Paralegal Resume Tips

Tips for Paralegal Resume Common Key Skills and Ac�on Verbs for Paralegal Resumes Ensure your resume gets past the ini�al screening by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and hiring managers by focusing on target words. Most posi�ons have common key skills and ac�on verbs that are important to the role. This applies to a paralegal posi�on too. The employer wants to see that you have these necessary, fundamental skills before considering you for an interview. For a paralegal posi�on, make sure to include the following essen�al skills and ac�on verbs throughout your resume and cover leter: Key Skills & Proficiencies • • • • • • • • • • Client interviews Communication skills Confidentiality minded Detail-oriented Document drafting Legal software Microsoft Word Organization Team player Technology proficient Action Verbs • • • • • • • • • • • Draft Execute Implement Liaise Multitask Prepare Research Respond Screen Transcribe Write Tips for Wri�ng a Beter Paralegal Resume Highlight your relevant experience for the role Most lawyers don’t have the �me for extensive onboarding, so they prefer a paralegal who’s experienced and knowledgeable in their field. A paralegal may be taught legisla�on, but the most valuable learning comes from job experience. If you have extensive work experience already, make sure to highlight the skills you’ve learned with specific examples. Example #1: • • Good relevant description: My eight years of experience working in family law firms has allowed me to become an expert in this field. To date, I have assisted in over 500 divorce cases and 200 inheritance cases. Bad relevant description: I have worked in two law firms that specialize in family law, so I am quite knowledgeable in this particular area of law. Example #2: • • Good relevant description: I have conducted over 2,000 client interviews in my eight years of work experience. As a result, I have a clear process for interviewing and understand which probing questions to ask. Bad relevant description: I enjoy conducting client interviews. Highlight your education that relates to the position A paralegal isn’t required to have a four-year bachelor’s degree; you can become a paralegal with a two-year associate degree. However, many companies and law firms prefer a paralegal with a bachelor’s degree or addi�onal educa�on beyond an associate degree. Addi�onally, it’s en�rely op�onal to complete a paralegal cer�fica�on program. If you have either of these, it’s essen�al to highlight them so you can stand out from other candidates. Example #1: • Good relevant description: I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies from Smalltown College in 2015, which provided me with the foundational knowledge I need to succeed. • Bad relevant description: Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies, Smalltown College 2015. Example #2: • Good relevant description: I greatly value education, and after completing my four-year degree, I completed a paralegal certification program. • Bad relevant description: I have my paralegal certification. How to align your resume with the job descrip�on When reviewing a stack of resumes for a position, the hiring manager needs to quickly narrow it down to a handful of final candidates. This is true for the competitive paralegal field. Logistically speaking, a hiring manager doesn’t have time to interview and consider every candidate thoroughly. As a result, a few potential candidates need to be identified. Managers do this by screening for keywords, looking for a resume that matches their crafted job description. Make sure to identify keywords from the job posting and include them in your resume. According to the job description, the ideal candidate should have the following skills and qualifications: work experience, independence, client interviews, team player, detail-oriented, associate degree, research skills, confidentiality. Now that you’ve iden�fied the necessary skills and qualifica�ons, it’s �me to make sure you include your matching skills and experience in your resume.