I am thinking about leaving my JD off my resume when I apply for non-legal jobs. Do you think will hurt me in the long haul?
Is it improper to omit a degree from a resume?
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 Muzak one |
Is it improper to omit a degree from a resume? |
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Posts: 30595 (04/04/2009 8:36 AM) |
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Heathus Christ |
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Posts: 554 (04/04/2009 8:59 AM) |
It's not improper, but it sure is dumb!
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AmberElise04 |
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Posts: 4823 (04/04/2009 9:00 AM) |
I don't know about it hurting you, but why would you want to leave off an accomplishment? Why would you want to omit something you had to work hard for?
I'm too proud of my certifications, achievements to leave them off...whether they pertain to the job I'm applying for or not.
Just my opinion. 
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emilynyb |
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Posts: 7935 (04/04/2009 9:04 AM) |
If you think it would make you overqualified for the position, you can omit it from your resume. But in this economy, I'd leave it on.
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Samantha James |
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Posts: 11035 (04/04/2009 9:15 AM) |
Why........................would you leave off something like that?........................
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muah |
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Posts: 595 (04/04/2009 9:27 AM) |
I don't get that either.
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Muzak one |
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Posts: 30596 (04/04/2009 9:56 AM) |
Because if someone sees law degree and that I'm admitted to the bar, they think:
(1) I'm overqualified (2) I will request a high salary (3) I will leave as soon as I can get something better. Therefore, they will pass over my resume and look at someone else. There are hundreds of applicants for jobs nowadays. |
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 AudaciousAudrey |
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Posts: 23936 (04/04/2009 9:59 AM) Biggest Know It All '09
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The OP is right, being overqualified can kill you. Better to be underqualified.
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muah |
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Posts: 606 (04/04/2009 10:00 AM) |
If that's what you're worried about, tell them that you're very interested in the job so they don't think you're just grappling at anything
that will come your way. I think the degree shows that you have ambition and self-discipline, which is something any employer would want.
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Nneecolee |
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Posts: 9588 (04/04/2009 10:06 AM) |
Muzak one wrote:Are you looking for a temporary job, until you find one that's related to your law degree? |
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AudaciousAudrey |
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Posts: 23937 (04/04/2009 10:10 AM) Biggest Know It All '09
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Nobody in this thread knows what they're talking about.
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yankeefanNcali |
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Posts: 2866 (04/04/2009 10:10 AM) |
Muzak one wrote:I know some attorneys who did not wish to practice law, but have non-legal jobs. They kept it on their resume but when applying for the position. Because whatever position you are applying for it's obvious you do not wish to practice law. I'm currently working for a law firm, but do know several lawyers who decided to venture into other areas of the work force before deciding if they wanted to practice law. Perhaps you can make a separate cover sheet that indicates you are more interested in working whatever position that you're applying for. Your explanation would not include practicing law at that particular position. |
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JulieAnne20 |
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Posts: 32260 (04/04/2009 10:14 AM) Best Debater '09
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I would put it on there.
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Mistress Darcy |
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Posts: 8474 (04/04/2009 10:15 AM) |
I have been told to leave off my Masters degree when applying for a temp job before I start my next degree. I don't get why everyone is acting like it is
the craziest thing they have ever heard. When you are applying to clothing stores for retail having a Masters/Ph.D/law degree may be taken in different ways
and not always 100% positive.
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Nneecolee |
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Posts: 9589 (04/04/2009 10:20 AM) |
Mistress Darcy wrote:I would leave it off if I'm applying for a temp job that is not related to my degree. Like, if I had a BS in nursing and I'm applying for retail...  I would remove the Bachelors because it already looks obvious that I would leave as soon as I find a RN job.
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Muzak one |
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Posts: 30597 (04/04/2009 10:29 AM) |
AudaciousAudrey wrote:Including you, Ms. Know-It-All. |
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IdDoJC100Ways |
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Posts: 26164 (04/04/2009 10:29 AM) |
I was in the same situation a couple of years ago. I wasn't even looking for a legal position at the time but that's all people looked at. In
interviews they'd point it out and ask how I could take on a lower paying job (not that attorneys in Buffalo get paid a fortune). I toyed with removing it
from the resume, but never did. Ultimately, I ended up applying for a federal job and that education helped push me to the front of the pack for a position I
was definitely overqualified for. However....it's a foot in the door and now I'm applying for a tax attorney position.
Overall....I understand the pull to remove it at times, but don't do it. |
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LisaChasez |
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Posts: 106652 (04/04/2009 10:30 AM) JC Fanatic '03
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I've left off my MA when applying to temporary jobs.
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TealaB |
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Posts: 1770 (04/04/2009 10:52 AM) |
Will taking it off leave an unexplained gap on your resume? I would be tempted to leave it on, but to have a good cover letter that explains why you are
searching for a non-legal job.
I must admit though, as someone who is killing herself studying for final exams for her first year of her JD, this post makes me sad 
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Muzak one |
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Posts: 30598 (04/04/2009 11:15 AM) |
Hopefully he economy will be turned around when you graduate, Teala.
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IdDoJC100Ways |
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Posts: 26170 (04/04/2009 11:18 AM) |
Muzak one wrote:I don't know what kind of law you practice, but I can let you know that the IRS is going to be opening hundreds of positions across the country in the next couple of weeks at usajobs.gov. |
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