Whenever I make a presentation on resume writing, I always ask the same question to participants, namely how long should your resume be?

The answers vary from 1 page, through to 5 or more pages, but the prevailing opinion is that there is some sort of rule set in concrete which must be obeyed, otherwise you could possibly miss out on an interview, if your resume is somehow not the right length.

If you are a lawyer / solicitor, then in this article, I outline some key tips to ensure you create an outstanding resume that will win job interviews.

It is all about highlighting the right experience

Unless in general practice, law is a highly specialist area and employers are employing someone that can meet their practice and client requirements. To ensure you are a perfect match:

Profile: Make sure your profile, aligns with the requirements of the specific job. If you are coming from a general practice and applying for a more specialist position, for example in Intellectual Property, it is no good highlighting your skills in conveyancing; you need to highlight your skills in trademarks, patents, IP disputes & enforcement, copyright through to brand enforcement.