It’s important in any industry to have a CV that presents you in the best light, so as a Legal Secretary what do you need to include?
ALL Responsibilities
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen CVs that just list responsibilities “same as above” or “Secretarial duties”. This not only looks lazy but not every Secretarial position is the same. Some involve dictation, others don’t, did you process billing or did accounts handle that? Did you prepare court documents? Which forms were you completing etc?
Clear Dates
This one isn’t specific to Legal Secretaries and may be obvious for some but I still often come across CVs where there are just years and not months. This can be misleading as you could have worked the whole of one year or just one month.
Areas of Law
Include which areas of law you worked in for each of your roles. Employers often look for specific skill sets and areas of law worked in. Don’t assume that the person reading your CV knows the firm and what areas of law that they do. Make it really clear and highlight whether it was defendant or plaintiff.
Software
Most law firms these days use case management systems and it can make you much more attractive if you have already used the system they use (aka less training they have to do and the easier you can get stuck in!)
Technical Skills
If you have completed any typing or Microsoft Word tests (and your results are worth boasting) put them on your CV. You can also take free typing tests online so you can use this to sell your skills!
Who You Supported
Include how many people that you supported and at what level – i.e 2 Partners, a Senior Associate and a Paralegal.
Achievements
It’s always a good idea to highlight your achievements. Did you implement a new filing system or were you the super user for the firm’s case management system? Anything that can show you are proactive and driven to do things outside of just your position description are worth including.
If you would like advice on how to get the best out of your CV, give me a call! 08 6160 6201
