Getting it Right –
CV Preparation
Nalini Moore, Senior Consultant Mahlab Recruitment (Vic)
You’re about to finish your degree and want to secure that
perfect role! The first thing you must ensure is that your CV is
up to date and promotes your experience accurately and in
the best light. We’ve set out some basic tips below that will
set you on the right track.
The Big Picture
The best CV is concise and logically arranged. In the case of a CV, there’s no fixed rule on length, but anything over 4-5 pages should be carefully reviewed. Don’t distract the reader with detail about your long jump award from primary school or lengthy descriptions of non-legal jobs that don’t communication transitionary skills – a quick summary is sufficient.
It’s All In The Detail
You need to ensure that the information about your qualifications and experience is set out close to the front of the document and in reverse chronological order (the most current at the front!). Important details that you should incorporate into your CV include:
Personal Details
Include your name, postal address, email address (a non-work email address preferably) and a contact number (a mobile number is usually the best).
Education/Qualifications
In reverse chronological order including month and year of admission to practice (if you have done a practical legal training course during university), course/s studied, university and years of attendance (or anticipated completion). Include your awards and achievements related to your studies in this section.
Do not re-type your academic results as employers will request a copy of your official academic transcript. Employment History
Again, include in reverse chronological order you should detail the firm/organisation, your title, and the month/year you started and/or ended in each role. See below from more information with regard to details of your work experience.
Interests
These aren’t essential, but if you would like to share three or four of your key interests feel free – but be discerning and remember your target audience. Referees
These don’t necessarily have to be included in your CV – this is particularly important if you anticipate your referees to be from your current firm. An easy approach is to say “Provided upon request”. Firms will generally not contact your referees without your consent – this is usually done when a job offer is imminent.
For Example…
A review of your CV should give any reader the details of your experience and the specific types of work you have undertaken for each role. If you are a conveyancing clerk/paralegal you should set out the areas you have developed expertise or experience.
For example:
Mahlab & Associates Lawyers Conveyancing Clerk/Paralegal March 2002 to Current
Following a seasonal clerkship with Mahlab & Associates Lawyers (a suburban commercial firm) I was offered a role as a part time Conveyancing Clerk/Paralegal.
I have gained experience in the following areas: > Conveyancing > Compulsory Acquisition > Adverse Possession > Commercial Leasing > Subdivisions
> Commercial, Retail Sales/Acquisitions Under each of these bullet points you should summarise the skills you have for example:
> Conveyancing – managing files from inception, drafting contracts (standard), attending settlement.
> Commercial Leasing – experience in drafting, reviewing and negotiating leases under the Retail Leases Act 2003, drafting special conditions/ clauses relating to “make good”, GST, termination of lease provisions and drafting, reviewing & negotiating transfers of lease etc.
Include examples of your work such as represented vendor in sale of CBD office building (put in more detail if possible, keeping in mind confidentiality restrictions) or if you have assisted in a litigation matter, Smith v Jones (1989) 23 VCL 452 and summarise the case.
Similarly, if your experience has been in the commercial/corporate area you should highlight main areas initially ie: > Mergers & Acquisitions
> Project Finance > Corporations Act
> Corporate Re-structuring > Securities
Again, summarise your particular experience and/or list the transactions you have been involved in:
Project Finance – experience in PPP, power, oil, gas, telecommunications and transport sectors including:
> Power eg acting for a vendor and a purchaser, drafting and advising on fuel and water supply, maintenance, equipment reservation, site agreements and fuel oil power facilities.
> Oil & Gas eg acting for oil companies in relation to development and operation of oil and gas projects. This approach can also be utilised for nonlegal roles ie
Safeworlds Supermarket Manager
September 2005 to Current
Initially working in the frozen section stacking shelves and auditing stock, I was promoted to Manager of the area in December 2005. I currently manage 5 junior staff and my responsibilities include:
> Here you can list your major skills and responsibilities acquired in this role (particularly those that would be helpful in the legal industry).
Remember…
Your CV is a tool to sell yourself
to prospective employers. The
people reading can review
hundreds each week. Therefore
you need to use a clear font
(arial is usually good), lots of
headings, dot points and white
space.
Curriculum Vitae – John Smith
Personal Details
John Smith
4/56 St Kilda Road
Melbourne 3000
0578 654 987
03 9800 5789 (home)
[email protected]
Qualifications
Admitted to Practice in Victoria March 2006
Melbnash University
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) & Bachelor of Commerce
1999 to 2004
South Melbourne Secondary College
VCE (ENTER: 99.29)
1998
Employment History
Partner & Associates
Articled Clerk, now Lawyer
March 2005 to Current
Partner & Associates is a national mid tier firm, comprising 14 Partners and
approximately 100 lawyers and support staff. The firm services a range of
clients, from SME’s to international corporations across a variety of sectors
including retail, energy, telecommunications, health and education. Between
March 2005 and March 2006 I completed an articled clerkship, rotating in
three teams – Corporate/Commercial, Litigation and Property. I gained the
following experience:
Corporate/Commercial
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Litigation
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Property
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Following admission in March 2006 I joined the Litigation team, where I report
to Peter Partner, Partner.
My general responsibilities include:
•taking client instructions;
•
preparing court documents including submissions, affidavits, witness
statements;
•
appearing in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, County Court, Supreme
•Court and Federal Magistrates’ Court;
•
briefing and instructing Counsel;
•liaising with clients.
Examples of recent matters:
ABC v DEF
•
this was a contractual matters in relation to #, our client was a large retail
company; and
•
my involvement in this matter was #.
ABC v DEF
•
this was a contractual matters in relation to #; and
•my involvement in this matter was #.
ABC v DEF
•
this was a contractual matters in relation to #; and
•my involvement in this matter was #.
ABC v DEF
• this was a contractual matters in relation to #; and
• my involvement in this matter was #.
ABC v DEF
•
this was a contractual matters in relation to #; and
•my involvement in this matter was #.
Law Firm & Co
Seasonal Clerk/Library Assistant
July 2004 – December 2004
In July 2004 I worked as a seasonal clerk at Law Firm & Co – a top tier law
firm. During this time I rotated through the Litigation and Corporate teams.
Between August and December 2004 I worked as a Library Assistant on a
part time basis (my last semester of university).
My role involved:
•
filing looseleaf updates;
•
undertaking research for lawyers in relation to trade practices, intellectual
property, negligence and property law.
Worker Harder & Associates
Seasonal Clerk
December 2003 to January 2004
I worked as a seasonal clerk at this boutique construction firm between
December 2003 and January 2004. Reporting to partner, Bob Builder, I
gained the following experience:
•
assisting lawyers with complex research tasks including issues relating to
the domestic builders legislation, quantum liability and negligence;
•
assisting lawyers in drafting submissions and instructing barristers.
Jumpvale Legal Service
Volunteer
July 2003 to Current
During university I commenced volunteer work with the Jumpvale Legal
Service. Initially my role involved processing clients and gaining skeletal
details of their legal issue. As a qualified lawyer I now take instructions and
provide advice to clients in relation to family, criminal and wills/estates
matters. I current work approximately one evening per week.
Davie Jones Stores
Retail Assistant/Manager
December 1997 to January 2003
I commenced employment at Davie Jones Stores during summer holidays as
a retail assistant, serving customers and helping with enquiries. In December
2001 I was promoted to Manager of the Perfume/Makeup Department. I
worked part time (25 hours) during semesters and full time during holidays.
Achievements
Securing Davie Jones Stores as a client for Partner & Associates (2007)
Golden Key Member (2002-2004)
Employee of the Year at Davie Jones Stores (2002)
Professional Memberships
Law Institute of Victoria (including the Litigation Sub Committee and Young
Lawyers Editorial Committee)
2003 to Current
Victorian Women Lawyers’
2004 to Current
Interests
Kick boxing, marathon running, collecting rare wines and travelling,
particularly
Eastern Europe.
Referees
Peter Partner
Partner
Partners & Associates
Ph: 03 9875 2468
Mary Law
Senior Associate
Law Firm & Co
Ph: 03 9658 7456
For further information, please contact one of our consultants:
Mahlab Recruitment NSW 02 9241 1199 [email protected]