Sunday 6 November 2011

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

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


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:

·         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.

CV WORKSHOP, 17 OCTOBER 2011

CV WORKSHOP, 17 OCT 2011

On Monday 17 October 2011, we were privileged to have Mr Choon Hon Leng from Raja, Darryl & Loh (RDL), to speak to us at the CV Workshop held by the Law Society of Universiti Malaya in conjunction with KPUM. Mr Choon is in fact the Recruitment Partner of RDL and has therefore read, and analyzed a multitude of CV’s and interviewed a good deal of applicants. During the talk, he advised the audience on WHAT TO and WHAT NOT TO write in a Cover Letter, CV and Resume as well as tips on etiquette during an interview.
 
UMLS Treasurer, Miss Karen Yong introducing our speaker, Mr Choon and UM's senior student, Mr Affendi
Mr Choon, giving great pointers on CV writing
UMLS and KPUM Presidents presenting Mr Choon a token of appreciation to Mr Choon for an excellent talk!
 
A very happy and well informed audience.




*** Mr Choon's tips on CV writing and interview etiquettes will be published in the next few posts!