How to Land Your First Paralegal Job » (5th Edition)

This book can help you develop the extra competitive edge it takes to get the job you want as a paralegal. Whether you are a student contemplating beginning your career as a paralegal, changing careers, or looking to move ahead in your current job, this book is a practical handbook designed to be used again and again. Completely updated in a new edition, this book will provide you with the tools needed to get in the door with the best possible resume, give a great job interview, and secure the job offer! This new edition features updated web listings, booklists, and more information on individual State certification. By following the job search techniques laid out in this book, you will be rewarded with a career that is satisfying and stimulating.

List of Illustrations     xv
Introduction     xvii
The Paralegal Field     1
A Profession with Great Opportunities     1
Who Are These People? The Paralegal Defined     2
Birth of a Profession     3
Paralegal Training Options     3
Certified Versus Certificated     4
A Word about Salaries and Other Concerns     6
A Little about Computers     7
So Many Engaging Options: What Paralegals Do     8
Legal Specialties and Subspecialties     9
Paralegal Job Descriptions     11
Where Do You Fit into the Organization?     16
Finding the Decision Makers in Law Firms and Corporations     16
Law Firm Structures     16
Corporate Law Department Structures     18
Where Can You Find Jobs?     19
Organizational Charts Tell You Where You Fit     22
Straight Talk about Paralegal Schools     27
How to Make the Right Choice     27
Do You Have to Go to Paralegal School?     27
Choosing the Right Paralegal Program for You     28
How to Stand Out from the Crowd     35
Crafting Winning Resumes, Reference Lists, and Writing Samples     35
Selling Yourself to the Legal Industry     35
Understanding Yourself before Selling Yourself to Others     36
Resume Appearance Counts     38
Resume Do's and Don'ts Checklist     39
Making Sure That Your References Help You     41
Impeccable Writing Samples and Portfolios Can Be Your Secret Weapon     42
Formats for Power Resumes: The Chronological Resume     45
This May Be the Best Style for You     45
How to Prepare a Chronological Resume     46
No Legal Experience-No Problem     54
Other Activities and Interests     54
Formats for Power Resumes: The Functional Resume     71
Show Off Your Skills     71
Transferring Your Skills     71
How to Prepare a Functional Resume     73
Writing a Strong Cover Letter     84
Honest Clarity Required     84
Purpose of a Cover Letter     84
Salary History     86
Professional Letter Formats     86
Do's and Don'ts Cover Letter Checklist     97
Networking     98
Your Most Powerful Job Search Weapon     98
Organize Your Job Search     98
Create a Placement File      100
How People Find Jobs     102
Networking, Networking, Networking     102
Approaches to Developing a Network     104
Maintaining Relationships with Classmates and Former Employers     106
The Informational Interview     108
Networking Charts Help You Organize Your Search     109
Networking Works, But It Takes Time     114
Beginning Your Job Search     115
Research Sources     115
Where to Find the Strategic Information You Need     115
The Internet-A Valuable Research Tool     122
Search Organizations Can Help     125
Effective Job Search Strategies     127
Additional Methods for Finding a Job     127
How Companies Find Applicants     127
Mass Mailings     128
Telephone Solicitations     129
Setting up an Informational Interview     130
Tracking Lawsuits     132
Tracking Other Areas of the Law     133
Door-To-Door Contacts     134
Self-Advertising     135
A Mentor Can Be Your Best Ally     136
After You Get Through the Door     137
Ensuring a Successful Interview     137
How to Approach the Interview      137
Being Prepared Will Build Your Confidence     138
Rehearsals Help You Get It Right     141
"Suit" Yourself-It's Your Appearance     143
The Interviewing Process     148
Creating a Standout Impression     151
Interview Preparation Checklist     152
Successfully Handling the Job Interview     154
Selling Yourself and Gathering the Information You Need     154
Structure of a Typical Interview     154
Questions You Might Be Asked     156
Handling Inappropriate Questions     159
Responses to Inappropriate Questions     160
How to Answer Difficult Questions     162
Overcoming Objections     165
Questions to Ask the Interviewer     165
Tips for the Second (and Third) Interview     167
Review of Interview Do's and Don'ts     169
Getting Paid What You Are Worth     170
Salary Negotiation Strategies     170
Where to Find Out How Much You Will Earn     170
When to Discuss Salary     171
How to Negotiate     171
If the Offer Is Less Than You Expected     173
Other Negotiating Options     175
If You Are Using a Placement Agency to Negotiate for You     176
What Should Not Be Used as Negotiation Techniques     176
Deadlines for Negotiations     177
Taking an Active Role     177
Wrapping Things Up     178
The Importance of Interview Notes and Follow-Up Letters     178
Evaluating the Interview     178
Thank-You Letters Are Opportunities for Marketing Yourself     178
Congratulations! You Are Hired     184
Getting Your Bearings     184
Working with Legal Secretaries and Support Staff     185
Assertiveness Training Helps     185
Know What Is Expected     186
A Last Word of Advice     187
Buzzwords     189
Terms You Will Hear in the Legal Community     189
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Schools List     197
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Associations List     227
Suggested Reading     248
About the Author     249
Index     250