HOW TO WRITE A COVER LETTER, CV / RESUME (LINKS AND TIPS)

Here are some useful links on how to write a cover letter, CV or resume specifically for mini-pupillages/internships and pupillages.

COVERING LETTERS

·         How to points:               http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/coveringletters.htm

·         Standard template:        http://www.esqresume.com/article/basic-format-attorney-cover-letter.html

SAMPLES:

·         http://www.bestcoverletters.com/sample-cover-letter/Legal/Resume-Cover-Letter.html

·         Mini-pupillages/Internships:    http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/covletpupillage.htm

·         Pupillages:                     http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/covletFullPupillage.htm

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:SYRrAggzpBIJ:www.oxbridgetrainingcontracts.com/examples/Pupillage-Cover-Letter.pdf+%22cover+letter%22+%22pupillage%22&hl=en&gl=my&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgY9TYsCMH0UIe65TcQb0kBMXLC84pLH90pzRI5TDpumH7KwcbyvklkXrQrWzWQXrC7avf_AHdTnFbyzm6w84fZssMSmk3NlbndGGT18VG6TrbZoUdIe8OoLtKCkatd2TPFPIcC&sig=AHIEtbTjg3JJxjqFuBrmDh4YcMIHt3jebQ&pli=1

Mr Choon’s tips: 1)     1) Address it to the CORRECT FIRM (always check, check check!) 2)     2) Write the POSITION you are applying for (pupillage, attachment, paralegal) 3)     3) Be SINCERE in praising the firm. Do not overdo it. 4)     4) Be CLEAR 5)     5) Keep it short and sweet

CV/RESUME

·         How to:                             http://www.edgecvs.com/resume.html

·         Checklist:                          http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/cv-checklist.htm

SAMPLES:

·         http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/cvexamples.htm

·         http://www.alec.co.uk/cvtips/examstcv.htm

·         http://www.118student.co.uk/student-careers/student-cv-template.html

·         http://www.allaboutlaw.co.uk/index.php/applications-and-interviews/cvs/law-cv-template/

·         Mini-pupillages/Internsips:       http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/pupillagecv.htm

·         Pupillages:                             http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/pupillagecv.htm

1)  Mr Choon’s tips: Objectives When writing a Cover Letter, CV or Resume, always keep in mind these 2 objectives: a)    ATTRACT the reader to gain a GOOD IMPRESSION of you. b)    Give the reader a REASON why he should OFFER you an interview. Personal Details a)    Include only SUFFICIENT DETAIL .Do not write your life story. b)    MUST include telephone number (for ease of contact). c)    MAY include photograph of yourself (as preferred by Mr Choon). If you are attaching one, it should be CLEAR and DECENT (no pictures taken at a party or with peace signs) d)    Include a PROPER and DECENT email address  (not bestlawyerintown@hotmail.com) Education / Academic Qualifications: a)    MUST include a full account of your grades. Do not only state the number of As obtained. Include your Bs, Cs etc... Eventually, the interviewer would find out through your transcripts so there is nothing you can hide. b)    If you have obtained exceptional results (1st Class Honours, Distinction, Outstanding) you SHOULD state them. Curricular Activities / Work Experiences a)    Include positions and experiences which ADD VALUE to your CV (Does it tell  the reader something more about yourself? Does it bring out your good character?) b)    Be HONEST. An experience interviewer can easily spot a liar.

FINALLY, CHECK IF IT LOOKS…

1)      Neat

2)      Professional

3)      Clear and concise

REMEMBER, A GOOD CV WILL GAIN YOU 2 THINGS:

1)      An interview

2)      A head-start at interview

Good luck!

*** If you are interested in sending your CVs and Resumes to the participating law firms at the Law Careers Convention 2011 held on 19 November 2011, kindly forward them to cv.lcc2011@gmail.com and specify the position you are applying for.