Applying for a Job
Resume Preparation
Your resume is your personal marketing tool. On average, prospective employers spend about 30 seconds reading a resume. Make every word count and tailor your CV to the person who will be reading it.
Our online CV builder, which can be accessed through My Account, has been developed to help you make your application specific to the legal profession. Your written resume should include:
- Name, home address, e-mail address and phone details. Think carefully about putting your current work phone number; it is probably best to include your home and/or mobile numbers.
Tips to make your resume stand out:
- Keep your resume to two pages (three pages maximum). Remember, this is your key to getting an interview. You do not need to include minor details of your experiences; these may only serve to weigh down your resume.
- Use a font size that is easy to read. If your resume is more than three pages, avoid the temptation of using a smaller font size just to fit it on the page.
- Tailor your resume to the company and position being advertised.
- Check the spelling. There is no greater risk to your success than spelling errors. Check and re-check, don't just rely on the computer spell check. Have someone else read it.
- Don't assume the reader understands all the jargon related to your previous jobs. Be careful with legal terminology, as office managers or human resource managers might be reading your resume first.
- Never lie, and make sure that your resume is an accurate reflection of your work history.
- Always provide a covering letter as an introduction to your resume. Your cover letter should entice the reader to look at your resume. Demonstrate how your experience fits the job description of the role on offer. This is a chance for you to show how you can fulfil the requirements of the job, not what the firm can do for you. Personalise the letter by calling the organisation to find out the name of the person who will be receiving the applications. As with your resume, keep it short. Never exceed one page.
The Interview
The interview is show time. There are some simple but obvious tips to make the most of the experience.
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1.
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Never be late to an interview
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Make sure that you give yourself plenty of time for unforeseen circumstances. If you feel that there is a possibility you might be running late, call to make sure someone is notified of your situation.
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2.
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Always be polite to anyone you meet.
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This includes staff at reception or anyone you meet prior to the interview. Any bad feedback can go straight back to the interviewer. First impressions are constructed in less than 15 seconds.
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3.
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Shake everyone's hand and look each person in the eye
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This shows you are confident and not intimidated. It will also ensure you feel more in control of the situation. A strong handshake indicates a strong mind.
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4.
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Research the organisation
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Researching the organisation is imperative. It demonstrates that you have taken an interest in the organisation. It also prepares you with questions to ask during the interview and can minimise your anxiety.
Ask questions such as: Who are the partners? How are they performing in comparison to their competitors? Do they have offices only in Melbourne, or are they national, global?
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5.
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Re-read the position description
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This will allow you to illustrate your awareness of the role and your possession of the necessary qualities required to do the job. A good candidate aims to convince an interviewer that there is no need to look any further - you are the person they have been searching for!
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6.
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Never speak badly about a previous employer
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This is the golden rule. If you have ever had a bad experience, and you need to respond to a question about your reasons for leaving an employer, be diplomatic and never personal. Consider your response to this question before the interview.
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7.
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Ask questions
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Candidates who ask questions relating to the organisation, the role, or anything in general, are seen to be intelligent and quick-thinking. It also shows that you are keenly listening and interested in what your interviewer is saying.
Remember that some interviewers may not be specifically trained in interview techniques but may be great to work for. It is your job, during the interview, to get a sense of the firm and how they will be to work for. General questions to ask in today's IR work environment are about management style and the culture of the organisation. You want to make sure that this is a firm in which you can perform at your best. Their culture and management style must be able to foster that. At the end of the day, you need to find out if this is a role or organisation that you are suited to.
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8.
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Be yourself
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The best candidates are those who portray their true selves. You are going to have to be yourself at some point. By remaining relaxed and focused you will allow yourself to be open and honest with any potential employer.
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