Careers in Business Law

1. Careers in Business Law

2. Today’s Objectives • Compose a letter of application (cover letter) for employment. • Create or update a resume. • Complete a job application.

3. Resumes Read the following slides about resumes, then create/update your resume.

4. What is a resume? • Summary of personal information • Outlines your qualifications for a particular job • Usually includes: • Education • Skills • Work experience • Awards & activities

5. Not All Resumes Are Equal! • Resumes should be customized for each position to which you apply. • Resumes change over time and should be updated regularly.

6. Resumes for Employees • Usually first step in the job application process • Organizes facts about you; makes completing job applications easier

7. Importance of a Resume • First opportunity to make contact with an employer • Represents your qualifications for the job • Any mistakes will hinder your job search

8. What makes a good resume?

9. Good Resumes • Easy to read • Logical flow • Includes relevant information • Name stands out • Good use of space

10. Common Mistakes • Spelling and grammatical errors • Writing in the first person • Including unrelated and/or personal information • Repetitiveness • Lacking organization or focus

11. Resume Writing Tips

12. In General… • Keep it concise – no more than one page • Make it neat! • Be honest about your qualifications • Use action words and phrases to describe your experiences • Customize it to the job description • Have others proofread it!

13. Submitting a Resume

14. Printed • Black ink • White or off-white paper • Include a cover letter

15. Electronic • Save it as a PDF file! • If you attach it to an email, the body of the email will serve as your cover letter.

16. Applying for an Internship • Let’s pretend! You have some free time this summer, so you have decided to apply for a legal internship at a local law office. • Open the Legal Internship file andread about the position.

17. Resume Assignment • Complete or Update Your Personal Resume. • Have someone proofread it. • Save your resume as a PDF with the file name ResumeYourName.pdf • Submit your PDF resume in my Inbox.

18. Cover Letters Read the following slides about cover letters. Then, complete the assignment on your own.

19. What is a Cover Letter? • Tells the employer about you and why you are applying • Can also be used to inquire about possible positions

20. Purpose of a Cover Letter • Introduces you and who you are • Explains why you are sending a resume • Makes a good impression • Demonstrates professionalism

21. Formatting a Cover Letter

22. Layout As with all professional business letters, a cover letter should be written in block format.

23. Cover Letter Contents • Use simple language • Be short & concise • Proofread! All cover letters should be error-free.

24. Paragraph #1 • Explain why you are writing • Indicate the position you would like to apply for • Explain how you heard about the job opening

25. Paragraph #2 • Describe what you have to offer the employer • Match your abilities with their needs • Refer to your resume by highlighting qualifications and relevant background

26. Paragraph #3 • Ask for an interview! • Thank the employer for considering you • Explain how & when you will follow up

27. Cover Letter Assignment • Open the CoverLetterTemplate. This is a general cover letter example. • Rewrite the cover letter to make it apply to you. You are applying for the legal internship position. • Have someone proofread it. • Save the letter as a PDF file with the file name CoverLetterYourName.pdf and drop a copy in my Inbox.

28. Job Applications Read the following slides about completing applications for employment.

29. What is an application? • Form that employers give to potential employees to complete • Lists relevant information • Work Experience • Education • Skills • References

30. Applications vs. Resumes • Standardized forms make it easier to compare job candidates • Demonstrate ability to follow directions • Ensure that complete information is provided • Require a signature to attest to truthfulness

31. Tips for Applications

32. Make sure to… • Complete the form neatly. • Spell all words correctly. • Use a pen with blue or black ink. • Answer every question – write “N/A” for those questions that are not applicable. • Use your full name (not a nickname)

33. Common Mistakes

34. Watch out for… • Incomplete or missing information • Inaccurate information • Any unintentional marks, such as scribbles or marking out words • Colored ink or pencil • Listing “anything” for your preferred position

35. References

36. Who should be a reference? • People who know your work habits and personal traits well • People who can confidently recommend you for the job • People you have known for a significant amount of time

37. Professional References • Always ask for permission to use their contact information! • You may consider: • Teachers • Former employers • Friends established as business contacts

38. Application Assignment • You will complete an employment application for the legal internship position. • We will do this as a class – you will need a blue or black pen.