Tips for Creating a Good Notary Public Resume
A notary public resume needs to show your reliability, attention to detail, and ability to handle sensitive documents. Here’s how to make yours stand out.
1. Start with a Strong Professional Summary
Your professional summary is the first thing employers see. Keep it short; about three to four sentences. Highlight your experience, key skills, and what makes you a great notary. Instead of saying, “Experienced notary public looking for work,” try:
2. Highlight Your Key Skills
Notary publics need specific skills, and listing the right ones can make your resume stronger. Include:
- Attention to detail – Mistakes in legal documents can cause big problems.
- Time management – You may handle multiple clients or time-sensitive paperwork.
- Legal knowledge – Understanding state laws and regulations is essential.
- Communication skills – You’ll interact with clients, lawyers, and businesses.
3. Make Your Work Experience Stand Out
Instead of just listing your past jobs, focus on achievements. Use bullet points to highlight how you added value. For example:
4. Keep the Formatting Clean and Professional
A notary public resume should look polished and easy to read for hiring managers. Use:
- A clear font (like Arial or Calibri) for readability.
- Bullet points for key details, making it easy to skim.
- Consistent formatting for dates and job titles to create a professional layout.
This approach ensures your resume is neat, clear, and straightforward, making a strong impression on employers.
5. Proofread Before Submitting
A single mistake can make you look careless. Read your resume several times. Better yet, have someone else check it for errors. A fresh pair of eyes can catch things you might miss. Take the time to ensure your resume is perfect before sending it out.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced notaries make resume mistakes that can cost them job opportunities. Avoid these common pitfalls to improve your chances of landing a great position.
1. Being Too Vague
Employers and hiring managers need specifics. Instead of saying, “Notarized documents daily,” say:
"Notarized an average of 20 documents per day, ensuring compliance with state laws." This gives a clearer picture of your workload and demonstrates your reliability. It also helps employers gauge your experience more accurately.
2. Including Irrelevant Experience
Not every past job needs to be on your resume. Focus on roles that highlight skills relevant to notary work. If you’re new to the field, list transferable skills from previous jobs, such as customer service, administrative work, or legal experience.
3. Forgetting to Include Your Notary Certification
Some notaries assume their certification is implied. Don’t make that mistake. Clearly list your notary public certification, including the issuing state and expiration date. This ensures employers can verify your credentials easily. Leaving it out could raise doubts about your qualifications.
4. Using an Unprofessional Format
A cluttered resume is hard to read. Avoid:
- Overly decorative fonts or colors.
- Long paragraphs without bullet points.
- Tiny font sizes that strain the eyes.
5. Not Proofreading
Typos and grammar mistakes can make you seem careless. Always double-check your resume for errors before submitting it.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll create a stronger, more professional resume that increases your chances of getting hired by hiring managers.
Notary Public Resume Examples
A strong resume isn’t just a list of job descriptions; it’s proof that you’re a reliable, detail-oriented professional. Below are two examples: one for an experienced notary and another for someone new to the field. Use these as a guide to craft your own.
Example 1: Experienced Notary Public
Jane Smith
[Your Email] | [Your Phone Number] | [Your City, State] | [LinkedIn (if applicable)]
Professional Summary
Certified notary public with over five years of experience notarizing legal documents, verifying identities, and ensuring compliance with state regulations. Known for accuracy, efficiency, and strong customer service. Skilled in managing high-volume requests and maintaining confidentiality.
Skills
- Document verification and authentication
- Legal compliance and fraud prevention
- Customer service and communication
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Time management and efficiency
Work Experience
Senior Notary Public – ABC Legal Services | [Years of Employment]
- Notarized and authenticated an average of 300+ documents per month with 99% accuracy.
- Trained and mentored five junior notaries on state regulations and best practices.
- Streamlined document review processes, reducing client wait times by 30%.
Notary Public – XYZ Law Firm | [Years of Employment]
- Assisted with the notarization of wills, real estate transactions, and affidavits.
- Conducted identity verifications, preventing potential fraud.
- Maintained accurate records of all notarized documents per legal requirements.
Education & Certification
- Notary Public Certification – [State] (Expiration: [Year])
- [Relevant Degree or Training, if applicable]
Example 2: Entry-Level Notary Public
John Doe
[Your Email] | [Your Phone Number] | [Your City, State] | [LinkedIn (if applicable)]
Professional Summary
Detail-oriented notary public with certification in [State]. Background in customer service and administrative work, with strong organizational and communication skills. Passionate about ensuring accurate and legally compliant document verification.
Skills
- Document handling and verification
- Customer service and professionalism
- Confidentiality and legal compliance
- Organization and attention to detail
Work Experience
Administrative Assistant – ABC Financial Services | [Years of Employment]
- Assisted with document preparation and verification.
- Provided customer support and handled sensitive paperwork.
- Maintained organized records for legal and financial documents.
Freelance Notary Public | [Year-Present]
- Notarizing personal and business documents with a focus on accuracy and compliance.
- Ensuring all signers understand the documents before proceeding.
- Building a reputation for reliability and professionalism.
Formal Education & Legal Training
- Notary License – [State] (Expiration: [Year])
- [Relevant Degree or Training, if applicable]
These examples show how to structure your own resume based on experience level. Customize yours to highlight your strengths and skills.
Final Thoughts
A well-crafted notary public CV can set you apart from other candidates. Keep it clear, professional, and focused on your skills, experience, and certification. Highlight achievements that show your reliability, attention to detail, and legal knowledge. Avoid common mistakes like vague descriptions, poor formatting, or missing credentials. Always proofread before submitting.
If you're just starting out, emphasize transferable skills and professionalism. If you're experienced, showcase your expertise with quantifiable results. A strong resume increases your chances of landing the right job, so take the time to get it right.
