Chapter 3: Entering the Field

§3.1 – §3.3 Looking for a Job §3.1 – §3.3 Looking for a Job Resources: Resources: Newspaper Advertisements Newspaper Advertisements College Placement Services College Placement Services Bar/Paralegal Associations Bar/Paralegal Associations Employment Agencies Employment Agencies Networking Networking Cold Calling (Telephone Book) Cold Calling (Telephone Book)

§3.4 Internet Job Search Job Posting Sites Job Posting Sites Job Search Engines Job Search Engines

§3.5 - §3.6 Resume & Cover Letter Resume Writing Rules: Resume Writing Rules: 1. Keep it simple & honest 2. Use one page 3. Use action verbs Make it look professional!!!  Send your resume with a COVER LETTER!!!

The Cover Letter Pamela Legalskills 77 East 1 st Street, Apartment 11 Career City, Colorado (702) January 4, 2004 Human Resources Pete’s Law Firm 555 Fremont Street Career City, Colorado re: Paralegal Position Dear Sir or Madam: I would like to apply for the paralegal position available within your company. I have enclosed my resume for your review. It outlines how my experience would prove beneficial to your company. I am accustomed to a fast-paced environment where deadlines are a priority and handling multiple jobs simultaneously is a requirement. I enjoy a challenge and working hard to attain my goals. Constant communication with all levels of employees has strengthened my interpersonal skills. Please do not hesitate to contact me at anytime regarding this position. My phone number is (555) Sincerely, Pamela Legalskills

Pamela Legalskills 77 East 1 st Street, Apartment 11 Career City, Colorado (702) Objective: To obtain a paralegal position, with the opportunity for professional growth. Education: 12/03University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada Paralegal Certificate Program Course of study included ethical considerations, legal research, legal writing, citation form, interviewing, law office investigation, pleading preparation, coordination of discovery, basics of arbitration, and form preparation. 1/98University of Psychic, Los Angeles, California Politically Correct Science, B.S. Work Experience: 1/97-Consumer Relations Advocate, Nevada Insurance Commission, Las Vegas, Nevada Present Responsible to ensure that no consumer is duly annoyed by an insurance company. 1/93-1/97Assistant to Personal Manager, Just Say No Insurance Underwriters, Las Vegas, Nevada Responsible for hiring and managing insurance underwriters. 1/90-1/93Manager, AAA Insurance Company, Denver Colorado In charge of ensuring that no claim that could possibly be denied got approved. Enforced company policies which have never been seen in writing. References: Available on Request

§3.7 The Job Interview Helpful Hints: Helpful Hints: Dress Professionally Dress Professionally Prepare questions to ask Prepare questions to ask Take the following: Take the following: Three (3) copies of your resume Three (3) copies of your resume Writing sample Writing sample List of references (if they are not on your resume) List of references (if they are not on your resume) You may choose to also take an expanded resume, which provides more detail about your background You may choose to also take an expanded resume, which provides more detail about your background

§3.8 The Follow-up Letter Helpful Hints: Helpful Hints: Be brief, one or two paragraphs Be brief, one or two paragraphs Thank the firm for the opportunity to interview Thank the firm for the opportunity to interview Send about a week after the interview Send about a week after the interview