Arbitrator Resume Example & Writing Guide
Use this Arbitrator resume example and guide to improve your career and write a powerful resume that will separate you from the competition.
An arbitrator is a neutral third party who hears arguments from both sides in a dispute and makes a decision based on the evidence presented. Arbitrators are often called upon to resolve contract disagreements, settle intellectual property lawsuits, and decide insurance claims.
Because arbitrators are usually hired on an ad hoc basis to resolve one-off disputes, it’s rare that they maintain a steady caseload. Instead, they’re typically freelance consultants who are called upon when their expertise is needed to settle a conflict.
Whether you’re new to the field or looking to take your career to the next level, you’ll need a stellar resume to help you land your next job. Here are resume tips plus an example to help you write yours.
How to Write an Arbitrator Resume
Here’s how to write an arbitrator resume of your own.
Write Compelling Bullet Points
The best way to make your resume stand out is to use strong, specific language. Rather than saying you “managed a team of 10 employees,” you could say you “managed a team of 10 employees to achieve a 15% increase in productivity over six-month period.”
The second bullet point is much more specific and provides key details about what you did and the results of your work. It also provides a number—15%—which helps quantify your contributions and makes the accomplishment seem more significant.
Identify and Include Relevant Keywords
When you submit your resume for an arbitrator role, it’s likely that it will be scanned by an applicant tracking system (ATS) for certain keywords. These programs look for specific terms related to the job like “dispute resolution” or “arbitration” in order to determine whether your skills and experience are a match for the role. If your resume doesn’t include enough of the right keywords, your application might not make it past the initial screening process.
To increase your chances of getting an interview, use this list of common arbitrator keywords as a starting point to help you identify the skills, experience, and terms most relevant to the position:
- Arbitration
- Commercial Litigation
- Civil Litigation
- Litigation
- Legal Research
- Arbitration & Mediation
- Appeals
- Trial Practice
- Dispute Resolution
- Commercial Litigation Litigation
- Mediation
- Trial Practice Litigation
- Commercial Law
- Civil Trials
- Litigation Management
- Due Diligence
- Intellectual Property
- Labor and Employment Law
- Negotiation
- Dispute Resolution Services
- Hearings
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Commercial Agreements
- Business Strategy
- Business Planning
- Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
- Strategy
- Legal Advice
- Corporate Law
- Due Diligence
Showcase Your Technical Skills
Arbitrators need to be proficient in the use of technology in order to effectively manage their cases and communicate with their clients. Some of the programs and systems that arbitrators are typically expected to be proficient in include: case management software, document management software, video conferencing software, and online dispute resolution (ODR) platforms.
Additionally, arbitrators need to have strong research and writing skills in order to prepare for and write arbitral awards. Therefore, listing your technical skills in these areas on your resume will show potential employers that you have the skills and experience they are looking for.