Resume Advice

Many law schools now require students to submit a resume with their application. There are a number of things to think about when organizing your resume for a law school application. While the content of your resume shows the admissions committee what you have accomplished, the organization of your resume shows them your attention to detail which is important in law school. It also gives them a glimpse into the future as to what your legal resume may look like. They may take that into consideration when deciding if they want their law school's name to appear on that resume in three or four years.

Below are a few things to keep in mind when you begin to organize your resume.

1. This is not a resume for a job but it is still a professional resume. You should treat it as if you are looking for employment. That being said, make sure you also recognize who will be reading it (i.e. the admissions committee).

2. If you list an objective, make sure that it fits the purpose of the resume.

3. As we mentioned, this is a professional resume and should look like one. If you are still an undergrad, take the resume to your Career Services Office and have them review it. Make sure that it is in a format and font that makes it easy for the reader to understand. List all employment in reverse chronological order so they can see what you have done most recently first. List your education and student organizations separate from your work experience.

4. If you are no longer an undergrad and are unable to utilize your Career Services Office as an alum, go online for helpful tips and samples of resumes (simply Google “resume samples” or “resume tips”). Make sure that you have someone review the resume for spelling errors or other mistakes.

5. All of your experience is relevant - not just those that are law related. Law schools are looking for students who will bring diversity and life experience to the class. Therefore, don't omit something because you think the admissions committee might not be interested. Chances are they will. That being said, keep your resume to a maximum of 2 pages.

6. You may wish to include on your resume the hours you worked while pursuing your undergraduate degree. Many schools may ask this on the application but it helps to put the information out front. Some schools will take into account how many hours you worked or that you were a full-time employee while obtaining your degree.

Good luck!