Paralegal Resume Tips: What Hiring Managers Look For
Resume advice specific to Paralegal roles — which metrics to include, which keywords pass ATS screening, and how to stand out in a competitive applicant pool.
5 Resume Tips for Paralegals
1
Specify your practice area: corporate paralegal, litigation paralegal, IP paralegal each have distinct markets
2
List e-discovery platform experience: Relativity, Concordance, Everlaw — these are ATS keywords
3
Include docket management systems: Compulaw, Deadlines on Demand
4
CP or RP credential placement matters — 15% salary premium on average for certified paralegals
5
Note any deposition or court filing experience — procedural competency is highly valued
ATS Keywords to Include
Use these exact terms from your skills and experience — ATS systems scan for specific keyword matches, not paraphrases.
Legal ResearchDocument ReviewE-Discovery (Relativity, Concordance)Contract ReviewCase Management SoftwareLegal WritingClient CommunicationFile ManagementCourt Filing ProceduresBilling
Universal Resume Rules
- One page for under 5 years of experience; two pages for senior roles
- PDF format unless the posting specifically requests Word (.docx)
- Quantify every achievement possible — numbers create credibility
- Standard section headers (Experience, Education, Skills) for ATS compatibility
- Tailor keywords from each specific job description before applying