Avoid Legal Resume Mistakes to Secure Interviews in New Zealand

In New Zealand's competitive legal job market, a well-crafted resume is essential. Many candidates overlook critical errors that can significantly reduce their chances of securing an interview. If you want to avoid repeated rejections, consider reviewing your CV for potential pitfalls.

Mistake #1 – Inconsistent Formatting

Why this hurts

Inconsistent formatting makes your CV look unprofessional, leading recruiters to question your attention to detail.

Example

• Bad: Mixed font sizes and styles throughout the CV.
• Better: Uniform font size and style for all headings and body text.

How to fix

• Choose a consistent font and size, and stick to it throughout your CV.

Mistake #2 – Lack of Keywords

Why this hurts

Without relevant legal keywords, your CV may not pass ATS filters, causing it to be rejected before it reaches a recruiter.

Example

• Bad: General terms like 'worked on cases.'
• Better: Specific terms like 'litigation support' or 'contract negotiation.'

How to fix

• Incorporate keywords from the job description into your CV naturally.

Mistake #3 – Vague Descriptions

Why this hurts

Vague descriptions fail to showcase your achievements and capabilities, making it hard for recruiters to assess your fit for the role.

Example

• Bad: 'Assisted with legal matters.'
• Better: 'Assisted senior counsel in preparing legal documents for court proceedings.'

How to fix

• Use specific examples and quantify achievements where possible.

Mistake #4 – Ignoring Professional Experience Order

Why this hurts

Listing your experience in the wrong order can confuse recruiters and obscure your most relevant qualifications.

Example

• Bad: Listing unrelated job experiences first.
• Better: Start with the most relevant legal positions.

How to fix

• Order your experience chronologically, starting with the most relevant roles.

Mistake #5 – Omitting Key Legal Skills

Why this hurts

Omitting necessary skills can make it seem like you lack the qualifications required for the position.

Example

• Bad: 'Strong communication skills.'
• Better: 'Excellent communication skills with experience in client advocacy.'

How to fix

• Highlight essential legal skills relevant to the job description.

Mistake #6 – Unprofessional Email Address

Why this hurts

An unprofessional email address can create a negative impression before recruiters even read your CV.

Example

• Bad: '[email protected]'
• Better: '[email protected]'

How to fix

• Create a simple, professional email address using your name.

Mistake #7 – Overstuffing with Information

Why this hurts

A cluttered resume can overwhelm recruiters, making it hard for them to find key information.

Example

• Bad: A CV with lengthy paragraphs and no spacing.
• Better: Use bullet points and concise sentences for clarity.

How to fix

• Limit CV length to two pages and use bullet points to enhance readability.

Mistake #8 – Lacking a Professional Summary

Why this hurts

Not including a professional summary can result in missing the chance to showcase your qualifications at a glance.

Example

• Bad: No introduction at the top of the CV.
• Better: A concise summary of your experience and aspirations.

How to fix

• Add a 3-4 sentence summary highlighting your key qualifications and career goals.

Entry-Level

Entry-level candidates often focus too much on education and not enough on relevant internships or volunteer work. Highlight any practical experience gained during studies to improve your CV.

Mid-Level

Mid-level professionals should emphasize achievements and leadership roles. Avoid generic job descriptions and focus on specific contributions to past employers.

Senior / Lead

Senior roles require a demonstration of strategic thinking and influence. Ensure your CV reflects leadership experiences and the impact of your decisions on previous organisations.

• Ensure consistent formatting throughout your CV.
• Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description.
• Use specific examples to highlight achievements.
• Order your experience with the most relevant roles first.
• List key legal skills prominently.
• Create a professional email address.
• Avoid clutter and keep the CV concise.
• Include a compelling professional summary.
• Check for ATS compatibility.
• Proofread for grammatical errors.

Your legal CV is your first impression—make it count. Review your CV today for common mistakes that could hinder your application. Use mistakes.cv to ensure your CV stands out and resonates with recruiters.

Don't miss your chance to impress; take the next step for a successful job application!