Careers in Business Law

1. Careers in Business Law

2. Today’s Objectives • Research career opportunities in the legal profession. • Compose a letter of application (cover letter) for employment. • Create or update a resume. • Complete a job application.

3. Researching Careers

4. From last class… • Using the Occupational Outlook Handbook website, review your career information • Court Reporter • Paralegal / Legal Assistant • Arbitrator / Labor Relations Manager • Attorney / Lawyer • Judge / Magistrate • Finish your one-page summary and submit it to the Global drive according to the directions provided on your handout.

5. Resumes Read the following slides about resumes, then complete the resume worksheet provided.

6. What is a resume? • Summary of personal information • Outlines your qualifications for a particular job • Usually includes: • Education • Skills • Work experience • Awards & activities

7. Not All Resumes Are Equal! • Resumes should be customized for each position to which you apply. • Resumes change over time and should be updated regularly.

8. Resumes for Employees • Usually first step in the job application process • Organizes facts about you; makes completing job applications easier

9. Importance of a Resume • First opportunity to make contact with an employer • Represents your qualifications for the job • Any mistakes will hinder your job search

10. What makes a good resume?

11. Good Resumes • Easy to read • Logical flow • Includes relevant information • Name stands out • Good use of space

12. Common Mistakes • Spelling and grammatical errors • Writing in the first person • Including unrelated and/or personal information • Repetitiveness • Lacking organization or focus

13. Resume Writing Tips

14. In General… • Keep it concise – no more than one page • Make it neat! • Be honest about your qualifications • Use action words and phrases to describe your experiences • Customize it to the job description • Have others proofread it!

15. Submitting a Resume

16. Printed • Black ink • White or off-white paper • Include a cover letter

17. Electronic • Save it as a PDF file! • If you attach it to an email, the body of the email will serve as your cover letter.

18. Applying for an Internship • Let’s pretend! You have some free time this summer, so you have decided to apply for a legal internship at a local law office. • From the Global drive, open the LegalInternship.docx file to read about the position.

19. Resume Assignment • Complete the resume worksheet. List as much information as you can. • From the Global drive, open the resume template. Fill in the information from your worksheet. You are applying for the legal internship. • Save your resume. Have someone proofread it. • Save your resume as a PDF with the file name [YourLastName Resume.pdf] • Submit your PDF resume to the Global drive.

20. Cover Letters Read the following slides about cover letters. Then, complete the assignment on your own.

21. What is a Cover Letter? • Tells the employer about you and why you are applying • Can also be used to inquire about possible positions

22. Purpose of a Cover Letter • Introduces you and who you are • Explains why you are sending a resume • Makes a good impression • Demonstrates professionalism

23. Formatting a Cover Letter

24. Layout As with all professional business letters, a cover letter should be written in block format.

25. Cover Letter Contents • Use simple language • Be short & concise • Proofread! All cover letters should be error-free.

26. Paragraph #1 • Explain why you are writing • Indicate the position you would like to apply for • Explain how you heard about the job opening

27. Paragraph #2 • Describe what you have to offer the employer • Match your abilities with their needs • Refer toyour resume by highlighting qualifications and relevant background

28. Paragraph #3 • Ask for an interview! • Thank the employer for considering you • Explain how & when you will follow up

29. Cover Letter Assignment • From the Global drive, open the CoverLetter.docx file. This is a general cover letter template. • Rewrite the cover letter to make it apply to you. You are applying for the legal internship position. • Save your cover letter. Have someone proofread it. • Save the letter as a PDF file with the file name [YourLastName Letter.pdf] and submit it to the Global drive.

30. Job Applications Read the following slides about completing applications for employment.

31. What is an application? • Form that employers give to potential employees to complete • Lists relevant information • Work Experience • Education • Skills • References

32. Applications vs. Resumes • Standardized forms make it easier to compare job candidates • Demonstrate ability to follow directions • Ensure that complete information is provided • Require a signature to attest to truthfulness

33. Tips for Applications

34. Make sure to… • Complete the form neatly. • Spell all words correctly. • Use a pen with blue or black ink. • Answer every question – write “N/A” for those questions that are not applicable. • Use your full name (not a nickname)

35. Common Mistakes

36. Watch out for… • Incomplete or missing information • Inaccurate information • Any unintentional marks, such as scribbles or marking out words • Colored ink or pencil • Listing “anything” for your preferred position

37. References

38. Who should be a reference? • People who know your work habits and personal traits well • People who can confidently recommend you for the job • People you have known for a significant amount of time

39. Professional References • Always ask for permission to use their contact information! • You may consider: • Teachers • Former employers • Friends established as business contacts

40. Application Assignment • You will complete an employment application for the legal internship position. • We will do this as a class – you will need a blue or black pen.