How to Land Your First Paralegal Job (4th Edition) (Pearson Prentice Hall Legal) [Paperback]

Andrea Wagner (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0131183826 | ISBN-13: 978-0131183827 | Publication Date: October 22, 2004 | Edition: 4

Author Andrea Wagner, brings her 20 years of experience as an expert in paralegal placement field to this newly updated career manual. Whether you are a student contemplating beginning your career as a paralegal, changing careers, or looking to move ahead in your current job, this text will provide you with the tools needed to get in the door with the best possible resume, give a great job interview, and secure the job offer! Convenient checklists for use with each job prospect and insider's information about the marketplace will allow you to use this career guide again and again.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

A practical, no-nonsense primer filled with "hot tips," checklists, and sample forms, this book offers a treasure chest of valuable advice on how to join the fast-growing paralegal profession. Differing from most other authors in the field, who concentrate on the knowledge and skills needed by a paralegal, Wagner assumes the reader is qualified for a legal assistant position, although she includes a short chapter on paralegal schools. Her focus is on how to find, interview for, and be hired for that position. Thus, she offers detailed reviews on "crafting winning resumes," writing strong cover letters, employing effective job search strategies, and "selling yourself" through the interview process. The list of "questions to ask the interviewer" and suggestions for answering difficult or inappropriate questions are especially helpful. Appendixes list paralegal schools and associations nationwide. Highly recommended for most public libraries.
- Frank G. Houdek, Southern Illinois Univ. Law Lib., Carbondale
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

". . . Very realistic assessment of whether paralegal education is a benefit clear, well-organized presentation .... The illustrations are terrific. The plans and charts are very helpful for students actively engaged in a job search . . . ." — Laura Barnard, Lakeland Community College

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 4 edition (October 22, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0131183826
• ISBN-13: 978-0131183827
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,176,759 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource for paralegals of all experience levels, June 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Land Your First Paralegal Job (Paperback)

In my job as Career Development Coordinator for a major ABA-approved paralegal school, I frequently recommend this book to current students and graduates alike. I recommend it to new paralegals as a step-by-step guide to finding a job, and to experienced paralegals as a great tool for making sure that your job-search skills are as sharp as your legal skills.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Most Complete Paralegal Job Search "How-to" Available, June 29, 2000

By 

Deborah Bogen "deb bogen poet" (Pittsburgh PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Land Your First Paralegal Job: An Insider's Guide to the Fastest Growing Profession of the New Millennium (3rd Edition) (Paperback)

Andrea Wagner tells you everything you need to know to get your first paralegal job. Everything. This honest and to-the-point book offers examples of everything you'll need for your job search and detailed information about how to use each piece of paper and each opportunity. The practical advice on where to look for jobs, who to talk to when you find them and how to dress for the big day are critical. The list of probable interview questions along with potential responses to difficult or inappropriate questions will give you confidence, and the advice on how to negotiate better compensation will enable you to get what you're worth. Wagner also provides an impressive list of legal buzzwords that will help you sound like an old-timer once you are on the job. If you're serious about getting your first paralegal job, do yourself a favor. Buy this book.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Greatly improve your employment prospects: Use this resource, May 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Land Your First Paralegal Job (Paperback)

I loaned this book to a friend who had trouble finding decent paralegal employment. Within 7 days, she had 2 quality offers. I referred her to the chapters on networking, job searches, the interview, and salary negotiation strategies. I also included a separate salary survey. So the book paid immediate dividends for my friend. I also refer to the book frequently. I just completed paralegal school and still use the book for the resume and cover letter information. This book reads easily, cover all of the pertinent subjects, and is useful from the time a paralegal career and education are being considered, untilyour first year in your new job. Experienced paralegals should find all of the chapters relating to job hunting very useful and updated. However, I do have a problem, that is I don't have enough copies to loan to my friends. The book is only helpful when used, though. If you choose to let it collect dust, you will not receive the full benefits of all of the tested tips and advice.

Jeff Sparks Paralegal Tomorrow