‐mail program, telephone advertising and public relation efforts • Coordinated subcontractors on projects MARX LAYNE AND COMPANY, Farmington Hills, Michigan ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, April‐August 2000 • Devised public relations plan for clients including financial and higher education institutions • Composed press releases and media advisories for media events • Handled crisis communications with media for clients WLNS‐TV, Lansing, Michigan REPORTER, April 1998‐April 2000 • Reported news events, wrote and edited stories for broadcast • Covered Michigan State House and Senate, Governor’s office and state political parties • Recognized by Associated Press for contributions to coverage of MSU riots COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST CHURCH, Davison Michigan ORGANIST, August 2002‐August 2004 17
Sample Resume 5
FREDERICK LASH 100 B.C. Lane Bedrock, USA [email protected] 313.345.6789 ______ EDUCATION: WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL, Detroit, Michigan Juris Doctor Candidate May 200X • GPA: 3.2, top 25% of class • “Honors Pass” in Legal Research and Writing UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, Ann Arbor, Michigan Bachelor of Arts – Mechanical Engineering, April 200X • GPA in major: 3.76/4.0 • GPA Cumulative: 3.36/4.0 • University Honors, April 200X • Construction Management Chair, Barney‐Fred Fraternity, 200X EXPERIENCE: OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL, Ann Arbor, Michigan Law Clerk, Health System Legal Office, May 2004‐present • Drafted a memo for the University of Michigan tax manager explaining how M‐CARE qualifies for tax exemption as a social welfare organization • Reviewed and summarized medical records for medical malpractice claims • Researched and prepared memos on various health law issues including HIPPA, confidentiality of protected health information, and healthcare fraud • Attended civil commitment hearings, and medical liability review committee meetings PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES, INC., West Bloomfield, Michigan Intern, June‐August 2002 • Assisted Senior Vice President of Investments • Provided clients with updated stock, mutual fund, and asset allocation reports GRIZZLY PEAK BREWING COMPANY , Ann Arbor, Michigan Server, January 2003‐August 2003 • Trained newly hired servers in performance of job duties MEMBERSHIPS • American Health Lawyers Association, Law Student Division 18
APPENDIX E – SAMPLE COVER LETTER Your Street Address City, State Zip Code Telephone Date Recipient’s Name Recipient’s Title Company/Firm Name Street Address City, State Zip Code Dear Ms. _____________: I am a second‐year law student at Wayne State University Law School and I am writing to apply for a position as a summer associate with [name of law firm]. Last term, I interned with Judge Judy and she suggested I contact you regarding a summer position. Having worked in journalism before law school, I have a strong interest in media law. I understand your firm represents a number of media clients including the Hometown Express, and I believe my background makes me particularly well qualified to be a summer associate at your firm. Last summer, I worked as a law clerk for Bob Barker, Media Lawyer Extraordinaire. At the Extraordinaire Law Firm, I drafted licensing agreements for authors, researched and wrote briefs in Freedom of Information Act cases and responded to discovery requests on behalf of newspaper clients in libel cases. In one libel case against the Local Letter, I drafted a summary disposition brief that led to a grant of summary disposition in favor of our client and a dismissal of the case. Working as an intern with Judge Judy last semester, I had the opportunity to observe a libel trial. I have excellent research and writing skills that have developed and improved as a result of my work experiences and my membership on Moot Court. I am confident that my enthusiasm and experience would be an asset to your firm. I have enclosed a resume and writing sample for your review. I look forward to meeting with you personally to discuss my qualifications in more detail. Sincerely, Your Signature Your Printed Name Encl.
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Appendix F - Sample Reference Sheet
REFERENCES FOR ARNETT LEIGH 1.
Dean Homer Simpson Wayne State University Law School 471 W. Palmer Detroit, MI 48202 313‐500‐0000 [email protected] 2.
Professor Ned Flanders Wayne State University Law School 471 W. Palmer Detroit, MI 48202 313‐500‐0000 [email protected] 3.
Krusty the Klown Klown Hall 555 West 5th St, Ste 123 Ferndale, MI 48220 248‐200‐000 [email protected] 20