by William D. Henderson, professor of Law at Indiana University Maurer School of Law—Bloomington and director, Law Firms Working Group, for The National Jurist magazine
The law firm world that we have all known is changing. Fueled by new economic realities. Law firms are beginning to adapt to a new reality. And that makes it hard for law students to understand the part they care about the most — the entry-level hiring market.
As someone who spends a large amount of time studying the history and structure of the legal services industry, I might have some useful insight on the vagaries of the current job market, including how things might change in the future.
Here are three relevant observations:
1. The traditional law firm hiring model (pedigree and grades) doesn’t do a very good job of selecting candidates who are likely to succeed as large firm litigators or corporate lawyers.
2 The traditional credential-based model is gradually being dismantled because clients are no longer willing to absorb the cost of bad hiring decisions.
3. The skills and behaviors you need to set yourself apart are not taught in law school—indeed, your typical law professor is completely unqualified to serve as your jungle guide.
How we got here
Although these observations may seem extravagant, they make more sense when placed in historical context. At the beginning of the post-World War II era, the vast majority of U.S. lawyers were general practitioners working as self-employed businessmen. They did not make much money, primarily because there were more generalist lawyers than work.
In contrast, the average partner working in a “large” law firm made approximately five times as much as the typical solo practitioner. Although big firm lawyers comprised only a small fragment of the private practice bar (less than 4 percent of lawyers worked in firms with five or more partners), they had specialized skills that were in short supply relative to demand.
For the next several decades, market forces favored the larger law firms. During this time period, the rise of the administrative state and the growth of transnational commerce created an enormous need for sophisticated business lawyers. And the only credible way to fill this talent gap was for the specialists — the partners in large firms — to train younger lawyers (associates).
Indeed, if a firm had an established reputation, the business clients were willing pay for this training.
Historically, the leading business law firms recruited at elite, Ivy League law schools, in part because these schools had full-time, learned faculty and required an undergraduate education. In the days before the LSAT and stringent state bar admissions standards, there was a general belief that the Ivy League model produced better thinkers and problem-solvers.
After lawyers and law professors organized themselves nationally — through the ABA and the Association of American Law Schools — they were then able to successfully lobby state governments to adopt the Ivy League model as the template for all law schools. This movement coincided with the rise of the great public law schools, which made legal education affordable to a large number of first generation professionals.
These changes in legal education substantially diluted the business rationale for law firms to recruit at elite law schools. But, the self-image of law firms had become intimately intertwined with the educational pedigree of their lawyers. And because large firms were still only a small proportion of the total legal market, any pay premium for the top academic graduates was still small enough to pass along to clients. In short, there was no economic downside to being an academic snob.
These favorable economic conditions lasted for several decades, and it became the industry-wide presumption that partners from the most elite schools were the best lawyers. The institutionalization of on-campus interviews by large law firms further perpetuated this pattern. In turn, 20-year-old college students looking for a reliable path to prestige and wealth set their sights on the so-called national law schools.
Most current law students are quite familiar with the rest of this story.
As the financial and technology sectors boomed in the late 1990s and early 2000s, law firms went on a hiring spree. And for the first time in history, the demand for elite law school graduates outstripped supply. This produced an entry-level job market that was “bi-modal”—a large proportion of graduates clustered at salaries of $40,000 to $50,000, a second large cluster at $140,000 to $160,000, and only relatively few jobs in between.
http://www.nationaljurist.com/content/why-job-market-changing
Friday, October 29, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Common Law Student Networking Mistakes
by Randall Ryder, consumer rights attorney
This summer I wrote a post talking about how law students can become better networkers. Much of that advice was common sense. Over the last few months, however, I have encountered some law students making easy-to-correct mistakes when networking.
Your job is to follow up
When my son was born, I cleared my calendar of nearly everything, including meetings with law students interested in consumer law. These students were smart enough to follow up with me weeks later and reschedule our meetings.
I have no doubt that some students would just drop off the planet and forget to follow up or just elect to not follow up. That should not happen. If someone is willing to meet with you but has to reschedule, that is not an excuse for you to drop off the planet. Follow through on your plan and see where it leads you. Failing to follow up makes it seem like you really were not all that interested in the first place.
Network with the person you contacted
If you are attempting to network with an attorney, contact that attorney. If you want to network with someone else at a firm, contact the other person. Perhaps the worst thing you can do is contact someone in the hopes they will lead you to a higher-up within a firm.
I suppose if you can keep your motivations under wraps, then that is fine. At the same time, the person you are attempting to use to get to the higher-up will realize what is going on. Not only will that person be offended, they are highly unlikely to put in a good word for you with anyone else.
http://www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=231552819&gid=138780&type=member&item=32871239&articleURL=http%3A%2F%2Flawyerist%2Ecom%2Fcommon-law-student-networking-mistakes%2F&urlhash=yzJV&goback=%2Egde_138780_member_32871239
This summer I wrote a post talking about how law students can become better networkers. Much of that advice was common sense. Over the last few months, however, I have encountered some law students making easy-to-correct mistakes when networking.
Your job is to follow up
When my son was born, I cleared my calendar of nearly everything, including meetings with law students interested in consumer law. These students were smart enough to follow up with me weeks later and reschedule our meetings.
I have no doubt that some students would just drop off the planet and forget to follow up or just elect to not follow up. That should not happen. If someone is willing to meet with you but has to reschedule, that is not an excuse for you to drop off the planet. Follow through on your plan and see where it leads you. Failing to follow up makes it seem like you really were not all that interested in the first place.
Network with the person you contacted
If you are attempting to network with an attorney, contact that attorney. If you want to network with someone else at a firm, contact the other person. Perhaps the worst thing you can do is contact someone in the hopes they will lead you to a higher-up within a firm.
I suppose if you can keep your motivations under wraps, then that is fine. At the same time, the person you are attempting to use to get to the higher-up will realize what is going on. Not only will that person be offended, they are highly unlikely to put in a good word for you with anyone else.
http://www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=231552819&gid=138780&type=member&item=32871239&articleURL=http%3A%2F%2Flawyerist%2Ecom%2Fcommon-law-student-networking-mistakes%2F&urlhash=yzJV&goback=%2Egde_138780_member_32871239
Monday, October 25, 2010
Professional Development Series Highlights: Professionalism & Etiquette
Greg Danklef, BYU HR Professional Development Specialist
Survey of 10,000 Carnegie Institute of Technology Grads
◦ 15% of success came from technical skills, 85% from the ability to deal with people
Five year study of Purdue Grads
◦ Graduates with strong interpersonal skills made 35% more $ than those with low ratings; grades made only 3% difference
Stanford Research Institute Study
◦ 12% of effective leadership based on knowledge and vision; 88% is dealing with people
Manners Matter
Your overall goal with good manners is to make yourself and others comfortable.
Remember, in a mealtime interview, the least important thing you do is eat.
A good host/ess will signal when it is time to sit down, until then, engage in small talk with those near you.
Wait until all at the table have been served before eating, unless invited by the host/ess to begin.
Pace your eating to the slowest eater at the table.
Don't ask for a "to-go" box at a banquet.
Remember, the most important thing you'll be doing is talking with people not eating. If you don't get enough to eat, there's always McDonald's on the way home.
If offered coffee or wine, a simple "No, thank you," is all that's necessary.
Respond to RSVPs in a timely manner.
Meeting, Greeting, and Social Events
Don't worry about whether or not a stranger wants to get to know you, it's enough that you want to get to know them.
When invited out for cocktails or to the bar, make sure and accept sometimes, and enjoy your Diet Coke (or whatever)--it's important to socialize with co-workers
Be confident, not overbearing--stay aware that conversation is like a tennis match: sometimes it's your turn, sometimes it's mine.
Have a few safe conversation starters in mind to get things started: "Where did you go to law school?" "What are some of your hobbies?" "Seen any good movies lately? read any great books, etc."
Social skills get easier with practice.
Remember: your purpose is to make others comfortable.
Other Considerations
First week at work
Listen carefully
Always take paper and pen to every meeting with your mentor, coworkers, partners, etc.
Go out of your way to get acquainted with coworkers.
Volunteer for tasks rather than wait to be asked.
Use Ms. not Mrs.
Email Etiquette
Keep it short and professional, avoid being too casual.
Think twice before sending.
Humor and sarcasm don't translate well in emails.
Phone Etiquette
Return calls promptly.
Get to the point.
Be friendly.
Resources:
My Reality Check Bounced, Jason Dorsey
The Amy Vanderbilt Complete Book of Etiquette by Nancy Tuckerman
Never Eat Alone, Keith Ferrazzi
How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie
Survey of 10,000 Carnegie Institute of Technology Grads
◦ 15% of success came from technical skills, 85% from the ability to deal with people
Five year study of Purdue Grads
◦ Graduates with strong interpersonal skills made 35% more $ than those with low ratings; grades made only 3% difference
Stanford Research Institute Study
◦ 12% of effective leadership based on knowledge and vision; 88% is dealing with people
Manners Matter
Your overall goal with good manners is to make yourself and others comfortable.
Don't stand out for the wrong reasons.
Eating with OthersRemember, in a mealtime interview, the least important thing you do is eat.
A good host/ess will signal when it is time to sit down, until then, engage in small talk with those near you.
Wait until all at the table have been served before eating, unless invited by the host/ess to begin.
Pace your eating to the slowest eater at the table.
Don't ask for a "to-go" box at a banquet.
Remember, the most important thing you'll be doing is talking with people not eating. If you don't get enough to eat, there's always McDonald's on the way home.
If offered coffee or wine, a simple "No, thank you," is all that's necessary.
Respond to RSVPs in a timely manner.
Meeting, Greeting, and Social Events
Don't worry about whether or not a stranger wants to get to know you, it's enough that you want to get to know them.
When invited out for cocktails or to the bar, make sure and accept sometimes, and enjoy your Diet Coke (or whatever)--it's important to socialize with co-workers
Be confident, not overbearing--stay aware that conversation is like a tennis match: sometimes it's your turn, sometimes it's mine.
Have a few safe conversation starters in mind to get things started: "Where did you go to law school?" "What are some of your hobbies?" "Seen any good movies lately? read any great books, etc."
Social skills get easier with practice.
Remember: your purpose is to make others comfortable.
Other Considerations
First week at work
Listen carefully
Always take paper and pen to every meeting with your mentor, coworkers, partners, etc.
Go out of your way to get acquainted with coworkers.
Volunteer for tasks rather than wait to be asked.
Use Ms. not Mrs.
Email Etiquette
Keep it short and professional, avoid being too casual.
Think twice before sending.
Humor and sarcasm don't translate well in emails.
Phone Etiquette
Return calls promptly.
Get to the point.
Be friendly.
Resources:
My Reality Check Bounced, Jason Dorsey
The Amy Vanderbilt Complete Book of Etiquette by Nancy Tuckerman
Never Eat Alone, Keith Ferrazzi
How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie
Tips for Navigating Panel Interviews
by Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities Pioneer Press
Pre-interview. When first invited to interview, you need to get the details. If this doesn't come naturally, train yourself to develop an automatic response such as this:
"I'm excited to come talk with you about this position. Can you tell me if there will be more than one interviewer in this meeting? Oh? Can you give me the names of the other people and their positions so I can be better prepared? Thank you ... how do you spell that?"
You get the idea: polite but persistent. Don't forget to nail the time and location.
Your next step is to learn about the people who will be present. Don't resort to stalking, but do at least run Internet and LinkedIn searches to learn about their responsibilities or backgrounds.
Now, think about each interviewer. Based on each person's role, what would you expect his or her interest to be in relation to the job you are seeking?
For example, if your future boss is present, you can bet this person is interested in high performance with low maintenance. If the group includes colleagues from different departments, they may be watching for signs of arrogance (bad) or teamwork (good). If you assume everyone is acting from self-interest, you will gain a powerful strategic advantage in preparing for the meeting.
Finally, make a packet of materials for each person. This can be as simple as a nicely printed copy of your resume, or it may include leave-behind samples from your portfolio. No need to customize the packets; just be sure you bring enough copies for all.
At the interview. The interview itself does not need to be stressful, as long as you stick to a few basic premises: Each person is there for a reason, each person wants to be recognized, and how you treat any individual will be noted by all.
With that in mind, go out of your way to shake everyone's hand, even if it means walking around the table. Before sitting down, or immediately after, distribute the packets you have brought. Then, pull out your pad of paper and, if possible, surreptitiously make a quick diagram for yourself noting the names of each person and his or her place at the table. This will help keep the players straight.
When answering questions, remember to focus on the person who asked the question, but then move your eyes to include others in the room. When it's your turn to ask questions, try to address a specific individual, but avoid favoring the same person over and over. A slight deference to the committee chair makes sense, but not to the point of excluding others.
And, while smiling is almost always appropriate, humor often is not. Resist the temptation to make jokes when you have no assurance the others will share your humor.
After the interview. Your post-interview steps will feel familiar: handwritten thank-you notes for all, mailed the day of the interview. A follow-up letter e-mailed to the committee chair will help reiterate your key strengths for the job, while a follow-up call within a week will emphasize your interest.
http://www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=229435121&gid=138780&type=member&item=32645978&articleURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Etwincities%2Ecom%2Fci_16351245%3FIADID%3DSearch-www%2Etwincities%2Ecom-www%2Etwincities%2Ecom%26nclick_check%3D1&urlhash=JTBe&goback=%2Egde_138780_member_32645978
Pre-interview. When first invited to interview, you need to get the details. If this doesn't come naturally, train yourself to develop an automatic response such as this:
"I'm excited to come talk with you about this position. Can you tell me if there will be more than one interviewer in this meeting? Oh? Can you give me the names of the other people and their positions so I can be better prepared? Thank you ... how do you spell that?"
You get the idea: polite but persistent. Don't forget to nail the time and location.
Your next step is to learn about the people who will be present. Don't resort to stalking, but do at least run Internet and LinkedIn searches to learn about their responsibilities or backgrounds.
Now, think about each interviewer. Based on each person's role, what would you expect his or her interest to be in relation to the job you are seeking?
For example, if your future boss is present, you can bet this person is interested in high performance with low maintenance. If the group includes colleagues from different departments, they may be watching for signs of arrogance (bad) or teamwork (good). If you assume everyone is acting from self-interest, you will gain a powerful strategic advantage in preparing for the meeting.
Finally, make a packet of materials for each person. This can be as simple as a nicely printed copy of your resume, or it may include leave-behind samples from your portfolio. No need to customize the packets; just be sure you bring enough copies for all.
At the interview. The interview itself does not need to be stressful, as long as you stick to a few basic premises: Each person is there for a reason, each person wants to be recognized, and how you treat any individual will be noted by all.
With that in mind, go out of your way to shake everyone's hand, even if it means walking around the table. Before sitting down, or immediately after, distribute the packets you have brought. Then, pull out your pad of paper and, if possible, surreptitiously make a quick diagram for yourself noting the names of each person and his or her place at the table. This will help keep the players straight.
When answering questions, remember to focus on the person who asked the question, but then move your eyes to include others in the room. When it's your turn to ask questions, try to address a specific individual, but avoid favoring the same person over and over. A slight deference to the committee chair makes sense, but not to the point of excluding others.
And, while smiling is almost always appropriate, humor often is not. Resist the temptation to make jokes when you have no assurance the others will share your humor.
After the interview. Your post-interview steps will feel familiar: handwritten thank-you notes for all, mailed the day of the interview. A follow-up letter e-mailed to the committee chair will help reiterate your key strengths for the job, while a follow-up call within a week will emphasize your interest.
http://www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=229435121&gid=138780&type=member&item=32645978&articleURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Etwincities%2Ecom%2Fci_16351245%3FIADID%3DSearch-www%2Etwincities%2Ecom-www%2Etwincities%2Ecom%26nclick_check%3D1&urlhash=JTBe&goback=%2Egde_138780_member_32645978
Friday, October 22, 2010
More Legal Resume Tips
Amanda Ellis, The 6Ps of the Big 3
The fourth #LawJobChat featured Jessica Silverstein (@AttysCounsel), President of Attorney’s Counsel, answering questions about legal resumes. Note that several features on a resume are subjective — or, as Jessica tweeted, “resumes are so personal, I’m not surprised everyone has an opinion.” As you’ll see in the transcript, different participants (we had 35 contributors during this chat!) had different thoughts about certain resume features. I hope the discussion provides you with a variety of ideas from which to choose when drafting or polishing your resume.
Non-Legal Experience
•Include non-legal jobs (even part time positions) if the skills are marketable and space permits on the resume.
•Definitely include non-legal professional experience if relevant to desired job (i.e., worked five years as accountant and interested in tax law positions).
•Clinic experience goes under “Legal Experience.”
Non-Essential Sections
•Adding an “Interests” section is debatable – don’t waste space by adding it if you have more relevant information to share. If you include “interests,” make sure they are unique and differentiate you (i.e., ranked tennis player, jazz vocalist).
•No Objective section … ever.
•A Summary section can be helpful for someone switching practice areas.
Buzz Words to Describe Student Research Assistant Position
•Think about the subject you researched and use words that describe what you did.
•Specify which resources you used to perform the research.
•Good Example (DO): Researched class action certification and collective actions in California using Lexis, BNA, & decisions reported on PACER (thanks, @yalechk).
•Bad Example (DON’T): Research assistant to Professor X–research into civil procedure issues (thanks, @yalechk)
•More buzz words for research: analyzed, compiled, condensed, digested, synthesized (thanks, @j_lavalley). But, use cautiously–don’t want resume to be a thesaurus!
When to Remove Summer Clerkship/Summer Associate Positions
•Consider removing summer positions after you have 5-7 years of experience practicing as an attorney.
•If you still need good firm names on your resume, consider keeping the names of those firms and dates and titles.
Verb Tense
•If you are PRESENTLY working, verb tense should be PRESENT tense.
•Descriptions for OLD jobs (i.e., jobs with an end date) should be PAST tense.
URLs on Resume
•NEVER include your Facebook URL or website link.
•@AttysCounsel: General rule, no to LinkedIn and Twitter links as well because employers will find those anyway but this is one of those areas where “it depends.” For example, I recommend lawyers/law students include LinkedIn links on their resumes, if their LinkedIn profiles are robust and contain helpful information not on their resume (i.e., writing samples or explanations about a particular position).
•@mjsq shared a good tip: if you email your resume to an employer and your email signature contains the URLs, no need to include them on resume, too.
•Include links to blogs if subject matter is appropriate to share to potential employers. As @j_lavalley noted, blogs are “publications” and have their own Bluebook cite format.
•During this part of the chat, @AttysCounsel referenced the recent (9/10/10) opinion by the New York State Bar Association regarding using social networking sites to gather information for clients in pending litigation. Thanks to @yalechk for finding and sharing this opinion during the chat. Click here to view the opinion.
•And, @j_lavalley shared a link about vendor-neutral citation rules. Click here to view the rules.
Three Common Characteristics of “Best” Resumes
•No formatting errors.
•Clear statement of accomplishment–not just a description.
•Focus on target position.
http://www.6psbig3.com/blog/index.php/2010/10/01/summary-of-lawjobchat-no-4-legal-resumes/
The fourth #LawJobChat featured Jessica Silverstein (@AttysCounsel), President of Attorney’s Counsel, answering questions about legal resumes. Note that several features on a resume are subjective — or, as Jessica tweeted, “resumes are so personal, I’m not surprised everyone has an opinion.” As you’ll see in the transcript, different participants (we had 35 contributors during this chat!) had different thoughts about certain resume features. I hope the discussion provides you with a variety of ideas from which to choose when drafting or polishing your resume.
Non-Legal Experience
•Include non-legal jobs (even part time positions) if the skills are marketable and space permits on the resume.
•Definitely include non-legal professional experience if relevant to desired job (i.e., worked five years as accountant and interested in tax law positions).
•Clinic experience goes under “Legal Experience.”
Non-Essential Sections
•Adding an “Interests” section is debatable – don’t waste space by adding it if you have more relevant information to share. If you include “interests,” make sure they are unique and differentiate you (i.e., ranked tennis player, jazz vocalist).
•No Objective section … ever.
•A Summary section can be helpful for someone switching practice areas.
Buzz Words to Describe Student Research Assistant Position
•Think about the subject you researched and use words that describe what you did.
•Specify which resources you used to perform the research.
•Good Example (DO): Researched class action certification and collective actions in California using Lexis, BNA, & decisions reported on PACER (thanks, @yalechk).
•Bad Example (DON’T): Research assistant to Professor X–research into civil procedure issues (thanks, @yalechk)
•More buzz words for research: analyzed, compiled, condensed, digested, synthesized (thanks, @j_lavalley). But, use cautiously–don’t want resume to be a thesaurus!
When to Remove Summer Clerkship/Summer Associate Positions
•Consider removing summer positions after you have 5-7 years of experience practicing as an attorney.
•If you still need good firm names on your resume, consider keeping the names of those firms and dates and titles.
Verb Tense
•If you are PRESENTLY working, verb tense should be PRESENT tense.
•Descriptions for OLD jobs (i.e., jobs with an end date) should be PAST tense.
URLs on Resume
•NEVER include your Facebook URL or website link.
•@AttysCounsel: General rule, no to LinkedIn and Twitter links as well because employers will find those anyway but this is one of those areas where “it depends.” For example, I recommend lawyers/law students include LinkedIn links on their resumes, if their LinkedIn profiles are robust and contain helpful information not on their resume (i.e., writing samples or explanations about a particular position).
•@mjsq shared a good tip: if you email your resume to an employer and your email signature contains the URLs, no need to include them on resume, too.
•Include links to blogs if subject matter is appropriate to share to potential employers. As @j_lavalley noted, blogs are “publications” and have their own Bluebook cite format.
•During this part of the chat, @AttysCounsel referenced the recent (9/10/10) opinion by the New York State Bar Association regarding using social networking sites to gather information for clients in pending litigation. Thanks to @yalechk for finding and sharing this opinion during the chat. Click here to view the opinion.
•And, @j_lavalley shared a link about vendor-neutral citation rules. Click here to view the rules.
Three Common Characteristics of “Best” Resumes
•No formatting errors.
•Clear statement of accomplishment–not just a description.
•Focus on target position.
http://www.6psbig3.com/blog/index.php/2010/10/01/summary-of-lawjobchat-no-4-legal-resumes/
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Full-contact Networking
from Networking is a Contact Sport, a new book by Joe Sweeney, president of the Wisconsin Sports Authority, and founder of a sports marketing agency that specializes in assisting and representing coaches and athletes
10 points for effective networking:
1. Be clear about your objectives and outcomes.
2. Do your research.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask.
4. Get comfortable with traveling outside your comfort zone.
5. Try, try, try — and then try again in a creative way.
6. Do your best to connect the dots.
7. Seek out in-person contact — there’s no substitute for the personal touch.
8. Take 100 percent responsibility for your networking.
9. Treat others as you would want to be treated.
10. Present an offer to help others before you ask for anything.
Joe also has advice for networking to find a job, especially timely advice in this economic climate.
He shares insights on networking personality styles, identifying traits on both sides of a networking relationship. He shows you how to choose the best approach to connect productively with many kinds of people. “Business is not about managing money,” Joe says. “It’s about managing relationships and personalities.”
“When you truly give to others without any expectations or strings attached, you will receive much more than you ever could have expected," Joe Sweeney
10 points for effective networking:
1. Be clear about your objectives and outcomes.
2. Do your research.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask.
4. Get comfortable with traveling outside your comfort zone.
5. Try, try, try — and then try again in a creative way.
6. Do your best to connect the dots.
7. Seek out in-person contact — there’s no substitute for the personal touch.
8. Take 100 percent responsibility for your networking.
9. Treat others as you would want to be treated.
10. Present an offer to help others before you ask for anything.
Joe also has advice for networking to find a job, especially timely advice in this economic climate.
He shares insights on networking personality styles, identifying traits on both sides of a networking relationship. He shows you how to choose the best approach to connect productively with many kinds of people. “Business is not about managing money,” Joe says. “It’s about managing relationships and personalities.”
“When you truly give to others without any expectations or strings attached, you will receive much more than you ever could have expected," Joe Sweeney
Friday, October 15, 2010
Legal Resume Tips
from The 6Ps of the Big 3, Getting Hired Using Social Networking, Amanda Ellis.
This was a discussion on Twitter (#LawJobChat) that featured featured Jessica Silverstein (@AttysCounsel), President of Attorney’s Counsel, answering questions about legal resumes.
Non-Legal Experience
•Include non-legal jobs (even part time positions) if the skills are marketable and space permits on the resume.
•Definitely include non-legal professional experience if relevant to desired job (i.e., worked five years as accountant and interested in tax law positions).
•Clinic experience goes under “Legal Experience.”
Non-Essential Sections
•Adding an “Interests” section is debatable – don’t waste space by adding it if you have more relevant information to share. If you include “interests,” make sure they are unique and differentiate you (i.e., ranked tennis player, jazz vocalist).
•No Objective section … ever.
•A Summary section can be helpful for someone switching practice areas.
Buzz Words to Describe Student Research Assistant Position
•Think about the subject you researched and use words that describe what you did.
•Specify which resources you used to perform the research.
•Good Example (DO): Researched class action certification and collective actions in California using Lexis, BNA, & decisions reported on PACER (thanks, @yalechk).
•Bad Example (DON’T): Research assistant to Professor X–research into civil procedure issues (thanks, @yalechk)
•More buzz words for research: analyzed, compiled, condensed, digested, synthesized (thanks, @j_lavalley). But, use cautiously–don’t want resume to be a thesaurus!
When to Remove Summer Clerkship/Summer Associate Positions
•Consider removing summer positions after you have 5-7 years of experience practicing as an attorney.
•If you still need good firm names on your resume, consider keeping the names of those firms and dates and titles.
Verb Tense
•If you are PRESENTLY working, verb tense should be PRESENT tense.
•Descriptions for OLD jobs (i.e., jobs with an end date) should be PAST tense.
URLs on Resume
•NEVER include your Facebook URL or website link.
•@AttysCounsel: General rule, no to LinkedIn and Twitter links as well because employers will find those anyway but this is one of those areas where “it depends.” For example, I recommend lawyers/law students include LinkedIn links on their resumes, if their LinkedIn profiles are robust and contain helpful information not on their resume (i.e., writing samples or explanations about a particular position).
•@mjsq shared a good tip: if you email your resume to an employer and your email signature contains the URLs, no need to include them on resume, too.
•Include links to blogs if subject matter is appropriate to share to potential employers. As @j_lavalley noted, blogs are “publications” and have their own Bluebook cite format.
•During this part of the chat, @AttysCounsel referenced the recent (9/10/10) opinion by the New York State Bar Association regarding using social networking sites to gather information for clients in pending litigation. Thanks to @yalechk for finding and sharing this opinion during the chat. Click here to view the opinion.
•And, @j_lavalley shared a link about vendor-neutral citation rules. Click here to view the rules.
Three Common Characteristics of “Best” Resumes
•No formatting errors.
•Clear statement of accomplishment–not just a description.
•Focus on target position.
If you have additional questions for Jessica, you may contact her at: Info@AttorneysCounselNY.com.
Save the date for the next #LawJobChat – October 28 at 9pm Eastern!
This was a discussion on Twitter (#LawJobChat) that featured featured Jessica Silverstein (@AttysCounsel), President of Attorney’s Counsel, answering questions about legal resumes.
Non-Legal Experience
•Include non-legal jobs (even part time positions) if the skills are marketable and space permits on the resume.
•Definitely include non-legal professional experience if relevant to desired job (i.e., worked five years as accountant and interested in tax law positions).
•Clinic experience goes under “Legal Experience.”
Non-Essential Sections
•Adding an “Interests” section is debatable – don’t waste space by adding it if you have more relevant information to share. If you include “interests,” make sure they are unique and differentiate you (i.e., ranked tennis player, jazz vocalist).
•No Objective section … ever.
•A Summary section can be helpful for someone switching practice areas.
Buzz Words to Describe Student Research Assistant Position
•Think about the subject you researched and use words that describe what you did.
•Specify which resources you used to perform the research.
•Good Example (DO): Researched class action certification and collective actions in California using Lexis, BNA, & decisions reported on PACER (thanks, @yalechk).
•Bad Example (DON’T): Research assistant to Professor X–research into civil procedure issues (thanks, @yalechk)
•More buzz words for research: analyzed, compiled, condensed, digested, synthesized (thanks, @j_lavalley). But, use cautiously–don’t want resume to be a thesaurus!
When to Remove Summer Clerkship/Summer Associate Positions
•Consider removing summer positions after you have 5-7 years of experience practicing as an attorney.
•If you still need good firm names on your resume, consider keeping the names of those firms and dates and titles.
Verb Tense
•If you are PRESENTLY working, verb tense should be PRESENT tense.
•Descriptions for OLD jobs (i.e., jobs with an end date) should be PAST tense.
URLs on Resume
•NEVER include your Facebook URL or website link.
•@AttysCounsel: General rule, no to LinkedIn and Twitter links as well because employers will find those anyway but this is one of those areas where “it depends.” For example, I recommend lawyers/law students include LinkedIn links on their resumes, if their LinkedIn profiles are robust and contain helpful information not on their resume (i.e., writing samples or explanations about a particular position).
•@mjsq shared a good tip: if you email your resume to an employer and your email signature contains the URLs, no need to include them on resume, too.
•Include links to blogs if subject matter is appropriate to share to potential employers. As @j_lavalley noted, blogs are “publications” and have their own Bluebook cite format.
•During this part of the chat, @AttysCounsel referenced the recent (9/10/10) opinion by the New York State Bar Association regarding using social networking sites to gather information for clients in pending litigation. Thanks to @yalechk for finding and sharing this opinion during the chat. Click here to view the opinion.
•And, @j_lavalley shared a link about vendor-neutral citation rules. Click here to view the rules.
Three Common Characteristics of “Best” Resumes
•No formatting errors.
•Clear statement of accomplishment–not just a description.
•Focus on target position.
If you have additional questions for Jessica, you may contact her at: Info@AttorneysCounselNY.com.
Save the date for the next #LawJobChat – October 28 at 9pm Eastern!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Did you know you should . . . ? Etiquette tips
Amy Jarmon, Assistant Dean for Academic Success Programs, Texas Tech University School of Law
•Come to an appointment or meeting with paper and a writing instrument (or electronic gizmo) for notes.
•Look at one's Outlook, planner, electronic calendar ap, or hand (for the ink on palm types) after noting an appointment so that one actually shows up for the appointment.
•Do not text, take phone calls, or check e-mail during an appointment or meeting.
•Don't talk to others in class while the professor is leading the class or in a meeting if someone else is speaking.
•Always be prepared for classes, meetings, appointments, etc.
•E-mail or telephone ahead to cancel an appointment with a professor or administrator so that the opening can be given to another person.
•E-mail or telephone a professor or administrator to apologize for missing an appointment because of a sudden emergency or oversleeping.
•Standing appointment times mean just that - they are regular unless one asks to cancel or modify them.
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d8341bfae553ef013487e044b2970c
•Come to an appointment or meeting with paper and a writing instrument (or electronic gizmo) for notes.
•Look at one's Outlook, planner, electronic calendar ap, or hand (for the ink on palm types) after noting an appointment so that one actually shows up for the appointment.
•Do not text, take phone calls, or check e-mail during an appointment or meeting.
•Don't talk to others in class while the professor is leading the class or in a meeting if someone else is speaking.
•Always be prepared for classes, meetings, appointments, etc.
•E-mail or telephone ahead to cancel an appointment with a professor or administrator so that the opening can be given to another person.
•E-mail or telephone a professor or administrator to apologize for missing an appointment because of a sudden emergency or oversleeping.
•Standing appointment times mean just that - they are regular unless one asks to cancel or modify them.
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d8341bfae553ef013487e044b2970c
Monday, October 11, 2010
Pathways to Jobs with Private Public Interest Law Firms
excerpts from an article by Rob Perkins and Carolyn Goodwin, NALP Bulletin, October 2010
Why Should Public Interest Focused Law Students Consider Working for a Private Public Interest Law Firm?
Similar to government/nonprofit organizations, private public interest firms offer students the opportunity to utilize their law degree as a tool to advocate for the public interest. According to the lawyers we interviewed, there are generally three advantages to working for a private public interest firm. First, private firms offer lawyers the opportunity to earn a higher salary. A second advantage is the freedom to determine which cases you want to accept. Many nonprofit agencies are grant-driven and therefore subject to restrictions on the types of cases they can accept. Third, private firms frequently have more office resources than their nonprofit
counterparts.
In addition, because these firms are often small, lawyers can get significant experience early on in their legal careers. One attorney we spoke with explained that within the first few months of her job she had already conducted numerous depositions and was writing substantive federal court discovery motions.
On the other hand, private public interest lawyers acknowledge there can also be disadvantages. Private
law firms are businesses. When evaluating a case for representation, a private firm must consider how the case will affect its bottom line —and thus may need to decline a case that has merit but nevertheless will drain the firm’s resources.
With regard to a law student’s long-term career goals, since private public interest lawyers quickly get great substantive experience, they can effectively transition into nonprofit/government positions, policy positions, or other private sector jobs (including opening their own private public interest firm).
How Do Students Identify and Research Private Public Interest Law Firms?
Students seeking positions in private public interest firms should first determine which issues they want to work on and where they want to work.
Once students determine the nature of the work and the geographic region in which they want to work, it is relatively easy to identify the firms.
The best resource available is the Private Public Interest Guide (Private Public Interest and Plaintiff's Firm Guide published by the Center for Public Interest Law at Columbia Law School and the Bernard Koteen Office of Public Interest Advising at Harvard Law School). http://www.law.harvard.edu/current/careers/opia/planning/career-resources/docs/2008private_pi_guide.pdf The Guide contains a directory of private public interest firms, categorized by state.
In addition, many private public interest law firms are listed on PSLawNet (http://www.pslawnet.org/).
Students should also meet and network with private public interest lawyers through local bar associations,
specialty bar associations, and local chapters of national bar associations, such as the National Lawyers Guild. Many of these bar associations provide membership directories that students can use to identify firms. Additionally, students should speak with public interest practitioners in the area where they want to practice as they will know the private firms engaged in public interest work.
How Do Students Get Jobs with Private Public Interest Law Firms?
Private public interest firms evaluate applicants utilizing criteria that are very similar to those employed by government and nonprofit agencies. Demonstrated commitment to public interest is essential.
One difference is that private law firms prefer to hire lawyers with experience. For law students seeking an entry-level job with a private public interest firm, it is essential to gain relevant practical experience through summer internships, clinics, externships, and pro bono work. Many private firms place a premium on clerkships and will not consider a recent graduate unless she or he completed a clerkship. With regard to timing, there is no bad time to send a cover letter and résumé since firms cannot always anticipate their hiring needs in advance. It is, of course, best if the student has a relationship with the firm or a contact who can recommend them. It is also important that students follow up with the firms periodically to reinforce their interest and check on hiring needs.
Students should also be aware that private public interest firms often hire new lawyers to fulfill a specific contract assignment, and these short-term positions can lead to full-time jobs.
Working in a private public interest firm is another exciting option to explore with public interest focused students. We hope this article helps you to guide the discussion.
Rob Perkins is Assistant Director for Judicial Clerkship and Public Interest Advising and Carolyn Goodwin is Associate Director for Government and Public Interest Advising in the Boston University Law School Office of Career Development and Public Service.
Why Should Public Interest Focused Law Students Consider Working for a Private Public Interest Law Firm?
Similar to government/nonprofit organizations, private public interest firms offer students the opportunity to utilize their law degree as a tool to advocate for the public interest. According to the lawyers we interviewed, there are generally three advantages to working for a private public interest firm. First, private firms offer lawyers the opportunity to earn a higher salary. A second advantage is the freedom to determine which cases you want to accept. Many nonprofit agencies are grant-driven and therefore subject to restrictions on the types of cases they can accept. Third, private firms frequently have more office resources than their nonprofit
counterparts.
In addition, because these firms are often small, lawyers can get significant experience early on in their legal careers. One attorney we spoke with explained that within the first few months of her job she had already conducted numerous depositions and was writing substantive federal court discovery motions.
On the other hand, private public interest lawyers acknowledge there can also be disadvantages. Private
law firms are businesses. When evaluating a case for representation, a private firm must consider how the case will affect its bottom line —and thus may need to decline a case that has merit but nevertheless will drain the firm’s resources.
With regard to a law student’s long-term career goals, since private public interest lawyers quickly get great substantive experience, they can effectively transition into nonprofit/government positions, policy positions, or other private sector jobs (including opening their own private public interest firm).
How Do Students Identify and Research Private Public Interest Law Firms?
Students seeking positions in private public interest firms should first determine which issues they want to work on and where they want to work.
Once students determine the nature of the work and the geographic region in which they want to work, it is relatively easy to identify the firms.
The best resource available is the Private Public Interest Guide (Private Public Interest and Plaintiff's Firm Guide published by the Center for Public Interest Law at Columbia Law School and the Bernard Koteen Office of Public Interest Advising at Harvard Law School). http://www.law.harvard.edu/current/careers/opia/planning/career-resources/docs/2008private_pi_guide.pdf The Guide contains a directory of private public interest firms, categorized by state.
In addition, many private public interest law firms are listed on PSLawNet (http://www.pslawnet.org/).
Students should also meet and network with private public interest lawyers through local bar associations,
specialty bar associations, and local chapters of national bar associations, such as the National Lawyers Guild. Many of these bar associations provide membership directories that students can use to identify firms. Additionally, students should speak with public interest practitioners in the area where they want to practice as they will know the private firms engaged in public interest work.
How Do Students Get Jobs with Private Public Interest Law Firms?
Private public interest firms evaluate applicants utilizing criteria that are very similar to those employed by government and nonprofit agencies. Demonstrated commitment to public interest is essential.
One difference is that private law firms prefer to hire lawyers with experience. For law students seeking an entry-level job with a private public interest firm, it is essential to gain relevant practical experience through summer internships, clinics, externships, and pro bono work. Many private firms place a premium on clerkships and will not consider a recent graduate unless she or he completed a clerkship. With regard to timing, there is no bad time to send a cover letter and résumé since firms cannot always anticipate their hiring needs in advance. It is, of course, best if the student has a relationship with the firm or a contact who can recommend them. It is also important that students follow up with the firms periodically to reinforce their interest and check on hiring needs.
Students should also be aware that private public interest firms often hire new lawyers to fulfill a specific contract assignment, and these short-term positions can lead to full-time jobs.
Working in a private public interest firm is another exciting option to explore with public interest focused students. We hope this article helps you to guide the discussion.
Rob Perkins is Assistant Director for Judicial Clerkship and Public Interest Advising and Carolyn Goodwin is Associate Director for Government and Public Interest Advising in the Boston University Law School Office of Career Development and Public Service.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Why it’s Important to Write Right in the Legal Profession – And 5 Common Writing Pitfalls to Avoid
The following article, by Brenda Bernstein, was first published on MyLegal.com.
This past September, a federal judge in Florida denied a lawyer’s motion (without prejudice, so he can re-file the motion) stating that it was “riddled with unprofessional grammatical and typographical errors that nearly render the entire motion incomprehensible.”
The judge highlighted the following problems, among others:
• Incorrect use of apostrophes.
• Typographical errors (using the word “this” instead of “thus” and the word “full” instead of “for”).
• Incorrect placement of periods and commas outside of quotation marks.
• Wrong word use (using the phrase the plaintiff “had attended on filing” this action, instead of saying the plaintiff had “intended” to file an action).
• One very long sentence.
Don’t let this happen to you!
If you write legal documents in any way, shape or form, it is absolutely essential to use correct spelling and grammar. In a famous case in England, a traffic ticket was thrown out because it was issued for illegal “stoping” instead of “stopping”; the alleged perpetrator had conducted no mining activities (“stoping” is a mining term) and so was found not guilty. I bet that police officer never issued another “stoping” ticket.
Past or Present?
One extremely common error I see amongst law students is using the word “lead” to mean the past tense of “lead.” This mistake could get you in trouble, since the past tense of “lead” is “led” (with no a). You could be writing in the wrong tense!
Example or Complete List?
Another place you can easily convey the wrong meaning is with “i.e.” and “e.g.” When you use “i.e.” it means “that is” or “in other words.” The proper way to follow “i.e.” is with a definition or complete list. For example: The defendant was charged with illegal stoping, i.e., mining activity. “E.g.” means “for example.” The proper way to follow “e.g.” is with a partial list of possibilities. For example: The motion was denied for bad grammar, e.g., typographical errors and wrong word use. If “i.e.” were used here, we would need to provide a complete list of the examples of bad grammar.
Law or Liberty?
Do you know the difference between a statute and a statue? Statutes are laws. Statues are sculptures. We have statutes of limitations and a Statue of Liberty. Don’t get these confused. You might want to remember the extra “t” for “time” when it’s a statute of limitations, or for “text” when it’s any written law. And you might think of following those statutes to a “T” (or 3)!
Proper Punctuation: Periods and Commas Inside Quotation Marks
To touch on one of the Florida judge’s beefs, periods and commas, in the United States, always go inside quotation marks, even when they are not part of the quotation, e.g., The defendant was arrested for “illegal stoping.” Although there are rare exceptions to this rule, they will probably not appear in legal writing (they are more likely to show up in technical writing). For a detailed discussion of this issue, see my blog posting.
Proper Punctuation: Apostrophes
Many people incorrectly use apostrophes to make plural words. Don’t do it! Did you notice that the plural of apostrophe is NOT “apostrophe’s”? It is “apostrophes”! The plural words lawyers, judges, laws, statutes, DUIs and the 1990s do NOT take apostrophes.
Use an apostrophe “s” to make a singular possessive. The lawyer’s brief was riddled with errors. The judge’s ruling was final.
Use an “s” apostrophe to make a plural possessive. The five lawyers’ arguments diverged widely. All the county judges’ courtrooms contain the latest in audio-visual equipment.
Put your apostrophes in the right place – and avoid annoying the judge.
So Many Chances to Err!
There are multiple ways to make writing errors in legal documents, and I have only covered a few. My most important advice is to proofread and proofread again! Get a second pair of eyes to check your work. If you have grammar questions you want answered, I will answer them to the best of my ability in the comments section of this blog. I look forward to hearing from you…
Happy writing!
http://www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=149831781&gid=138780&type=member&item=31006306&articleURL=http%3A%2F%2Ftheessayexpert%2Ecom%2Fblog%2F2010%2F03%2F09%2Fwhy-it%25E2%2580%2599s-important-to-write-right-in-the-legal-profession-%25E2%2580%2593-and-5-common-writing-pitfalls-to-avoid%2F&urlhash=YbWN&goback=%2Egde_138780_member_31006306
This past September, a federal judge in Florida denied a lawyer’s motion (without prejudice, so he can re-file the motion) stating that it was “riddled with unprofessional grammatical and typographical errors that nearly render the entire motion incomprehensible.”
The judge highlighted the following problems, among others:
• Incorrect use of apostrophes.
• Typographical errors (using the word “this” instead of “thus” and the word “full” instead of “for”).
• Incorrect placement of periods and commas outside of quotation marks.
• Wrong word use (using the phrase the plaintiff “had attended on filing” this action, instead of saying the plaintiff had “intended” to file an action).
• One very long sentence.
Don’t let this happen to you!
If you write legal documents in any way, shape or form, it is absolutely essential to use correct spelling and grammar. In a famous case in England, a traffic ticket was thrown out because it was issued for illegal “stoping” instead of “stopping”; the alleged perpetrator had conducted no mining activities (“stoping” is a mining term) and so was found not guilty. I bet that police officer never issued another “stoping” ticket.
Past or Present?
One extremely common error I see amongst law students is using the word “lead” to mean the past tense of “lead.” This mistake could get you in trouble, since the past tense of “lead” is “led” (with no a). You could be writing in the wrong tense!
Example or Complete List?
Another place you can easily convey the wrong meaning is with “i.e.” and “e.g.” When you use “i.e.” it means “that is” or “in other words.” The proper way to follow “i.e.” is with a definition or complete list. For example: The defendant was charged with illegal stoping, i.e., mining activity. “E.g.” means “for example.” The proper way to follow “e.g.” is with a partial list of possibilities. For example: The motion was denied for bad grammar, e.g., typographical errors and wrong word use. If “i.e.” were used here, we would need to provide a complete list of the examples of bad grammar.
Law or Liberty?
Do you know the difference between a statute and a statue? Statutes are laws. Statues are sculptures. We have statutes of limitations and a Statue of Liberty. Don’t get these confused. You might want to remember the extra “t” for “time” when it’s a statute of limitations, or for “text” when it’s any written law. And you might think of following those statutes to a “T” (or 3)!
Proper Punctuation: Periods and Commas Inside Quotation Marks
To touch on one of the Florida judge’s beefs, periods and commas, in the United States, always go inside quotation marks, even when they are not part of the quotation, e.g., The defendant was arrested for “illegal stoping.” Although there are rare exceptions to this rule, they will probably not appear in legal writing (they are more likely to show up in technical writing). For a detailed discussion of this issue, see my blog posting.
Proper Punctuation: Apostrophes
Many people incorrectly use apostrophes to make plural words. Don’t do it! Did you notice that the plural of apostrophe is NOT “apostrophe’s”? It is “apostrophes”! The plural words lawyers, judges, laws, statutes, DUIs and the 1990s do NOT take apostrophes.
Use an apostrophe “s” to make a singular possessive. The lawyer’s brief was riddled with errors. The judge’s ruling was final.
Use an “s” apostrophe to make a plural possessive. The five lawyers’ arguments diverged widely. All the county judges’ courtrooms contain the latest in audio-visual equipment.
Put your apostrophes in the right place – and avoid annoying the judge.
So Many Chances to Err!
There are multiple ways to make writing errors in legal documents, and I have only covered a few. My most important advice is to proofread and proofread again! Get a second pair of eyes to check your work. If you have grammar questions you want answered, I will answer them to the best of my ability in the comments section of this blog. I look forward to hearing from you…
Happy writing!
http://www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=149831781&gid=138780&type=member&item=31006306&articleURL=http%3A%2F%2Ftheessayexpert%2Ecom%2Fblog%2F2010%2F03%2F09%2Fwhy-it%25E2%2580%2599s-important-to-write-right-in-the-legal-profession-%25E2%2580%2593-and-5-common-writing-pitfalls-to-avoid%2F&urlhash=YbWN&goback=%2Egde_138780_member_31006306
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Rejection . . . and Turning It Into Job Opportunities, Part 2
from Guerrilla Tactics for Getting the Legal Job of Your Dreams by Kimm Alayne Walton
7. What you tell yourself about employers after you're rejected is really, really important. In short: get over it and get on with it. As is true in every aspect in your life, the way you characterize something determines how you feel about it. You can't control the first thought that pops into your head . . . but you can reconfigure it immediately into something useful. You can tell yourself, "Okay, these rejections suck. I didn't want them. But I will get a job. There are plenty of ways to find employers, and all I need is one job. No matter what hasn't worked for me . . . something will."
A. Keep rejection in perspective. It's just words. Being told "no" is never pleasant. But don't roll it over and over in your mind and turn it into something it's not. When you get rejected, do what you can to forget about it as soon as possible. Do something every day. Doing nothing creates anxiety; it makes you feel you have no choices. Even if you think nothing will work, try anyway. Remember: no mattter what, you're going to get a job. Everybody gets a job. This is a temporary hiccup on your career path. That's all.
B. Avoid conducting a post mortem on rejections by demanding reasons from employers. If you continually apply for jobs that your credentials say ought to be coming your way, there's something else going on. There's something in your letter, your resume, your interviewing, or your party patter. Talk to your Career Services office. It's a time-effective way to get your career back on track, without wondering after every interview why you didn't get the job.
C. Don't generalize a few employers who reject you into the entire legal market.
D. Don't reject yourself. Don't let a couple, or even a bunch, of rejections make you denigrate yourself and what you have to offer.
8. Don't overlook practical reasons for rejections. Sometimes when you get rejected, it's because there's something crucial that the employer just can't live without. If the employer has professional needs you just can't meet--you just can't blame them for rejecting you.
9. Not getting a job through on-campus interviews is meaningless. OCI season is a tiny fraction of what's out there. It represents the tiny minority of employers large and institutional enough to know how many people they're going to need far in advance--and can spare the personnel necessary to participate in the interview process. There are hundreds of ways to get to employers through ways other than on-campus interviews.
10. The hidden benefits of rejection.
A. Many times, you'll get rejected from jobs you would have hated.
B. Rejection forces you to hone your job search skills.
C. Rejection opens you to opportunities you wouldn't have had otherwise.
11. There are certain jobs you can only get by tolerating gobs of rejection--and they tend to be the most glamours jobs. If you want a job that everyone else you know also wants, then that means you're going to have to outlast them. When you're after something ultra-competative, put rejections in perspective by keeping your eye on the prize.
12. If you're seriously bummed out, take a vacation from job searching. Gather information and do things that make you feel good about yourself and your prospects. There are dozens of activities that aren't overtly job seeking. Informational interviews, attending bar association functions and CLEs, and dozens more . . . they all position you to get valuable advice and insights, without ever asking for a job or risk being rejected. These kinds of activities are a great way to stay connected without putting yourself in a vulnerable position.
13. The only way to get revenge on employers who reject you is to go on and succeed in spite of their rejection. There's not just one job that's going to make you happy. No one employer controls your future. Thre are hundreds of jobs that'll make you happy, and there are hundreds of ways to get those jobs. Who knows what fate has in store for you? I guarantee you it's not a lifetime of rejection. It's just a necessary bump in the road. Get over it--and get on with it!
7. What you tell yourself about employers after you're rejected is really, really important. In short: get over it and get on with it. As is true in every aspect in your life, the way you characterize something determines how you feel about it. You can't control the first thought that pops into your head . . . but you can reconfigure it immediately into something useful. You can tell yourself, "Okay, these rejections suck. I didn't want them. But I will get a job. There are plenty of ways to find employers, and all I need is one job. No matter what hasn't worked for me . . . something will."
A. Keep rejection in perspective. It's just words. Being told "no" is never pleasant. But don't roll it over and over in your mind and turn it into something it's not. When you get rejected, do what you can to forget about it as soon as possible. Do something every day. Doing nothing creates anxiety; it makes you feel you have no choices. Even if you think nothing will work, try anyway. Remember: no mattter what, you're going to get a job. Everybody gets a job. This is a temporary hiccup on your career path. That's all.
B. Avoid conducting a post mortem on rejections by demanding reasons from employers. If you continually apply for jobs that your credentials say ought to be coming your way, there's something else going on. There's something in your letter, your resume, your interviewing, or your party patter. Talk to your Career Services office. It's a time-effective way to get your career back on track, without wondering after every interview why you didn't get the job.
C. Don't generalize a few employers who reject you into the entire legal market.
D. Don't reject yourself. Don't let a couple, or even a bunch, of rejections make you denigrate yourself and what you have to offer.
8. Don't overlook practical reasons for rejections. Sometimes when you get rejected, it's because there's something crucial that the employer just can't live without. If the employer has professional needs you just can't meet--you just can't blame them for rejecting you.
9. Not getting a job through on-campus interviews is meaningless. OCI season is a tiny fraction of what's out there. It represents the tiny minority of employers large and institutional enough to know how many people they're going to need far in advance--and can spare the personnel necessary to participate in the interview process. There are hundreds of ways to get to employers through ways other than on-campus interviews.
10. The hidden benefits of rejection.
A. Many times, you'll get rejected from jobs you would have hated.
B. Rejection forces you to hone your job search skills.
C. Rejection opens you to opportunities you wouldn't have had otherwise.
11. There are certain jobs you can only get by tolerating gobs of rejection--and they tend to be the most glamours jobs. If you want a job that everyone else you know also wants, then that means you're going to have to outlast them. When you're after something ultra-competative, put rejections in perspective by keeping your eye on the prize.
12. If you're seriously bummed out, take a vacation from job searching. Gather information and do things that make you feel good about yourself and your prospects. There are dozens of activities that aren't overtly job seeking. Informational interviews, attending bar association functions and CLEs, and dozens more . . . they all position you to get valuable advice and insights, without ever asking for a job or risk being rejected. These kinds of activities are a great way to stay connected without putting yourself in a vulnerable position.
13. The only way to get revenge on employers who reject you is to go on and succeed in spite of their rejection. There's not just one job that's going to make you happy. No one employer controls your future. Thre are hundreds of jobs that'll make you happy, and there are hundreds of ways to get those jobs. Who knows what fate has in store for you? I guarantee you it's not a lifetime of rejection. It's just a necessary bump in the road. Get over it--and get on with it!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Rejection . . . and Turning It Into Job Opportunities, Part I
from Guerrilla Tactics for Getting the Legal Job of Your Dreams by Kimm Alayne Walton
1. Don't horribilize rejection. You have no idea how close you might have been to getting the job. When you get rejected, don't assume there's something wrong with you. When you get rejected, you might have been "thisclose" to getting the job. When you get rejected, remember this: all rejection says is that at one moment in time, for some reason--and it's probably a reason entirely out of your control--you didn't show this particular employer what they needed to see in order to make you an offer.
2. Is there a job lurking in that rejection . . . ? Rejection doesn't necessarily mean "no." It doesn't mean you'll never get a job or even this particular job. All rejection says is that at one moment in time, for some reason--and it's probably a reason entirely out of your control--you didn't show this particular employer what they needed to see in order to make you an offer. It has no predictive value.
A. The magic words that turn a rejection into job possibilities: "If your needs change . . . ." It's very important that if you try this strategy, you use the right tone in recontacting the employer. What you're striving for, as in every aspect of your job search, is humble confidence. The feeling you want to engender is, "Gee, maybe we made a mistake about him/her," not, "Thank goodness we dodged that bullet."
Smart human trick: 3rd year law student, one of two finalists for a job he really wants. The other candidate gets the job. He writes an letter to the employer saying, "I am disappointed I'm not going to be working with you, but I understand your decision. I want you to know that I'm still very interested in your firm, and the sense that I would be a good fit was only enhanced during my interviews there. If your needs change, I hope you will reconsider me."
B. If you feel you really hit it off with the employer on a callback (or some of the people with whom you interviewed) but you didn't get an offer . . . . they just might be the key to a great job somewhere else. Turn the rejection into an informational interview. Getting rejected in that situation doesn't mean that your instincts are all wrong, that you thought you got along with people who really didn't like you. They may be just as disappointed you didn't get the job as you are. Get in touch with (either by email or voice mail) the person you really hit it off with, and say this: "I'm disappointed I'm not going to be working with you, but I really enjoyed talking with you and I respect your advice. Can you suggest to me other people I should be talking to, other things I should be doing?" Then call and talk to them in person.
C. If they say, "Keep in touch with us," or "Contact us again next year," or something like that, then do it. Students often ask me, 'Well, gee, aren't they just being polite?' Nope, trust me. They don't feel the need to be polite. If someone doesn't want you to contact them again, they can say, 'Thanks and good luck!' and leave it at that. If they invite further action, take it.
D. If they say, "No, thanks, but you should contact X at X," do it! Sometimes an employer, in rejecting you, will put you on to another employer. They are putting their reputation at stake by giving you a referral. Don't take that lightly. Contact their recommendatino and then make sure you thank them.
E. "Not now," doesn't mean "not ever." Persistence pays off. Remember, when you are applying for jobs, you're asking employers to consider you in one small silver of time. It may well be that jobs open up outside of that time frame . . . or it may be that in being persistent, in trying again, you show employers a quality they really respect.
3. When you get rejections, don't imbue employers with magic powers they don't have. When you get rejected, it's way too easy to attribute magical powers of insight to employers. You are a much more interesting, complex, dynamic human being than you can get across in the hiring process. Don't give employers the power to convince you that you can't get a job, because they don't have that power over you if you don't give it to them.
4. Don't look to employers to validate you. If you're looking to employers to put the stamp of approval on your career choice, don't. Your law degree is valuable for a million reasons, no matter what you do with it.
5. A rejection that's really rude is not a reflection of you. It's a reflection on them. If an employer rejects you rudely, remember three things: First, it's not about you. It's about them. Second, remember that you'll have many chances to prove them wrong. Go on and be a brilliant success. And finally: resolve that when you're a lawyer, you'll never, ever treat a law student that way!
6. Vent appropriately. When you get rejected, I'm not suggesting that you just plaster on a fake smile and soldier on uninterrupted. I'ts important to vent. But it's even more important to vent appropriately. Do not memorialize your feelings about the employer in an e-mail, an IM, or on your blog, website, or any social networking site. That stuff lives forever. It's important to remember that circumstances change. You never know when those people will show up in your life again.
1. Don't horribilize rejection. You have no idea how close you might have been to getting the job. When you get rejected, don't assume there's something wrong with you. When you get rejected, you might have been "thisclose" to getting the job. When you get rejected, remember this: all rejection says is that at one moment in time, for some reason--and it's probably a reason entirely out of your control--you didn't show this particular employer what they needed to see in order to make you an offer.
2. Is there a job lurking in that rejection . . . ? Rejection doesn't necessarily mean "no." It doesn't mean you'll never get a job or even this particular job. All rejection says is that at one moment in time, for some reason--and it's probably a reason entirely out of your control--you didn't show this particular employer what they needed to see in order to make you an offer. It has no predictive value.
A. The magic words that turn a rejection into job possibilities: "If your needs change . . . ." It's very important that if you try this strategy, you use the right tone in recontacting the employer. What you're striving for, as in every aspect of your job search, is humble confidence. The feeling you want to engender is, "Gee, maybe we made a mistake about him/her," not, "Thank goodness we dodged that bullet."
Smart human trick: 3rd year law student, one of two finalists for a job he really wants. The other candidate gets the job. He writes an letter to the employer saying, "I am disappointed I'm not going to be working with you, but I understand your decision. I want you to know that I'm still very interested in your firm, and the sense that I would be a good fit was only enhanced during my interviews there. If your needs change, I hope you will reconsider me."
B. If you feel you really hit it off with the employer on a callback (or some of the people with whom you interviewed) but you didn't get an offer . . . . they just might be the key to a great job somewhere else. Turn the rejection into an informational interview. Getting rejected in that situation doesn't mean that your instincts are all wrong, that you thought you got along with people who really didn't like you. They may be just as disappointed you didn't get the job as you are. Get in touch with (either by email or voice mail) the person you really hit it off with, and say this: "I'm disappointed I'm not going to be working with you, but I really enjoyed talking with you and I respect your advice. Can you suggest to me other people I should be talking to, other things I should be doing?" Then call and talk to them in person.
C. If they say, "Keep in touch with us," or "Contact us again next year," or something like that, then do it. Students often ask me, 'Well, gee, aren't they just being polite?' Nope, trust me. They don't feel the need to be polite. If someone doesn't want you to contact them again, they can say, 'Thanks and good luck!' and leave it at that. If they invite further action, take it.
D. If they say, "No, thanks, but you should contact X at X," do it! Sometimes an employer, in rejecting you, will put you on to another employer. They are putting their reputation at stake by giving you a referral. Don't take that lightly. Contact their recommendatino and then make sure you thank them.
E. "Not now," doesn't mean "not ever." Persistence pays off. Remember, when you are applying for jobs, you're asking employers to consider you in one small silver of time. It may well be that jobs open up outside of that time frame . . . or it may be that in being persistent, in trying again, you show employers a quality they really respect.
3. When you get rejections, don't imbue employers with magic powers they don't have. When you get rejected, it's way too easy to attribute magical powers of insight to employers. You are a much more interesting, complex, dynamic human being than you can get across in the hiring process. Don't give employers the power to convince you that you can't get a job, because they don't have that power over you if you don't give it to them.
4. Don't look to employers to validate you. If you're looking to employers to put the stamp of approval on your career choice, don't. Your law degree is valuable for a million reasons, no matter what you do with it.
5. A rejection that's really rude is not a reflection of you. It's a reflection on them. If an employer rejects you rudely, remember three things: First, it's not about you. It's about them. Second, remember that you'll have many chances to prove them wrong. Go on and be a brilliant success. And finally: resolve that when you're a lawyer, you'll never, ever treat a law student that way!
6. Vent appropriately. When you get rejected, I'm not suggesting that you just plaster on a fake smile and soldier on uninterrupted. I'ts important to vent. But it's even more important to vent appropriately. Do not memorialize your feelings about the employer in an e-mail, an IM, or on your blog, website, or any social networking site. That stuff lives forever. It's important to remember that circumstances change. You never know when those people will show up in your life again.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Common Interview Questions
from an article by Kathleen Brady at factoid.com
2. What are your long range and short range goals and objectives? (Be sure to make the connection between your goals and this job for which you’re interviewing.)
3. What do you see yourself doing five years from now? (Again, tie your answer into the position available. Never, ever say you want to be doing something unrelated!)
4. What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why? (Talk about specific projects, especially if they are relevant to the position.)
5. In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our organization?
6. In what sort of environment are you most comfortable? (Ideally, your favorite environment will be similar to that of the employer with whom you are interviewing. Find this information out by conducting thorough research.)
7. Why do you want to work with our company/firm? (Be specific. Show you’ve done your research! Make sure the interviewer knows that you understand their business.)
8. What do you consider to be the strongest qualities in your personality and character? (List about 3 and relate them to the job opening.)
9. I see from your resume that you . . . (play basketball or speak French or are interested in real estate, etc. This is not a statement where you answer "yes" or "no". Hear this as: tell me more about your basketball team or French speaking abilities or interest in real estate.)
10. What else do you think I should know about you? (From your preparation beforehand you will have an additional strength or accomplishment that you’ll want to highlight here. Don’t say there isn’t anything else. You’re more exciting than that!)
11. Do you have any questions for me? (Always have two or three well-thought out questions about the firm.)
http://www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=179333892&gid=138780&type=member&item=30483845&articleURL=http%3A%2F%2Ffactoidz%2Ecom%2Finterview-questions%2F&urlhash=ERe0&goback=%2Egde_138780_member_30483845
Prepare your responses to the following 10 questions and you will be well prepared for your next interview.
1. Tell me about yourself. (What they’re really asking here is, "What in your background makes you a good candidate for this job?")2. What are your long range and short range goals and objectives? (Be sure to make the connection between your goals and this job for which you’re interviewing.)
3. What do you see yourself doing five years from now? (Again, tie your answer into the position available. Never, ever say you want to be doing something unrelated!)
4. What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why? (Talk about specific projects, especially if they are relevant to the position.)
5. In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our organization?
6. In what sort of environment are you most comfortable? (Ideally, your favorite environment will be similar to that of the employer with whom you are interviewing. Find this information out by conducting thorough research.)
7. Why do you want to work with our company/firm? (Be specific. Show you’ve done your research! Make sure the interviewer knows that you understand their business.)
8. What do you consider to be the strongest qualities in your personality and character? (List about 3 and relate them to the job opening.)
9. I see from your resume that you . . . (play basketball or speak French or are interested in real estate, etc. This is not a statement where you answer "yes" or "no". Hear this as: tell me more about your basketball team or French speaking abilities or interest in real estate.)
10. What else do you think I should know about you? (From your preparation beforehand you will have an additional strength or accomplishment that you’ll want to highlight here. Don’t say there isn’t anything else. You’re more exciting than that!)
11. Do you have any questions for me? (Always have two or three well-thought out questions about the firm.)
http://www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=179333892&gid=138780&type=member&item=30483845&articleURL=http%3A%2F%2Ffactoidz%2Ecom%2Finterview-questions%2F&urlhash=ERe0&goback=%2Egde_138780_member_30483845
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