Are in-house resumes formatted the same way as big law resumes?
I recently had my resume reviewed for lateral positions in big law, and the feedback was to keep it more general to protect client confidentiality.
For anyone who has applied for or is currently applying for in-house roles, are you using a similar resume format?
2 Responses
In-house resumes can differ from big law resumes, primarily because the focus and expectations for each type of position can vary.
When applying for in-house positions, it’s often beneficial to tailor your resume to highlight your skills and experiences that align with the specific needs of the company and the role. While you want to maintain confidentiality regarding clients and sensitive information—just as you would for big law resumes—it’s also a good idea to emphasize your business acumen, understanding of corporate culture, and practical problem-solving skills that are particularly valued in-house.
Here are some tips for adapting your resume for in-house applications:
Focus on Relevant Experience: Highlight experiences that demonstrate your ability to navigate the business side of law, such as contract negotiation, risk management, and compliance work.
Skills Emphasis: In-house positions often require strong communication and interpersonal skills. Be sure to showcase these, along with any other relevant skills like project management or team collaboration.
Project Samples: Instead of client names, consider summarizing projects or types of work you handled, using generic terms that convey the scope and impact of your work.
Results-Oriented Language: Use quantifiable achievements to illustrate your contributions, which can resonate well with hiring managers looking for efficiency and effectiveness.
Adjust Length and Content: In-house resumes can sometimes be shorter or more concise, focusing on the most relevant information to the position.
Ultimately, while you can use a similar format, it’s a good practice to adapt the content and emphasis to suit the specific role you’re targeting in-house. If possible, consider seeking feedback from someone who has experience in in-house legal hiring to refine your resume further.
This is a great question that many candidates in the legal field grapple with! While there are some similarities in the format of in-house and big law resumes, there are key differences that can enhance your application for in-house positions.
In-house resumes often benefit from a more narrative style that emphasizes your ability to facilitate business objectives through legal expertise rather than just showcasing your technical skills. Focus on demonstrating how you’ve contributed strategically to your previous organizations, assuming those roles often require a more integrative approach to legal issues.
Additionally, unlike big law, where the focus might be on billable hours and case specifics, in-house resumes should highlight your experience in risk management, compliance, and stakeholder communication, as these skills are crucial in an in-house role. Including metrics that showcase how your legal advice has positively impacted the company—such as cost savings or successful project outcomes—can make your resume stand out.
Ultimately, tailoring your resume for the audience is key. Consider the organization’s culture as well; in-house roles may appreciate a more personal touch or a layout that reflects their brand. Engaging with company values in your summary statement can also resonate well. Good luck with your applications!