Cengage Learning The Successful Paralegal Job Search Guide

An absolute must for anyone interested in Paralegal employment, this book covers it all. The reader will gain knowledge of the profession and marketplace, as well as providing the "how to's" on resume writing, Internet searches, interviews, evaluating and negotiating job offers, follow-up letters, and managing the first 100 days of the new job. As a unique feature, the book provides email service for resume checking and evaluation with fast turn-around, in addition to presenting many samples and tips on resume and letter writing. With these, and the interesting case studies that include readers in the lives of real paralegals in their daily work activities, this guide will assist many in their goals for achieving success in their paralegal job search. Review Foreword Vii. Preface ix. Acknowledgments xi. About The Authors xiii. Chapter1. Batter Up! 1. Where are They? 1. Paralegal Hiring World 2. Good Times and Bad Times 3. So, What are the Dollars? 4. Why Paralegals Change Jobs 5. If You"re Ready to Move 6. Chapter2. Getting into the Field 7. Choosing a Practice Area 8. Practice Area Descriptions 9. Where Do Paralegals Work?12. Chapter3. Structure of Law Firms and In-House Legal Departments, by Kevin J. Behan 21. The Hierarchy of Lawyers and the Legal Staff 22. Nonlegal Staff 24. Division of Duties in Medium and Small-Sized Firms 27. In-House Legal Departments 27. Chapter4. a Top Paralegal Manager Tells You What She Wants, by Katie Thoma 31. What Paralegal Manager Look for 31. Chapter5. Hi, Ho! Hi, Ho! it"s Off to School We Go! 37.What Types of Courses Should be Offered? 38. Other Earmarks of a Good Program 39. ABA Approval - Just What is it Anyway? 41. AAfPE Membership 43. Types of Paralegal Programs 44. Beware The Fly-by-Night Schools 47. Deciding Which School Will Meet Your Goals 47. Chapter6. The Importance of Internships 49. Chapter7. Entering the Marketplace and Transferring Your Skills 51. Transferring Your Existing Skills to a Legal Career 51. Chapter8. Unsung Heroes and Rising Stars 55. You Can Take it with You 55. Been There - Done That: Interviews with Second-Career Paralegals 57. Chapter9. The Secrets to Creating a Great Resume 63. Preparation for Writing Your Resume 64. If Your Resume isn"t Working, Why Not? 65. Formats 67. Heading 67. Education 68. Skills and Abilities 69. Work History 70. Computer Skills 71. Special Skills and Abilities 71. Organizations and Affiliations 72. Sample Organizations and Affiliations 72. References 72. The "Older" Workforce 72. Job-Hoppers 73. The Functional Resume 73. The Targeted Resume 74. Ten Commandments of Resume Writing 74. Ten Great Resume Writing Tips 75. The Every Resume Writing Book Action Word List 77. Pretty Darn Good Phrases to Use 79. Sample Resumes 81. What"s Wrong with This Picture? (Or I"ve Sent Out 500 Resumes. No One Must Be Hiring.) 117. Chapter10 Your Resume is Hereby Rejected. Most Sincerely, MAC 9000 119. Computer Processing of Resumes 119.3 Chapter11. How to Write a Revolutionary Cover Letter 125. Sales 101 126. Features and Benefits Worksheet 127. How to Respond 127. Opening for Letter 128. Hoe Your Expertise Fits with the Organization 128. Dynamic Closures 129. Sample Cover Letters 130. Chapter12. Where to Look: Resources, Techniques, and How to Use Them 137. Networking Your Way to a Job - The Hidden Job Market 137. Seminars 139. Print Media 140. Legal and Other Directories 144. Blind Mailings 150. Articles by and About the Firm Or Corporation 150. The Old Boys and Girls Network 151. American Society of Corporate Secretaries, Inc. 151. American Staffing Association 151. Alternative Careers 151. On-Line Job Hunting 153. Chapter13. Wired for Work: a Guide for Finding a New Job On-Line 157. Job-Search Tips 158. Women"s Web Sites 160. If You Get Stressed Out Over the Whole Deal 160. Chapter14 Getting a Staffing Organization Work for You 163. Staffing Organizations 163. Guide to Legal Staffing Organizations 166.Chapter15. Let