Ten-Percent Legal Recruitment provides free CV reviews, provided you are happy for your CV to be posted on the internet with our advice.
This is a review for an overseas lawyer from South Africa.
Overseas-LawyerFirst Impression
On first glance, easy to read font and I like the block heading to split the CV up into sections. However, I would say that it is unnecessary to restrict your CV to 2 pages anymore. CVs of 3 or 4 pages are very common. Most CVs are submitted via email so its very difference reading a CV on a screen as to a paper copy. Therefore, you do have more room to play with and can add more detail if you want to.
Personal details – looks fine as it is. If you have a Linkedin profile might consider adding it in. Not strictly necessary but we are seeing more CVs with it on and it adds a bit of professionalism.
Professional profile – first half is fine where you say what you are and do. However, the second half from “possesses a proven track record…” is subjective and I would probably take this out. Anyone can state that they are adept at this that and the other so I would stick to facts. Plus it would make your professional profile succinct and easier to read.
Key Technical Skills and Expertise – I don’t think you need this section and it is just taking up space. You’ve already stated what your key skills are on your professional profile.
Career Summary – we’d normally expect your current role to be the one with the most detail. However, I can see your recent roles have been short term contract work so I can understand why you have set it out like you have. I noticed you have worked at x and y twice, following on from each role. Could you combine the dates so you only list the firm once? It would seem less like a long list then and give you some more space to add in some extra details about your last few roles.
For your main role with Attorneys I would switch the sections around so your responsibilities are listed first followed by your key achievements. I would also leave a line space between the sections.
Education and Qualifications – the board exams and Attorney Admissions Exam don’t mean a lot to anyone in the UK as we don’t have them so the bit that potential employers will understand is your LLB. Therefore I would indicate what result you obtained as long as equivalent to a 2:1 and above. Also, if you have the equivalent to A Levels I would list them if again you have decent results.
Additional Info – if have a driving license add in here, you can also add any specific legal software you have used. You mention using e-discovery software earlier in your CV but haven’t listed it under IT skills.
With regards interests – triathlons and half marathons is a good one to write but you might want to list and specific competitions/races you have competed in.
References – fine, nothing to add. You can keep it like this or if you have references put their names, role and contact number/email on your CV.
