ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. These systems scan resumes for keywords, dates, and structure, and filter out many applicants before a person sees them.

For an Assistant Attorney General, ATS optimization matters because you often compete on specific legal skills and credentials. The system looks for terms like litigation, legal research, brief drafting, oral argument, trial practice, appellate procedure, regulatory enforcement, administrative law, FOIA, discovery, deposition, prosecutorial experience, bar admission, and CLE credits.

• Use standard section titles: "Work Experience", "Education", "Skills", "Bar Admissions", "Certifications".
• Include precise keywords from job postings, like "motions practice" or "administrative enforcement".
• Avoid tables, columns, text boxes, headers, footers, images, and graphics.
• Choose readable fonts like Arial or Times New Roman and standard sizes.
• Use .docx or PDF, but avoid heavily designed templates that use complex layouts.

Keep your language close to job descriptions. Don't replace exact terms with creative synonyms. For example, use "legal research" not "case study work."

Avoid common mistakes that cost you interviews. Don’t hide dates in headers or footers. Don’t place important details inside images or tables. Don’t skip keywords for critical tools or certifications, like the bar state, e-discovery platforms, or specific statutes you enforce.

Finally, format each experience entry clearly. Start with your job title, employer, location, and dates. Then list 3–6 bullets that begin with strong verbs and include measurable outcomes when possible.

Pick a clean, professional template that highlights your legal experience. Use a reverse-chronological layout so your most relevant casework and supervisory roles appear first. That layout reads well and parses reliably for applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Keep length tight. If you have under 10 years of prosecutorial or civil litigation work, stick to one page. If you led large teams, ran statewide initiatives, or have over 15 years of directly relevant experience, two pages can work.

Use ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, Georgia, or Garamond. Set body text between 10 and 12 points and headers between 14 and 16 points. Leave ample white space and consistent margins so reviewers can scan sections quickly.

Structure sections with clear headings: Contact, Summary or Objective, Bar Admission, Professional Experience, Major Cases or Projects, Education, Skills, and Publications. Use bullet lists for achievements with quantifiable outcomes, such as case outcomes, settlements, or policy changes you drove.

Avoid common mistakes. Don’t use heavy graphics, text boxes, or complex columns that break ATS parsing. Don’t use fancy fonts or excessive color. Don’t cram dense paragraphs; break items into concise bullets.

Keep language precise and active. Start bullets with strong verbs like prosecuted, drafted, advised, led, or negotiated. Tailor each line to tasks and results that matter to an Assistant Attorney General role.

Why a tailored cover letter matters

A tailored cover letter helps you explain why you want the Assistant Attorney General role and how you can add value. It complements your resume by showing your judgment, writing, and drive. Keep it focused on the office and the work you want to do.

Key sections

• Header: Put your contact info, the company's address or agency name if you know it, and the date. Include the hiring manager's name when you can.
• Opening paragraph: Name the exact Assistant Attorney General position you seek. Say why you care about this office. Lead with your top qualification or where you found the posting.
• Body paragraphs (1–3): Link your experience to the job needs. Highlight case work, litigation, policy drafting, or management tasks that match the listing. Mention specific legal skills like brief writing, oral argument, statute interpretation, or regulatory analysis. Show teamwork, problem solving, and client advocacy. Use numbers when you can (cases handled, motions won, policies shaped). Use keywords from the job post to pass initial review.
• Closing paragraph: Reaffirm your interest in the Assistant Attorney General role and the office. Say you welcome a meeting or call. Thank the reader for their time and state you will follow up if appropriate.

Tone and tailoring

Write like you talk to a trusted adviser. Keep sentences direct and short. Use a confident, respectful voice. Customize each letter to the office and specific docket. Avoid generic language and copy-paste lines.

Practical tips

Use active verbs. Quantify achievements. Keep the letter to one page. Proofread for clarity and legal accuracy.

Working toward or holding an Assistant Attorney General role means you need a careful, clear resume. Small mistakes can cost interviews. Focus on clarity, relevance, and proof of impact.

Below are common pitfalls I see often, with concrete examples and fixes you can apply right away.

Applying for an Assistant Attorney General role means you must show legal judgment, public service, and courtroom skills. These FAQs and tips help you shape a clear, focused resume that highlights litigation, regulatory work, and policy experience.