What Is the Best Way to Get My Resume and Cover Letter Noticed?

The best way to get your materials noticed is to make sure that you adhere to the following guidelines.
 

You Should Begin Your Resume with Your Educational Background

First, unless you have been out of school for ten (or more) years, it is always best to begin your resume with your education.  In addition, you should always tout any honors or accolades that you received either at law school or your undergraduate institution.  If you graduated summa cum laude or in the top 10%, then by all means include that information on your resume in a way that the reader will notice.  The one exception to this rule is if you went to a second or third tier law school, but you are currently working with a top firm.  In this situation, you may want to begin your resume with your “Experience” section, as the name of your firm is likely to pique the interest of the reader.
 

Stress Your Skill Set that Matches the New Employer’s Needs

Second, it is very important to figure out the potential employer’s needs and tailor your resume accordingly.  For example, if you know that the potential new employer has a very active capital markets practice, then you should stress your experience in that area.  The foregoing may sound obvious, but I often work with candidates who have broad experience and they fail to tailor their resume for different opportunities.  If you have experience that is a very good match, then you may want to consider emphasizing that experience in your resume, even if it means omitting some of your other very good but perhaps irrelevant experience.
 

Streamline Your Resume

Third, it is imperative that you resume NOT be cluttered with a lot of information.  Unless you are a very recent graduate from law school, it is probably best to stick with your education, current and past employment rather than keep all your internships, etc.  On occasion I tell a candidate to keep an internship if it is very unusual or it has sparked great conversation in past interviews.  However, the general rule is to streamline your resume, and to keep it to one page.  A candidate who is more senior and has significant deal experience and/or has published extensively can reference a deal sheet or a summary of publications on his resume; however, the actual resume should be kept to one page whenever possible.
 

Proofread Your Resume Carefully

Fourth (and I feel a little silly even mentioning this matter) you need to proof your resume carefully and make sure that there are no typographical errors or additional spaces.  You need to understand that the reader is generally looking for a way to winnow the pool to the absolute best group of candidates; and a candidate who cannot present a perfect one page document –  the resume – is probably not going to be included in said group.
 

Use Your Cover Letter to Impart Personal Details

I have focused the bulk of this article on presenting the best resume possible, but I do have some advice re: cover letters.  A cover letter is your opportunity to present yourself as a person.  The more energetic and authentic you can be in your cover letter, the more you increase the chances that a potential new employer will want to meet you.  Depending upon the situation, you may want to close your letter with a statement that you will get in touch with them “next week”.  I realize that the foregoing may seem a bit aggressive, but the worst thing that can happen is that when you call, you merely leave a message.  The very best that can happen is that you actually get to speak with your potential new employer and demonstrate that you are articulate and motivated.
 

Conclusion

In order to separate yourself from the other candidates, you must present a strong resume that clearly demonstrates why you are the right candidate for the position.  You can use your cover letter to convey personal details, and do not be afraid to be aggressive.  The market is difficult and you should make every effort to show your potential new employer that you are very interested in working with them.

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.