Many jobs are filled through networking and referrals, but regardless of how the process begins, eventually someone will ask for your job application materials. You need to be ready. The main purpose of the application materials is to get you in the door. To do this effectively, they must offer clear, concise and error-free information. Traditionally, legal employers will seek a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and references or letters of recommendation.
Below are materials you may find useful in updating your documents to meet legal-industry standards.
Example Cover Letters Example Writing Sample Example References
Example Resumes Resume Writing 101 Common Resume Mistakes
Resume
Cover Letter
Writing Sample
References (or letters of recommendation)
Employers ask for references as a way to confirm that all you say is true and that you really are as good as you look on paper. Employing someone is a leap of faith that can cost an employer thousands of dollars. Often, your references are one way to assure the employer the decision to hire was a correct one.
Who?
Your references should be able to speak to your abilities as a student and an employee. Your references need not all be legally related but they should all be academic or employment related and not personal. The most important factor is how well the individual knows you and can speak to your abilities. Who knows you best? Who is the most articulate? Who has been the most supportive of your chosen career path? Who has first-hand knowledge of your analytical abilities or your work ethic? As a first year student you will likely not have any references from the law college yet. As you enter your second year, however, employers will expect to be able to call upon a legal reference who can speak to your abilities as a lawyer-in-training. Take time to get to know the professionals at the law college and to let them get to know you.
How Many and How?
Three to five references are usually sufficient. Once you identified the people you would like to use as references, you must ask them if they are willing to serve as a reference. Never assume that someone is willing to speak positively on your behalf. You should call or e-mail your potential references and ask their permission to list them as a reference. Ask them if they would have any reservations recommending you. You may think that because your professor is friendly he or she would make a great reference for you. It could be that the professor likes you but would never hire you because you are habitually late to his or her class. You need to know up front that the recommendation will be positive. Some professors may not feel like they know you well enough. In that case, be polite and work toward a future date when they may know you better.
The Dean’s Office has traditionally had a program that will reimburse students up to $20 for taking a professor out to lunch. Grab a friend and invite your favorite professor!
Nurture your References
You should thank your references and remind them of your accomplishments and goals. Provide them with a current copy of your resume and always keep them up to date on the jobs you are applying for so they are not caught of guard with a call out of the blue. Remember that many businesses have policies which may prevent them from doing more than verifying employment dates of past employees. You may want to make sure that your potential reference is willing to go beyond that to an “off the record” endorsement of your work, if asked.
Once you have identified your list of references provide them with a current copy of your resume and keep them updated on your search and on your successes.
Format
Your references are not part of your resume. They should be listed on a separate page but following the same format. Create a blank document and out the same heading that appears on your resume at the top. Title it References and then list the names down the side of page. Put the name and the contact information preferred by the reference (phone, address, email, etc.). It is also common to include some indication of the relationship between you and your reference (e.g.: Professor, Direct Supervisor, Supervising Attorney, etc.) if it is not going to be obvious to the employer. This is especially true if your reference has changed positions or titles since you worked with them.
Transcript
Law School Transcripts are available by e-mailing Darice Cecil.
You should use the 9.0 scale when describing your GPA. If you want to help give someone an easy reference point you can indicate your GPA something like this on your resume:
GPA: 6.345/9.0 (6.0 = B)