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

List of Illustrations xv Introduction xvii Chapter 1 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 Chapter 2 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 Chapter 3 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 Chapter 4 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 Chapter 5 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 Chapter 6 Formats for Power Resumes: The Functional Resume 71 Show Off Your Skills 71 Transferring Your Skills 71 How to Prepare a Functional Resume 73 Chapter 7 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 Chapter 8 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 Chapter 9 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 Chapter 10 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 Chapter 11 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 Chapter 12 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 Chapter 13 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 Chapter 14 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 Chapter 15 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 Appendix A Buzzwords 189 Terms You Will Hear in the Legal Community 189 Appendix B Legal Assistant and Paralegal Schools List 197 Appendix C Legal Assistant and Paralegal Associations List 227 Appendix D Suggested Reading 248 About the Author 249 Index 250