Let’s be honest: your resume is your first chance to make an impression, and in the competitive legal and executive job market, you want it to stand out. It’s a critical tool that helps potential employers quickly understand who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you are the best fit for the role.
Creating an effective resume is about more than listing your work history; it’s about strategically presenting your skills, accomplishments, and experiences to tell a compelling story.
- A Focused Resume vs. “One Size Fits All”
A focused resume targets the specific job you’re applying for, highlighting relevant skills and experiences. Customize it to address the unique needs of each role and company, increasing your chances of standing out.
- Position Your Professional Story
Your resume should tell a cohesive, professional story aligned with your career goals. Highlight relevant experiences that demonstrate your expertise and value. Focus on:
- Quantifiable data showcasing achievements.
- Broad accomplishments that relate to the role or showcase your strengths.
Remove details that are irrelevant or might prompt unnecessary questions.
- Emphasize Quantifiable Results
Employers want to see results, not just responsibilities. Use specific numbers to illustrate the impact of your work (e.g., “Led a legal team that reduced contract approval times by 30%.” “Saved $50,000 annually streamlining xyz processes.”). This helps employers understand the tangible value you bring.
- Define Your Value Proposition
Your resume should answer the question: What is your value proposition? In other words, what can you offer to the employer that others cannot? Understanding your unique skills and strengths, and communicating them clearly, is crucial. Whether it’s a proven track record of leadership, a knack for problem-solving, or expertise in a specific field, make sure your resume reflects how you are a problem-solver who delivers results.
- Effective Formatting
The content is important, but so is formatting. Consider these tips:
- Font: Use clean, professional fonts like Times New Roman or Calibri.
- Size: Keep the body text between size 10-12.
- Headlines and White Space: Use clear section headers and adequate white space for readability.
Your resume should be clear and professional, not overly designed. Focus on readability and effective presentation.
- A Strong Headline and Summary
Include a strong headline followed by a brief summary paragraph at the top. The headline should indicate your career role, and the summary should concisely highlight your core skills and achievements, similar to your elevator pitch!
- Use the STAR Method
The STAR Method is a great way to write accomplishments:
- Situation: What was the context?
- Task: What was your role?
- Action: What actions did you take?
- Result: What was the outcome?
For example:
- Situation: Needed to expand into new markets.
- Task: Develop a strategic plan.
- Action: Conducted market analysis and managed expansion.
- Result: Successfully entered five new countries, increasing revenue by 30%.
- Include Company Descriptions
If your past roles were with companies that aren’t widely known, include a brief company description to give context. Mention the company’s size, industry, and key achievements to help employers understand the scope of your previous work environment.
- Reflect Short-Term and Long-Term Career Goals
Craft your resume with both short-term and long-term goals in mind. Reflect on how each role aligns with your career progression. Include examples of taking on leadership roles, driving organizational improvements, and contributing to sustainability and work-life balance initiatives.