Why Legal CVs Fail – and How Yours Can Succeed

5 minutes

❓Have you ever wonder why some legal CVs land interviews while others vanish into thin air? 

The answer isn’t just experience – it’s all about presentation. Law firms are increasingly looking for concise, well-structured CVs that highlight not just what you’ve done, but how you’ve made an impact.

It’s not enough to simply list your job responsibilities. The best CVs show clear examples of how you added value. Employers prefer candidates who quantify their achievements, but so many people don’t include them.

💡 This means there’s a huge opportunity to stand out by framing your experience in terms of results – such as cases won, revenue generated, or those efficiencies you’ve successfully introduced.

Tailoring your CV for each specific role is also important. Recruiters say 54% of candidates are rejected due to an overly generic CV. Law firms want to see that you’ve done your homework and understand the specific needs of the role.

So, next time you update your CV, ask yourself if it tells a compelling story about your impact as a lawyer. If it doesn’t, it’s time for a refresh!

How often do you go over your CV and update it?

What on your legal CV has worked well for you?

👇 Pass on your tips in the comments! 👇