HOW TO PREPARE A RESUME FOR A LAW FIRM JOB: Resume tips for 2020

[@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray]

Let me know below if you think adding your picture on your resume provides a human connection by putting the face to the name. Does it make you and your resume more memorable?

[@P03ticJustice]

@Marja Annukka it's a real thing. It's happening to me too. I'm being told I don't have the look or a good speaking voice. But black people say I speak properly. I don't get it . Also a student the only one in my class who isn't already in an office.......

[@shadowscorpions]

As wonderful as the ideas sounds I don't think emploeyers should be admitting resumes with pictures. I am sure that once the employers looks at a candidates pictures an implicit bias is formed (whether we know it or not) and that can lead to disqualifying the candidate for soley those reasons. I think its a huge upset for those that are minorites, since this can lead to some discrimination in the employment process. Even with just a name employers will throw a resume if they don't like the name or it doesn't appeal to them (whether implicit or explicit bias). Personally, I would not do it just cause it can heavily jeopardize my chances of even having my resume considered. But what do you think?

[@DatBoiiLott]

I have put a picture in my resume and this definitely worked in my favor. The attorney was extremely pleased.

[@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray]

Excellent news. Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate you!

[@mrbarrie001]

I put my picture on the resume and got permanently banned from applying to that firm

[@denisesolvestheworld3487]

love your channel. it's helping me so much. I loved your Masterclass and look forward to the civil litigation class. Thanks for all you do!

[@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray]

Thank you so much. I appreciate you!

[@43machews]

In this field, I am constantly engaging in resume whitening to get job interviews ........ it feels like putting my picture on my resume would be like shooting myself in the foot.

[@toyathebossy1]

Hello, new subbie here!! Okay so I have absolutely no experience in the legal field other than a couple of brushes with the law myself ( lol) but I have been told by so many people, even an attorney, that I should consider becoming a paralegal/lawyer. I'm going to be 40 in March and honestly I have had jobs but never a career and I'm so unhappy professionally. Looking back over my life I feel that maybe I was missing my calling in becoming a lawyer and now that I'm older well, you're a woman so I'm sure you know where this is heading. Is it too late for someone with no experience? I mean I can move through a law library with the best of them and I never back down when I feel I'm right, I am a fighter but well never mind. Just wanted to ask someone who is actually doing what my goal is and also say I'm glad I found you!!

[@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray]

It is never to late to change your stars. I love being a Paralegal and wouldn't change it for anything. My parents always told me I would be a lawyer when I grew up. I'm not a lawyer, but damn close sometimes lol. As a Paralegal, I found myself in the game much quicker than any newbie lawyer. Go get you a slice of that #lawfirmlife pie girl!

[@tosin8123]

Could you let me know if it's necessary to include the name of the employer for a virtual work experience where the tasks and responsibilities were clearly outlined?

[@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray]

I'm not sure I would say it's 'necessary' to include the name of an employer for virtual work. The question is, does the information hurt you or help you? If the virtual work experience showcases your talents, I would add it. Thanks for watching!

[@ezemp1]

I totally agree that adding a picture to the resume helps a lot. I moved from Argentina (where I was a lawyer) to the US one year ago and I'm trying to start a career as a paralegal - but I'm having some difficulties putting together my resume - any ideas or suggestions? Thanks a lot.

[@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray]

Check out the templates in Canva and Word. Keep in mind the toner required for printing. Have multiple versions. Make sure you have technical and soft skills on your resume. Summarize in bullet points your experience per job and keep it to two pages, max. Maximize your skills that relate to the job you're applying. Finally, NEVER stop learning. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I appreciate you!

[@christophert6690]

great video this is mad helpful

[@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray]

Glad it helped

[@Chrystalxlopez]

Hello there! So happy I stumbled upon your video, what advice do you have for someone who is in undergrad looking for a legal internship with a hospitality experience background (server/bartender) and a communications-public relations major, perhaps tying skills I've gained from my classes? I'm trying to make my cover letter stand out! Thank you. :]

[@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray]

I think you would do well with Plaintiff attorneys and you should capitalize on your communication skills, as well as your ability to adapt and remain flexible. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate you! Good luck to you :-)

[@tribblejack]

As an older worker, even though I have more experience than the hiring manager has been alive, adding a photograph is an invitation to age discrimination.

[@___c.vargas]

Do you recommend adding the address & phone number for the jobs we previously work for? And do you recommend adding references?

[@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray]

Regarding addresses and telephone numbers, you may have to provide those things if asked. However, usually a state and town reference to the job will suffice. I would not add referenced, but you can indicate that references are available upon request. These days, it's implied. However, if you have a letter of recommendation, I would provide that with your resume. It is never NOT a good thing to do that. Good luck! Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate you.

[@teejack8108]

How about don't put your photograph to avoid discrimination??? A lot of resumes get discarded because of the applicants' names...imagine their photos.

[@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray]

I don't know about you, but I don't want to work for someone who discriminates against me at all - by photo or in person. If they are, I'd rather they do it BEFORE they hire me so they don't come up with some BS reason to fire me. The entire legal industry has had to pivot into a digital environment by force with a pandemic. I've honestly never seen more pictures on resumes that I have in the last three months.

[@teejack8108]

@@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray Some people, racialized groups, specifically Black People just want to get their foot through the door. I don't know if you can relate. It's almost unlikely to not work for a racist...look who are in the managerial positions, and sitting in the boardrooms, etc. They are White People. Unfortunately, it's hard to know if someone is racist. Also, not because someone hired you, means that person is not a racist. Diversity is getting a lot of traction, therefore hiring minorities will be good for business. This is North America and Western Europe. If my looks is not key to the job, then a photo should not be the reason I get an interview. My experience and education should be sufficient. I believe most jobs still require an interview, whether it be in person or by Zoom. My face will be seen then, even if I don't get a callback, it would be an experience to help me do better in my next interview.

[@jaideepchahal491]

@@teejack8108 If anything, being from a minority ethnic background will help your chances at getting a callback at big law firms.

[@karimbennett5651]

@@jaideepchahal491, not if you’re Black.

[@jaideepchahal491]

@@karimbennett5651 Even more so if you’re black... Minorities are underrepresented at law firms and they are doing everything they can to recruit more minorities to balance it out.

[@paigez7680]

Love how I found your channel! Im a recent college grad who is figuring out what she wants to do! I was wondering do you have any resources that can help with typing skills?

[@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray]

Not yet! But that's a fantastic idea. There are many free resources online. I also dictate to my phone (record your voice reading a book or something) and then type it as I listen. That REALLY increases your speed. I also type while I'm on the phone taking intake calls instead of writing. That has also increased my typing speed. Best of luck to you!

[@Queensteph6692]

Thank you this was very helpfull

[@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray]

I'm so glad! Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate you.

[@TheHenriproduction]

Wow love this tips

[@crystalswan2787]

Putting a picture on a resume can open a can of worms when it comes to ethnic applicants.

[@Kiyonce.Kartier]

Can I take notes to a legal assistant interview?

[@sanaibe_]

I would like to put my photo on my CV but I'm worried I'll be racially discriminated against :( (happened before - came to an interview and saw surprised faces as though they didn't expect to see someone who looks like me considering I have a 'white name')

[@sanaibe_]

P.S. I wouldn't want to work for a racist firm BUT as a young graduate, it's hard out here!

[@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray]

You do what makes you feel comfortable. Good luck and thank you for watching 🙏😊

[@berryreadable]

A lot of law firms are desperate for a more diverse staff, so it could work in your favor!

[@alreemVacation]

Hi Misty, I've been a law student for three years(out of 4 yrs) but later dropped out and i'm wondering should I include such info in my resume or should I completely leave it out ?

[@17thhokage28]

Me too,did you finally get an answer to this?

[@17thhokage28]

@UC1NHg-4nFJKWd48yOjJuTPg I was told you include it if you planning on returning to college.Within the three years you spent studying without having to have been employed somewhere raises red flags when they go through your resume

[@alreemVacation]

@@17thhokage28 so i think i asked her this same question in another video where she did kindly answer me saying I should preferably leave it out and something around that line.

[@IndiaAniya25]

This was very helpful. Are you doing paralegal consulting or coaching?

[@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray]

I'm so happy it was helpful. Yes, I am doing paralegal coaching. I do some consulting, but it is mostly business consulting for assisting law firms with setup, organization, etc. Thank you for watching, commenting, and subscribing. I truly appreciate you!

[@IndiaAniya25]

@@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray how do I get more information on your coaching?

[@LOl-nb4ip]

Ty

[@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray]

You're welcome. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate you.

[@DaBeezKneez]

Jeez, she spent the entire video talking about why you should put a pic on your resume

[@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray]

Jeez, he spent an entire comment showing how how much he didn't watch the video 😬

[@lawyerandco727]

Depend of the country for the picture... And the job area! I live in France in Paris🇨🇵 Really conservative area when you're looking for a legal job and you're 🙅🏾‍♂️ Discrimination does exist. So...

[@Europeanpounds]

If youre black, and put a photo, you might not get many call backs.

[@jerseyrose_]

But that’s not a bad thing cause if I’m not getting a call because I’m black I don’t wanna work there anyway so it does me a big favor

[@43machews]

I feel that. It sucks, I constantly applying to a legal job and hoping to be a diversity hire.

[@LC-rl7cd]

@@43machews Diversity hires happen more with big law firms because government incentivizes them to make quota.

[@P03ticJustice]

Picture on the resume will get your application in the trash if you're black. Bad idea for most jobs

[@LC-rl7cd]

You can always just list the linkedin link which has photo so it can be their choice or not to look at your pic.