Purpose of a CV:

• In simple terms, the purpose of a CV is to get you an interview, which will allow you to sell yourself to a potential employer. At interview, your CV may also provide a focus and structure for the interviewer to direct his/her questions.
• On some occasions (temporary work) a strong CV can secure you a job.
• At worst, a poorly constructed CV can give a potential employer a negative impression of you as a candidate and prevent you from securing the interview.

Presentation:

• More often than not, your CV is the first impression that you'll make on a potential employer and although each employer will have different views on what constitutes a “good” CV, you should aim to present yourself clearly and professionally.
• Use good quality A4 white paper with a plain type face – try not to use italics and decorative fonts – content, not style, is what is important for lawyers.
• Try to keep your CV to three pages – two is even better!
• Taking a little time on design, construction and wording will ensure you promote yourself to your best advantage.
• Your CV should present facts about yourself clearly and concisely! Avoid superfluous details. Use bullet points rather than complete sentences.
• Check your CV carefully – lawyers are keen on attention to detail. Always run a spell check and re-read to check it also makes sense.
• If submitting as a hard copy, staple the pages together and include a covering letter.

CV Structure:

• Wherever possible try to tailor the CV to the job for which you are applying.
• Put your name right at the top of the front page, with your contact details directly underneath. It is advisable to include a mobile number - only include your work number if you are happy being contacted there.
• It is becoming increasingly commonplace to begin with a personal profile – this will summarise your key strengths, attributes and ambitions. This should be no more than three or four lines long.
• Your educational history, academic achievements and work experiences should be listed in reverse order – university degree should come before your school exam results. Lawyers will expect to see grades for school/university subjects. Do not lie – these details are checked!
• Never leave gaps – if you took a year out, or carried out interim assignments, say so - otherwise employers will wonder why.
• List achievements and responsibilities against each role. Try to quantify wherever possible e.g. lead associate on £600m acquisition, supervised team of six lawyers etc. More emphasis/information should be put on more recent jobs.
• Highlight any language skills you possess, but do not oversell your capabilities.
• When describing your responsibilities and achievements try to bring out any key skills e.g. project management.
• Leave hobbies and interests to last - keep this section short.
• References should be “available on request”. Current salary details should not be included.

Useful words for CVs and covering letters/emails:

Further Sources of Information:

• 30 Minutes ... To Prepare the Perfect CV by Lynn Williams (published by Kogan Page)
• The Perfect Cover Letterby Richard H. Beatty (published by John Wiley & Sons) www.LawCareers.Net
• www.cvtips.com
• Real World Magazine