Resumes and cover letters are the two most-requested documents by prospective employers. A resume is a marketing tool that introduces you to a prospective employer and sets the first impression a prospective employer will have of you. Therefore, both the format and content of your resume should be clear, concise and easy to read. When creating your resume format, choose simple, clean fonts and an organized, consistent design, because employers typically spend only 10-30 seconds reviewing your

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... sume. When drafting your resume content, use discretion and market only your most relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Also, make sure to prepare, review, proofread and edit your resume to ensure it is free from typos or careless errors. A cover letter allows you to elaborate on and further explain certain accomplishments or skills and includes information explaining your interests in and reasons for applying to a particular employer. However, a cover letter should still be concise and demonstrate your ability to outline pertinent information clearly and succinctly, especially because it is the first piece of writing you provide to a prospective employer. More information regarding cover letters is included later in this guide. Resumes Resumes are necessary when applying for volunteer and paid law clerk positions as well as attorney positions. Your resume should highlight your strengths and background in a way that will convince a prospective employer to take a closer look at you. For this reason, you must draft a resume early in your law school career and update it frequently as you establish additional academic credentials and relevant legal or professional experience. LEGAL RESUMES: TOP FIVE TIPS 1. Be concise. Your student resume should be only one (1) page unless you have extensive or unusual education and experience. Legal employers prefer brevity. 2. Market yourself using a professional, personal "letterhead." Create a "heading" or "letterhead" at the top of your resume, including your name and pertinent contact information. Use this heading on the top of your resume and on all career-related documents, such as your cover letter, list of references and unofficial transcript. 3. Show a legal employer you are enrolled in law school. Include your education, in reverse chronological order (with Chicago-Kent first), at the top of your resume. 4. Be clear and specific. Use active verbs to describe your work experiences and/or community involvement, and use bullet points to highlight your skills and credentials. Be specific in your descriptions. 5. Be correct. You may NOT falsify, embellish, or misrepresent any information about your experiences on your resume. You may NOT round your GPA up. Finally, be sure to proofread and spell check your resume, and read it backwards to catch any and all mistakes. (extended offer for Associate position)  Researched state and federal case law and statutes and drafted memoranda in several practice areas including corporate, litigation, bankruptcy, and estate planning  Responded to and drafted discovery, and attended hearings, depositions, contract negotiations, and arbitrations  Prepared exhibits and jury instructions for federal trial and assisted in contacting witnesses