How to Land Your First Paralegal Job : An Insider's Guide to the Fastest-Growing Profession of the New Millennium

by Wagner

• ISBN13: 9780132069038
• ISBN10: 0132069032
• Edition: 5th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-01-01
• Publisher: PRENTICE HALL

Summary

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.

Table of Contents

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