Provides advice on writing cover letters and resumes, organizing a job search, interviewing, and negotiating salaries, and includes a directory of paralegal schools listed by state. "The source lists alone are priceless. I'm recommending it to every paralegal who comes to me searching for work."— Dixie Dunbar, Senior Entertainment Paralegal at Ziffren, Brittenham & Branca "I wish I had Andrea Wagner teaching at my school. Short of that, I'm making the book recommended reading for all my students."— Denise Padden, Placement Director, UCLA Attorney Assistant Program Preface The purpose of this handbook is to assist new paralegals in finding satisfying and fulfilling jobs. Whether you are a paralegal student beginning your career, a recent college graduate searching for a career, or a person changing careers, my goal is to give you that extra competitive edge to get the job you want in the paralegal market. You may use this book not only for this job search, but for all subsequent ones. Because paralegal positions represent a relatively new profession, there is still a wide array of entrées into the marketplace. During my almost twenty years as a legal assistant recruiter, placement director, and career counselor, I have placed all kinds of legal professionals with all types of backgrounds. I have placed people in the largest law firms in the nation and in one-lawyer firms that had never employed a paralegal before. I know which approaches work and which do not. I have seen the successes and the failures. Over the years I have developed a keen awareness of how successful job searches work and what law firms and corporate employers of paralegals look for in successful applicants—from what kinds of résumés and cover letters work to how to conduct yourself successfully in an interview. This book is designed to share what I know. It is designed to be a practical handbook to be used again and again. In it you will find step-by-step procedures to follow when you look for a job. Included are samples of cover letters, resumes, and interview questions as well as a suggested reading list and employment reference sources and an entire section devoted to the Internet. I have also included convenient checklists for your use with each subsequent job hunt. Special Hot Tip sections will give you insider information about the marketplace. You will find these sections very helpful. Best of luck in your job hunting. You are entering the most dynamic and fastest-growing profession in the nation! Where the jobs are - What law firms want - How to impress the, and - Whether you need training. How to Land Your First Paralegal Job is like having your own personal recruiter advising you every step of the way! Preface The purpose of this handbook is to assist new paralegals in finding satisfying and fulfilling jobs. Whether you are a paralegal student beginning your career, a recent college graduate searching for a career, or a person changing careers, my goal is to give you that extra competitive edge to get the job you want in the paralegal market. You may use this book not only for this job search, but for all subsequent ones. Because paralegal positions represent a relatively new profession, there is still a wide array of entrées into the marketplace. During my almost twenty years as a legal assistant recruiter, placement director, and career counselor, I have placed all kinds of legal professionals with all types of backgrounds. I have placed people in the largest law firms in the nation and in one-lawyer firms that had never employed a paralegal before. I know which approaches work and which do not. I have seen the successes and the failures. Over the years I have developed a keen awareness of how successful job searches work and what law firms and corporate employers of paralegals look for in successful applicants—from what kinds of résumés and cover letters work to how to conduct yourself successfully in an interview. This book is designed to share what I know. It is designed to be a practical handbook to be used again and again. In it you will find step-by-step procedures to follow when you look for a job. Included are samples of cover letters, resumes, and interview questions as well as a suggested reading list and employment reference sources and an entire section devoted to the Internet. I have also included convenient checklists for your use with each subsequent job hunt. Special Hot Tip sections will give you insider information about the marketplace. You will find these sections very helpful. Best of luck in your job hunting. You are entering the most dynamic and fastest-growing profession in the nation!