Writing Successfully: Crafting 1L Resumes and Cover Letters that Work Career & Professional Development Center Duke University School of Law October 24 & 25, 2011

“Above all, a query letter is a ‘sales pitch’ and it is the single most important page an unpublished writer will ever craft. It’s the first impression and will either open the door or close it. It’s that important, so don’t mess it up. Mine took 17 drafts and two weeks to write.” ~Nicholas Sparks

The “Red Pen” Has Real Consequences

The Big Picture: What are legal employers seeking? Successful attorneys: 0 Show commitment 0 Solve problems creatively 0 Stay focused on client service 0 Display good judgment 0 Work efficiently 0 Take ownership 0 Inspire confidence 0 Demonstrate leadership 0 Have business sense or mission focus 0 Manage complex projects 0 Build networks

The Two Essential Elements of Effective Cover Letters 0 Complement your resume, not simply repeat its contents in paragraph form; and 0 Focus on how you, as the applicant, will help the employer if given the opportunity.

The Resumes of Michael G. Scott

You have 30 seconds to “wow” me, and your time starts…NOW

So, what must you do to rise above the crowd? 1. Ensure the factual accuracy of every entry and be ready to support it; 2. Identify the core skills acquired or enhanced in each work experience; and 3. Craft powerful descriptions by focusing on actions taken and the tangible benefits realized from those actions.

1. Include only accurate, well-supported information. 0 Scrutinize every phrase and representation, eliminating even the appearance of exaggeration. 0 Embrace the “Five- Minute” Rule. 0 Stay Current.

2. Slow Down & Step Back To “Capture the Core” of Each Position. 0 To create an exceptional description of prior work experience, every writer must first identify: 0 The essential skills needed to excel in that position; and 0 His/her particular successes while in that role.

3. Maximize the Positive Impact of Your Past Achievements. 0 Break larger tasks into several smaller, more concrete stages. 0 Then, highlight those stages which demonstrate your successful application of a core skill.

Three-Point Inspection For Quality Assurance 0 For quick confirmation that you’ve crafted a more compelling description of prior work experience, test each bullet point separately. 0 Does each bullet point:  Start with an action verb?  Continue by conveying your achievements with specificity?  Conclude with external evidence of positive value resulting from your work?

The Power of Packaging  Does this really matter?  Absolutely!  Branding affects a consumer’s perceptions of relative quality and value.

Finally, When Revising Your Resume, Remember… 0 This version is just the beginning. 0 A resume is not a fixed document to be written once and mailed to all. 0 Expect to create multiple versions, refining your descriptions and, thereby, your brand to align with the position sought and core skills essential to success.

Questions? Don’t forget, you can sign up for individual advising sessions starting later this week, so watch your for details!