Keep Your CV Simple, Not a Legal Brief!

🤔 How much legal jargon should be in your CV?

We’d argue there should be none.

While attention to detail is a vital skill for any legal professional, over-complicating your CV with unnecessary legalese can do more harm than good. For example, imagine turning the simple phrase “References available upon request” into “Provision of references subject to mutual agreement between employer and candidate.” While it may sound impressive and highlight your legal acumen, it’s really just adding confusion to a straightforward statement.

Though this example is an exaggeration, it highlights a common mistake – too much jargon cluttering a CV. A study by The Ladders found that your CV has just 7.4 seconds to make the right first impression. That’s how long an initial scan of your CV might be. In that time, your jargon may mean a hiring manager misses crucial information and puts you in the “no” pile.

Here are some quick tips for your legal CV:

• Be concise: Use bullet points and avoid long-winded explanations.
• Tailor your language: Focus on achievements, not duties. Instead of saying you "facilitated legal research," say you "streamlined case preparation, reducing research time by 30%."
• Keep it simple: Your CV should highlight your expertise, not your ability to use legalese. 

Have you been guilty of over-complicating your CV? What advice would you add to keep things clear? Share your CV tips below. 👇