It is a marketing tool that introduces you to potential employers and helps obtain an interview. Your resume should be an accurate representation of your credentials, but try to emphasize information that makes you stand out from other applicants. Legal resumes are somewhat different from other resumes so use the sample format below as a guide, but feel free to add your own style preferences. Additional handouts on resumes and cover letters are available in the Career Services Office. You should use your legal name, but you can use a middle initial if you prefer.
Nicknames are unacceptable.
A. Inclusion of a career objective is generally not recommended as it may either result in limiting your opportunities or, if broadly phrased, may be so ambiguous that it becomes meaningless. It is best to use a cover letter when discussing specific career interests, in lieu of wasting precious space in your resume. Although this is optional information, we strongly encourage students to include their GPA on the resume. Some students who have improved each semester have listed each semester's GPA to illustrate improvement. The cover letter is probably a better place to indicate this information.