Writing a legal assistant resume objective is an important part of the job-seeking process. An effective objective statement must be concise, informative, and show the potential employer why you are the right fit for the job. Through the right approach and mindset, you can write a resume objective that will stand out and help capture an employer’s attention. In this article, we will review the steps of creating a compelling legal assistant resume objective in 7 steps.
1. Decide Your Format
The way you decide to organize and format your legal assistant resume objective will depend on the style and organization of your resume itself. If you have a standard, chronological resume, then it is best to go for a simple objective statement that sets out your career path, objectives, and experiences. For a skills-based resume focused on abilities and skills, your objective statement should focus on the particular abilities and relevant experience or capabilities that you bring to the position.
1.1 Choose Between Short and Long
Depending on the type of resume you use, you can decide whether you choose a short or long objective statement. An objective statement can be short, which is often one or two sentences that quickly summarizes your career goals and skills. For example, “Experienced legal assistant looking to use my knowledge and skills to benefit a company and advance my legal career”. Longer objective statements are more suitable for skill-based resumes and narrate a story of your professional journey. However, keep your objective to no more than four or five lines.
1.2 Include the Job Description
Your resume objective should reflect the job description and the experience you have that is pertinent to the legal assistant position that you are applying for. When including job description information, think of it in terms of the knowledge, experiences, and skills that you can bring to the table.
2.Tell Your Story
Use the objective statement to tell your story, rather than simply listing qualities and experiences. Explain how you were able to help each of your past employers to meet their legal assistant tasks. This is a great way for employers to understand how your skills benefit them. Additionally, you should use strong verbs and adjectives in your objective statement that reflect the core values and qualifications that you are trying to emphasize.
2.1 Be Specific
When crafting your resume objective, be as specific as possible. Rather than using generalized statements, tailor your language to directly address the position you are applying to. For example, instead of simply writing “legal assistant with experience,” try “Certified legal assistant with five years of experience in corporate law.”
2.2 Highlight Values
When composing an effective resume objective, you should draw attention to the values, leadership skills, and accomplishments that make you stand out from other applicants. Emphasize the qualities you possess that would make you the best person to fill the job. For example, you could state in your resume objective “Experienced legal assistant with a background in corporate compliance and criminal law, exceptional tech skills, and a commitment to accuracy and efficiency.”
3. Customize For Each Application
For each job you apply for, customize your resume objective to the position you are applying for. This way, employers will be able to quickly pick up on the fact that you have researched the job listing and tailored your objective for the position.
3.1 Research What Employers Want
Research each job listing in depth and make sure that when crafting your resume objective you reflect the essential qualifications and experience that employers have asked for in the job listing. For example, if the job description requires knowledge of legal software, then make sure to include this in your resume objective.
3.2 Focus on the Benefits
When outlining your legal experience in the resume objective, focus on the benefits and solutions you can bring to the team. This is more effective than simply focusing on the tasks that the position entails and showcasing your own capabilities.
4. Focus on Transferable Skills
The legal sector is ever-changing and many employers are looking for legal assistants that are open to learning and developing new abilities that can likely be translated and utilized within their teams. Make sure to include any transferable or tech skills that could particularly be advantageous to the position.
4.1 Showcase Your Adaptability and Versatility
When setting out your skills and objectives, focus on showcasing your adaptability and ability to take on new tasks that may require learning. Additionally, you could mention your ability to use different software that could be beneficial for the legal team.
4.2 Highlight Your Technical Skills
In today’s legal market, many employers are looking for legal assistants who bring digital skills to the table. When creating your resume objective, highlight any digital abilities you have, such as programming experience, communication software, and any project management software.
5. Stress Compliances Experience
As a legal assistant, employers will be looking for someone who is aware of industry regulations and standards. In your resume objective, make sure to stress any compliance experience that you have to make sure you stand out from the other applicants.
5.1 Outline Your Experience
When outlining your experience, explain how you have helped to ensure that company, team, and personal compliances have been met throughout your time as a legal assistant. This helps employers quickly pick up on the fact that you have a full understanding of the compliances required in the legal sector.
5.2 Highlight Your Values
Make sure to also emphasize the values that make you the best candidate for the job. For example, stress qualities such as your commitment to accuracy and attention to detail, as well as your dedication to customer service excellence that could be beneficial for the legal team.
6. Keep it Concise
When crafting your resume objective, keep it concise and make sure to refrain from generic language. When employers are looking through hundreds of resumes, make sure that yours stands out from the rest by keeping it short and clear.
6.1 Refrain from over-repetition
Keep your phrasing interesting and make sure to avoid using the same words over and over again. Employers will pick up on the fact that you have not put the necessary time and attention into your resume objective.
6.2 Use Action Verbs
Use active and positive language and be sure to include words that demonstrate a go-getter attitude. This could be phrases such as “accomplished,” “initiated,” and “mentored.” Also focus on using verbs that are specific to the legal profession.
7. Final Check
Once you have completed your resume objective, take some time to ensure that it has answered the job description requirements and emphasized the skills and abilities that set you apart from other applicants. Make sure you read it multiple times to make sure that you have not made any typos and that all the information you have included is accurate.
Final Words
Writing a resume objective for a legal assistant position does not have to be a daunting task. With these 7 steps, you can create a compelling objective statement that will have employers wanting to learn more about you and your experiences. With the right approach, making sure to keep your objective concise, clear, and informative, you can create an effective resume objective.