What REALLY Happens When You Submit Your CV to a Law Firm? 📄

Ever wonder what happens after you hit “submit” on your legal job application? Behind the scenes, recruiters are looking for candidates who not only meet the job criteria but also stand out in terms of skills, personality, and potential.

💡 REMEMBER: Your CV is a Sales Document!

With a New Year arriving, competition for roles remains will be fierce. It’s all about selling yourself effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, a well-crafted CV can be the difference between being shortlisted or overlooked.

Here are 5 actionable tips to ensure your CV makes the cut:

🔷 Tailor Your CV to Each Firm

Generic CVs won’t cut it. Research the firm’s values, recent cases, and practice areas, then customise your CV to reflect how your skills and experiences align with their needs. Specific is terrific! Show them why you’re the right fit.

🔷 Lead with Results

Recruiters want to see the impact you’ve made. Highlight measurable achievements—whether it’s exceeding billable targets, securing favourable case outcomes, or improving processes. Use metrics to quantify your success (e.g., “Reduced case turnaround time by 20%”).

🔷 Showcase Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

In law, technical skills are critical, but EQ is what sets you apart. Include examples of client trust-building, conflict resolution, or teamwork in high-pressure environments. Demonstrating EQ shows you can connect with people and handle challenges effectively.

🔷 Emphasise Tech Proficiency

As firms increasingly embrace legal tech, familiarity with tools like our Legally Speaking Podcast ™️ sponsor Clio - Cloud-Based Legal Technology can set you apart. If you’ve helped implement or use legal technology, make it a key feature of your CV.

🔷 Present Every Experience Strategically

Think of every role—even unconventional ones—as an opportunity to showcase transferable skills. For example, a poker player pivoting to legal tech sales can highlight analytical thinking, risk management, and decision-making. Similarly, your unique experiences can be reframed to demonstrate value.

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📊 REMINDER Metrics Rule

Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. Instead of saying “managed caseloads,” say, “handled a portfolio of 20+ active cases, achieving a 95% success rate.” Numbers grab attention.

✅ Bonus Tip: Follow Up!

After submitting your CV, follow up with a professional email to express continued interest in the role. It’s a small but powerful gesture that shows initiative and keeps you on their radar. There’s fortune in the follow-up!

💬 What’s your experience with law firm recruitment? 

Have you faced challenges crafting your CV or found strategies that worked?

Share your tips below to help others land their dream roles in 2025! 👇

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