Job Search

I searched various websites looking for jobs available in my desired field only to be disappointed. There were no listings for the job I would like. Their were several openings in Mississippi and Tennessee for receptionist and file clerks at law firms, but none for secretaries, researchers, or assistants. I know that I need extensive knowledge of the criminal justice field. I will need adequate skills in Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel. I researched my future job previously and found a need for it in several areas of Tennessee. I have taken Forensic Science as a minor so that I will be able to understand expert witnesses and give some input to my employers. I am taking two years of Spanish to be able to translate documents from non-English speaking clients. I either want to be a secretary to a paralegal or a researcher for a criminal defense firm. Some of the bigger firms hire research assistants to look up current cases and information. They basically act like a secretary, but only focus on the law aspects and usually do not deal with the clients themselves. I could take an entire level position in order to get into the flow of an office. I can answer ten line phone systems, do demand packages, order medical records, use Microsoft Word, Excel,  and Works extensively, and have had some interaction with clients previously. I know most of the ins and outs of personal injury firms in Mississippi, but I wish to move on to a criminal firm. I hope more jobs open up before December when I graduate.
I have already began writing my resume. I have listed my experience from my previous employer and the classes I have taken in my major field at USM. I have listed several references and all of the computer programs I have experience with. I have a few more programs to learn about such as needles. It is a client program that takes paper files and turns them into a computer file that updates through out the office. I listed my skills under a single header. Since I want a professional job at a law firm, I need to keep my resume formal. I have Times New Roman font and a clean off-white background. I know that I will need to update my references from personal injury firm employees to those I know already in the criminal field.