In addition to considering the interview process, it is important foran aspiring paralegal to begin drafting a key document that willsummarize qualifications such as educational background, workexperience, skills, and other information pertinent to the job, known asthe résumé. You will update this document throughout your workingcareer, but it is important for you to begin becoming comfortable withcreating such a document. You will be providing a résumé in response tomost job applications and the résumé will likely determine if you willbe invited for an interview.
This first portfolio assignment is for you to create a professionalrésumé, cover letter, and a thank you letter for a hypotheticalparalegal position at a law firm.
A sample résumé for an entry-level candidate is provided in thisweek’s reading assignment textbook and you can locate numerous articlesabout resume preparation in an online search.
Education and work experience are the key qualifications employersare seeking, so be up front in detail about those. Computer skills,interests, hobbies, and other personal strengths can also behighlighted. As you prepare the résumé, consider how it will look andread to a prospective employer.
For the cover letter, realize that a résumé should always be sentwith a cover letter. The cover letter provides you with an opportunityto show some distinctive qualities you can offer employer.
Finally, write a brief thank you or follow-up letter for a hypothetical job interview to show appreciation for the interview.
Your résumé will be part of the growing portfolio you are creating
for this class. Assignment should be 3 pages in length. (The résumé,
cover letter, and thank you letter will each be one page long).
