Congratulations to Kimberly Muske-Lynch, our latest Success Story! Kimberly was hired as a Paralegal for Indiana Legal Services in South Bend, Indiana.  Kimberly's job duties include the following:  My position is primarily responsible for preparing court documents and correspondence, opening and maintaining files, client intake, receptionist back-up, and research projects as needed.  Our office is a nonprofit organization that provides free legal services to low-income persons so it's a lot different than a typical law firm. Kimberly, what was your employment situation prior to finding your new job?  I was a Legal Secretary and prepared pleadings and correspondence, answered telephones, contacted clients,  filed documents with the court, etc. Which skills from your prior positions helped you apply for and obtain your new position?   I was only at this position for 4 months; and while it helped me gain some experience in the field, I'm sure that I would have been able to obtain my current job without having had that experience. How did you find out about your new position; and how long had you been looking for a position?  The job was advertised in the South Bend Tribune.  I had been actively looking for a good, full-time job since October 2007. Are there any specific job search strategies you would like to recommend to others?  Make sure that your resume and cover letter stand out.  List accomplishments on your resume instead of just job duties.  Joining your local paralegal association is a great way to network and to find out about jobs not advertised.  Volunteering is an excellent way to gain experience in the legal field if you don't have any.   Kimberly, could you describe how your AIPS schooling impacted your ability to find this new position?  I think that being enrolled in AIPS showed that I was serious about the paralegal profession.  My current employer knew me from having been a volunteer with their organization, but being enrolled in this program showed that I was serious and that I also came to them with knowledge about the legal field. Kimberly, do you have any other words of wisdom for us?  Be persistent.  The right position does eventually come your way.  Don't be afraid to take a job that may be less than perfect to gain experience or to use as a stepping stone for a better position.    What an amazing story, Kimberly!!  Thank you for allowing us to share it.  Good luck to you!!