We receive hundreds of applications each month from hopeful candidates looking to join Litco Law. Our People and Culture team works hard to thoughtfully review every application and find the right fit for the role and our culture. If you are wondering how you can stand out in a sea of good candidates, check out our top six job application tips here:Â
ARE YOU APPLYING FOR THE RIGHT ROLE? Â
Being intentional and tailoring your application towards the roles you really want will pay off in the long run. Always ask yourself, “Does the job description align with my experience and interests?” Use the job description as a cheat sheet for what things you need to highlight in your application. If you don’t have the exact experience they are looking for, highlight how your skills or accomplishments may be transferable and why you think you are a good fit for the role. Â
PERSONALIZE YOUR COVER LETTERÂ
First of all, make sure you are attaching the right cover letter. You would be surprised at the number of applications we receive addressed to the wrong company or role. Show that you’ve done some research into the company you’re applying for. This is also a great opportunity to tell us a bit more about yourself, but be concise. Don’t be afraid to show some personality! Avoid the pitfall of simply restating your resume. A good cover letter can really help you stand out from the crowd. Â
FORMAT YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTER THE SAME Â
Your cover letter and resume should have the same font, style, and overall appearance. A cohesive application shows professionalism and attention to detail. Make sure that the information you include is clear and easy to follow. When listing experience in your resume, list it in order of recency or relevance, and don’t forget to include dates. If you can, save your application as a PDF to ensure that the format looks the same on any device (i.e. phone, laptop, etc.).  Â
GRAMMAR! GRAMMAR! GRAMMAR! Â
If you only take away one thing from this article, it should be the importance of good grammar! We all make mistakes, and recruiters understand that, but grammatical errors can be a red flag for lack of care or attention to detail. With handy tools like automatic spell check and online resources like Grammarly, it’s easy to check for typos or grammatical issues. Read through your application out loud. Ask someone else to read it over. Putting in the extra effort goes a long way. Remember, this is the first impression a recruiter will have of your skills.Â
BE MINDFUL OF YOUR ONLINE PRESENCEÂ
Do you have a LinkedIn profile? As online networking becomes more prevalent, recruiters often use LinkedIn to find the specific talent they’re looking for. Make sure you have a professional photo and that your experience is up to date. Think about your social media platforms as well. Google yourself and see what type of information is out there for people to find. Be mindful of your online presence, and the message it may send to recruiters.  Â
PATIENCE & PERSISTENCE = POSSIBILITY! Â
It’s easy to feel discouraged when you’re struggling to find a job. Be kind to yourself and remember that it’s a process. At Litco Law, one of our core values is kindness, and this includes showing kindness to ourselves! Believe that what is meant for you will make way for you and don’t let the difficulties of the current job market bring you down. Continue to put in the work, stay positive, and you will land the job that’s right for you!Â
Interested in joining a caring legal team that supports personal and professional development AND likes to have fun at work? Visit our careers page to learn about Litco Law’s current job opportunities. Â
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