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CV Writing Tips & Templates

How to look good on paper

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Over 30 years of experience means we know a good CV when we see one

At KC Partners, we pride ourselves on being experts in legal recruitment and trusted advisors to our law firm partners. We speak to partners day in and day out, and we know exactly what they are looking for when it comes to CVs. A good CV can and will increase the chances of you securing the job you want, so follow our expert advice & speak to one of our consultants about how you can create an interview-worthy CV.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

Download our FREE CV Template Here!

[/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” text=”Download our CV Template” url=”https://www.kcpartners.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/KC-Partners-CV-Template-2020.pdf”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

The Basics:

• Aim for 2 pages and no more than 3
• Remember, the legal profession demands clarity so make your CV easy to read
• Arial 10 is a recognised, standard font and it works
• No pictures or tables and do not over format generally
• If your email address is unprofessional, suggestive or juvenile, get a new one
• Do not put the words curriculum vitae or CV on the document (name the document your Name & CV).
• Don’t use I or me at all on the CV
• Leave off your date of birth

First Page

On the first page, include your contact details and start with a personal profile/introductory appraisal, your elevator pitch and an opportunity to put some personality on the page. Then list your Academics, Qualifications and Professional Accreditations chronologically with most recent first. Name your places of education and make sure to provide dates of any professional qualifications and accreditations.

Now include your career history. Starting with the most recent job first, on the first line state the firm’s name and location. On the second line pop your job title and the dates you were employed in the role(s). Now produce 5 – 10 bullet points for each job. Tell us about your working environment: do you work as part of a team; are you autonomous; do you supervise; who do you report to? Include your key responsibilities and duties in a logical, flowing style. Fee Earners should provide details of size of caseload, make up of caseload, client base, any targets worked to and achieved. Tell us about any extra duties you were entrusted with, demonstrate any specific positive impact that you had whilst you were in the role. Provide achievement details of any large fees you generated or particularly complex and challenging projects you delivered on. Do not worry if this spreads over to the second page.

Second Page

On the second page, you should note any instances where you generated new work or referral through marketing activity or business development. List any case management software packages that you are familiar with and also any software packages you use that would be relevant to the job.

Then you should include any publications, presentations and articles you have written or been involved with writing. Particularly if they are relevant to the job you are aspiring too. Next, include any language skills you may have and your level of capability, be it fluent or basic.

Lastly, let the reader know about interests that emphasise your commitment to the achievement of goals and objectives, demonstrate team working and/or leadership skills. This can include Pro Bono work, volunteering, sporting achievements at regional or national level, and charity work etc.

Tip: highlight the benefits of your skills

• Although a CV is written in order to promote your skills and professional demeanour, the main message you want to communicate is how your skills will benefit the business. You need to provide examples of the results your skills have brought about, and what you believe the results would be of being recruited into the position in question.
• By writing an achievements-orientated CV, the fruits of your skills should be very apparent. If your finished CV does not highlight the professional successes you have brought to previous employers, you should work to ensure it does.

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Preparing for an Interview?

Download our FREE Interview Preparation Tips Below!

[/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=”medium” open_new_tab=”true” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” text=”Download” url=”https://www.kcpartners.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/KC-Partners-Interview-Preparation.pdf”][vc_column_text]

Find more useful resources including interview tips and salary surveys here!

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