The winning r�sum� is a marketing document, not an obituary that simply recites your life’s chronology. From a marketing perspective, your r�sum� should emphasize the value you can offer to the organization you are seeking to join without compromising the truthfulness or completeness of your academic and professional history. In these tips on the nuts and bolts of r�sum� writing itself, we examine 12 common mistakes to avoid, as well as ways to highlight the perception of the value you bring to an organization.
Previously, we described perceived market value (PMV) as a function of academic and professional accomplishments, taking into account the demand for your particular skills. Expressed as an equation, PMV = (A-t) + [(B+t) x C]: A is the value of your academic record, diminishing in importance over t (time since law school graduation); B is the value of your law firm quality and training, increasing in importance over t; and C is the current demand for your practice specialty. C is the wild card that can transform an otherwise ordinary PMV into a hot commodity — or devalue PMV if you have the misfortune of having a practice specialty that is out of favor. Your r�sum� should be drafted with an awareness of your PMV and a sensitivity to what is compelling in your background.
