The challenge with any resume is to communicate applicant value so that it resonates in the best way possible. Presentation, content, and readability are critical. A resume should illustrate what a candidate has done, what a candidate has achieved, and how these accomplishments can support the position advertised. Resumes ARE marketing documents, and they need to be visually appealing and convincing. However, highly distinctive features can sometimes compromise content quality.

Fanciful resumes do not align with a conservative corporate environment and can come across as “gimmicky.” Resumes with multiple columns, graphics, colors, photos, and other design elements may be great for artists, influencers, and social media job hunters. For candidates seeking employment in traditional professions, the resume should reflect industry expectations. This means using a one-column, reverse chronological resume in a conventional and standard format – which hiring managers are accustomed to viewing and typically prefer.

A resume plays a huge role in whether a candidate lands in the “Do Not Interview” pile. Experience, education, and competencies included in a resume should demonstrate a reason for a prospective employer to conduct an interview. However, many job seekers showcase non-relevant details that have no direct correlation to workplace-useful skills, or they overload their documents with ineffective content. This takes up prime real estate on the page and reduces the space available to illustrate concrete value. Interviewers may pass on a resume if they must put extra effort into verifying a candidate’s primary location, qualifications, and background. 

First resume impressions (positive or negative) take less than 15 seconds! That’s a small amount of time to make a big impact. An influential resume will quickly tell a story about the candidate: who they are, what they offer, where they gained skills, why they should be interviewed, and how they could contribute if hired. Resumes can make a candidate stand out or be passed over.

A paralegal certificate or degree is often required to qualify for paralegal job opportunities. Earning an academic credential significantly enhances employment opportunities for anyone seeking to diversify their career portfolio and showcase their qualifications for a legal position. Paralegals can obtain formal education through a training program like those available at Center for Advanced Legal Studies to earn a paralegal certificate or degree. Once paralegals have achieved a requisite level of education and experience, they may choose to seek a paralegal designation and become certified. Several national associations offer certification opportunities. However, paralegals who do not pursue certification through one of these associations are just as likely to enjoy long-term, career success. Paralegals are qualified to perform their responsibilities by completing an educational program, receiving training on the job, or through actual work experience.¹ A distinct advantage exists for paralegals who begin their career by earning an academic credential. As they progress, certification can add value to the expertise previously acquired through education, training, and experience.

Center for Advanced Legal Studies (CALS) is excited to announce the availability of a new bachelor’s degree program designed specifically for paralegals and other legal support professionals. Classes in the Bachelor of Law and Business degree program begin January 29, 2024.

CALS has specialized exclusively in paralegal education and training since 1987 and has helped thousands of graduates enter this exciting and rewarding profession through the completion of accredited certificates and associate of applied science degrees. This new bachelor’s degree, intended primarily for graduates of paralegal programs at CALS and other accredited institutions, is designed to help paralegals enhance and advance their legal careers and to better qualify for opportunities in the commercial and business sectors.

Landing An Interview Without Exact Experience