Great resource for finding federal government attorney jobs:
http://lawschool.westlaw.com/desktopdefault.aspx
Sign in using your username and password, then:
Home; Career Focus; Law Student Jobs Online; Federal Careers for Attorneys
Here are some of the categories available through this webpage:
•Federal Government Organizational Structure
•The 2008 Plum Book
•Federal Government Career Websites
•Federal Government Application Forms
•Federal Government Salary Charts
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
Executive Office of the President
Cabinet Departments
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. Department of Defense
U.S. Department of Education
U.S. Department of Energy
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Department of Labor
U.S. Department of State
U.S. Department of Transportation
U.S. Department of Treasury
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Other Executive Branch Agencies
Access Board
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
African Development Foundation
Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corporation)
Appalachian Regional Commission
Central Intelligence Agency
Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board
Commission on Civil Rights
Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Corporation for National and Community Service
Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
Election Assistance Commission
Environmental Protection Agency
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Export-Import Bank of the United States
Farm Credit Administration
Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation
Federal Communications Commission
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Federal Election Commission
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Federal Housing Finance Board
Federal Labor Relations Authority
Federal Maritime Commission
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
Federal Trade Commission
General Services Administration
Inter-American Foundation
International Boundary and Water Commission
International Broadcasting Bureau
Merit Systems Protection Board
Millennium Challenge Corporation
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
National Mediation Board
National Science Foundation
National Transportation Safety Board
Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission
Office of Government Ethics
Office of Personnel Management
Office of Special Counsel
Overseas Private Investment Corporation
Peace Corps
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
Postal Rate Commission
Railroad Retirement Board
Securities and Exchange Commission
Selective Service System
Small Business Administration
Trade and Development Agency
U.S. Agency for International Development
U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
U.S. International Trade Commission
U.S. Postal Service
U.S. Tax Court
Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board
Tennessee Valley Authority
National Capital Planning Commission
National Council on Disability
Smithsonian Institution
Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission
Federal Reserve System
Social Security Administration
National Archives and Records Administration
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities
National Credit Union Administration
National Labor Relations Board
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
United States Congress
Architect of the Capitol
Congressional Budget Office
Government Accountability Office
Government Printing Office
Library of Congress
JUDICIAL BRANCH
The Supreme Court of the United States
U.S. Courts of Appeals
U.S. District Courts
U.S. Bankruptcy Courts
U.S. Court of Federal Claims
Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts
Federal Judicial Center
Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation
U.S. Sentencing Commission
U.S. Court of International Trade
Federal Defender Organizations
OTHER
Legal Services Corporation
Monday, October 29, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
10 Lies We Tell Ourselves About Networking
http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2012/09/12/10-lies-we-tell-ourselves-about-networking
By Hannah Morgan
Take a minute to think about the successful people you know and what makes them successful. Chances are they are masterful networkers and they did this by finding their own way to build mutually beneficial relationships. Employed or unemployed, introverted or extroverted, these are some of the most popular excuses people make for not networking. Your challenge is to get out of your house or your cube and meet people.
1. I don't know anyone. Yes you do! You know past co-workers, friends, family, and service providers. You know lots of people but you are uncomfortable reaching out to them. Overcome this by believing you are merely seeking knowledge.
2. I don't have time. If you're employed, making time to network will cut into your schedule. When you think about how you make time to do other things, such as going to the movies or working out, there is always enough time for things that are important to you. Are you saying your career isn't important? Or are you saying you don't understand how networking will help your career?
3. I have run out of people to talk to. If this is true, sorry to say, you aren't networking correctly. Each meeting should result in the person providing you with additional names of people they know OR you should ask them to recommend people you should speak with. People want to help, however, you have clearly spell out the kind of help you need.
4. I don't have money to network. As a job seeker and as an employee, add this into your budget. Set money aside for coffee, gas, and one paid professional association group meeting per month. Take it from your entertainment/dining-out budget. Be smart about how and when you schedule your meetings.
5. I have all the resources I need around me at work. This is shortsighted. No one has all the resources and information they need. Meeting people from different companies and different industries expands your thinking and the way you look at problems and develop solutions.
6. I am too shy. This is a wonderful opportunity to develop your extroverted side. Is it uncomfortable? Yes, but this really isn't an excuse. Learn and watch others who do it with ease. Tag along with people who enjoy meeting new people and they will gladly introduce you to the people they know at events. It is what they love to do. By the way, introverts make excellent listeners.
7. People keep turning me down for informational interviews. First, don't call them informational interviews. This is not an interview, it is a meeting. "Interview" reeks of "hire me, I am looking for a job." It may seem just a matter of semantics, but if it looks and smells like a pig, it IS a pig. Rewrite the script you use to for these meetings. Be sure you are asking for help and advice. There are very few people who will turn down an invitation for help. Is it your wording? Is it your delivery? Ask a friend to critique your invitation.
8. I don't know what to talk about. You simply need to ask questions about the other person. Focus on learning about them and what they do. Here are some broad questions that might help.
Ice-breaking Questions
10. Insert your excuse here. The challenge for many of us is to step outside our comfort zone and do new things. You can learn to be more comfortable networking. It helps to understand that networking is building relationships with people and sharing information. Don't get discouraged.
Hannah Morgan is a speaker and author providing no-nonsense career advice; she guides job seekers and helps them navigate today's treacherous job search terrain. Hannah shares information about the latest trends, such as reputation management, social networking strategies, and other effective search techniques on her blog, Career Sherpa
1. I don't know anyone. Yes you do! You know past co-workers, friends, family, and service providers. You know lots of people but you are uncomfortable reaching out to them. Overcome this by believing you are merely seeking knowledge.
2. I don't have time. If you're employed, making time to network will cut into your schedule. When you think about how you make time to do other things, such as going to the movies or working out, there is always enough time for things that are important to you. Are you saying your career isn't important? Or are you saying you don't understand how networking will help your career?
3. I have run out of people to talk to. If this is true, sorry to say, you aren't networking correctly. Each meeting should result in the person providing you with additional names of people they know OR you should ask them to recommend people you should speak with. People want to help, however, you have clearly spell out the kind of help you need.
4. I don't have money to network. As a job seeker and as an employee, add this into your budget. Set money aside for coffee, gas, and one paid professional association group meeting per month. Take it from your entertainment/dining-out budget. Be smart about how and when you schedule your meetings.
5. I have all the resources I need around me at work. This is shortsighted. No one has all the resources and information they need. Meeting people from different companies and different industries expands your thinking and the way you look at problems and develop solutions.
6. I am too shy. This is a wonderful opportunity to develop your extroverted side. Is it uncomfortable? Yes, but this really isn't an excuse. Learn and watch others who do it with ease. Tag along with people who enjoy meeting new people and they will gladly introduce you to the people they know at events. It is what they love to do. By the way, introverts make excellent listeners.
7. People keep turning me down for informational interviews. First, don't call them informational interviews. This is not an interview, it is a meeting. "Interview" reeks of "hire me, I am looking for a job." It may seem just a matter of semantics, but if it looks and smells like a pig, it IS a pig. Rewrite the script you use to for these meetings. Be sure you are asking for help and advice. There are very few people who will turn down an invitation for help. Is it your wording? Is it your delivery? Ask a friend to critique your invitation.
8. I don't know what to talk about. You simply need to ask questions about the other person. Focus on learning about them and what they do. Here are some broad questions that might help.
Ice-breaking Questions
- How's your week going?
- How's business?
- What led you to set up your own business/be an accountant, etc?
- What's the best part of your job?
- How is business?
- How have changes in technology most affected your business?
- How has your company grown or changed in the last couple of years?
- What are the qualities of people who perform best in this business?
- How do you think most of the employees would describe this workplace?
- What trends do you see in the future that will affect your organization and industry?
- What did you think of the speaker?
- What prompted you to come here today?
- What's been the best session for you?
- Who have you enjoyed meeting so far?
10. Insert your excuse here. The challenge for many of us is to step outside our comfort zone and do new things. You can learn to be more comfortable networking. It helps to understand that networking is building relationships with people and sharing information. Don't get discouraged.
Hannah Morgan is a speaker and author providing no-nonsense career advice; she guides job seekers and helps them navigate today's treacherous job search terrain. Hannah shares information about the latest trends, such as reputation management, social networking strategies, and other effective search techniques on her blog, Career Sherpa
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Post-OCI Job Strategies
http://ms-jd.org/post-oci-job-strategies-sara-gail-esq
By Sara Gail, Esq.
Submitted by LateralLink
But OCI is over and perhaps it didn’t go your way. What do you do now?
The first thing to do is to take a deep breath. Assess and accept your position. You didn’t get the job of your dreams—or at least not yet. So take a minute to ask yourself a few questions and answer them honestly.
What type of job do you want? Do you want to work a ton of hours or do you want to work 9-5? Do you want to have a big office or does working with just a few people appeal to you?
What are your fears about the job search process? We all have fears and it is important to know what they are. For instance, most attorneys I encounter have a huge fear of networking. It is never easy, but it is something to recognize and accept.
What are you confident about? First, look at your law school network–you should always be confident in the instantaneous network, one that will lend you more support than you might think. You should also be confident that you have made it through the toughest year of law school. And be confident in your personal strengths.
What are your strengths? And what are your weaknesses? Are there classes you really enjoyed? Courses you excelled in? Do you have previous work experience? How are your interpersonal skills?
All of these questions should give you a pretty good reality check. But there are a few other things to consider. Many law firms, especially the large ones whose names we all know, are highly selective when it comes to grades. If you don’t have the grades, you probably need to recognize that a job at that firm is going to be a stretch. But that doesn’t mean you should lose hope of becoming a great lawyer—it just means you need to refocus your search to avoid wasting time on the few firms that are going to make their initial decision solely on grades. Let go of these places!
Now that you have had your reality check, it is time to move forward and develop a plan. First, where are your target markets? Look at places where you have personal ties. It is always easier to network and reach out if you are looking at a market where you know people. Also, consider the type of market – is it big or small? A busy metropolis or a secondary market?
Second, what is your target practice area? See my colleague’s post on picking the right practice area. Pick an area that you enjoy, but also be realistic. If you have an interest in litigation, reach out to that friend. But if you’ve never met a provision of the tax code you like, don’t start calling tax lawyers just because you think a job may have opened up.
Finally, get ready to put your plan into action. All law students are busy, but make time to prioritize your job search. Be organized and methodical in your search, keep a chart, write everything down, and use technology to your benefit (for example, bcc yourself on emails so that you always have an easily accessible copy in your inbox).
Now that it’s time to implement your plan, know the tools at your disposal. In addition to your career services office, Martindale-Hubbell, LinkedIn, Chambers and Partners, Legal 500, and Law Dragon are great resources for your job search. For example, Martindale-Hubbell has the best coverage of firms with less than 50 attorneys, while Chambers and Partners has great summaries of the top attorneys in each practice area as voted on by their peers. Lateral Link has a full library of information covering the top firms in the country. To check it out register for our site for free.
And one side note—LinkedIn is not optional anymore. The searches and capabilities of LinkedIn are often underused, and it is a fantastic way to broaden your search in a targeted way. Take some time to learn the site's features and consider upgrading to a professional level account that allows you more search functionality and results.
Now that you have done your research, it is time to start sending emails and making calls. Do your research on who you are emailing and your market, and set a goal for yourself each day. Keep your emails short and to the point, conversational but not too familiar, and don’t ask for a job in the first email. Your goal is to network with the person you are emailing and get them to want to help you, even if helping you is spending five minutes with you on the phone or fifteen minutes over coffee. You never know how that person may help you out in the future!
For more on networking, check out my colleagues’ posts on successful networking and tips on making the most at a network event.
The next step is to periodically (maybe even weekly) review and revise your plan. Take time to see what is working and what is not working. Maybe you’ve realized that a short and concise email really does work better than a stemwinder. Maybe you realized that certain people are not going to respond – mark them down as a “no” and move on. Don’t overanalyze or spend too much time dwelling on these people, but it is worth it to consider where you are getting results. And then adapt your plan to get better results.
Remember that life and your career are not over because you didn’t get the elusive OCI job. There are alternatives to private practice, including certain LLM programs, late hiring clerkships, government service, and public interest law. You can also explore getting contract or temporary work or exploring new markets that are less popular.
Sara Gail is a Director in Texas region of Lateral Link. She can be reached at sgail@laterallink.com.
Lateral Link Group LLC is a legal recruiting attorney placement firm and networking forum founded in December 2005 is a proud collaborator with Ms. JD. The company provides free career services to "Members" in the form of an online job database as well as traditional off-line recruiting and networking services. Lateral Link works with both law firms and in-house legal employers in the United States, Asia, Western Europe, and Middle East.
Click here to register with Lateral Link.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Why You Didn’t Get The Job: 7 Factors In Your Control
http://www.glassdoor.com/blog/didnt-job-7-factors-control/
Posted by onTargetjobs
Just because some positions are high in demand, it doesn’t mean getting the job isn’t going to take hard work. You’ve probably applied to numerous positions, but for one reason or another, you were passed up for another candidate. Instead of wondering why you didn’t get the job, it’s time to break out of your slump and learn what possible mistakes are preventing you from landing the position.
Here are the top 7 factors why you didn’t get the job:
1. Online identity – Due to the increasing trend of hiring managers screening applicants before meeting face-to-face, social media can either make or break you as a job seeker. Depending on the content of your online profiles, social media can be utilized as a powerful promotional tool for your career, or you could wreck your chances of employment if you’re too public with your personal life. Furthermore, while it’s detrimental to have an online identity depicting you in questionable or bad light, it can be just as bad as not having an online presence altogether. The absence of a profile can send two red flags to the hiring manager. One, this candidate – probably for negative reasons – has gone to great lengths to conceal their identity; or two, since the candidate is not “online” in this day and age, they may also have a primitive approach when it comes to their career. Because an online profile can give the future employer a small indication of your personality and work history, it’s recommended that you establish a balanced presence of yourself online before seeking an interview.
2. Applying outside your qualifications – While it is common to apply for a position slightly outside of your skill set, blatantly applying for a job in which you do not meet the minimum requirements is highly inappropriate. Pay close attention to the job description for words like “must” and “preferred”. For instance, if the job description says the candidate must have (X) amount of years of experience working in a clinical practice, and you do not meet this qualification, do not bother to apply. Applying for a position outside your credentials or experience level carries the risk of ostracizing yourself from the institution that you are applying to – an institution that you may want to work for at a future date.
3. Lack of interest – Simply exhibiting a lack of interest in the hiring company can kill your chances of getting the position. Before you even walk in the door for an interview, a lack of interest in the job can be demonstrated by providing generic resumes and non-personalized cover letters to the employer. Also, while you may think that taking the laid back approach communicates confidence, what the hiring manager really sees is that you’re not taking the position seriously. Whether the job is a stepping stone for your career or your dream gig, you need to convey that you genuinely want the job.
4. Unprepared – Walking in unprepared for an interview is not only frustrating to the hiring manager, but also a complete waste of the employer’s time. Since most, if not all interview appointments are set up days or weeks in advance, there is absolutely no excuse for you to come unprepared. Preparing means learning the company’s mission statement and making sure you can articulate how your qualifications meet the job description. Experience goes a long way, so it’s also important to highlight accolades or tell stories from your previous job if it applies to the interview.
5. Your personality – A hiring manager’s job is to not only look for a candidate that is qualified for the position, but they’re also looking for someone who would make a good employee. Being on time for the interview and conducting yourself professionally can convey dedication and respect for the organization. On the flip side, having a cover letter littered with grammatical errors suggests that you lack attention to detail; an important trait for most jobs. Also, you want to come across as confident in your abilities as well as energetic. Smiling and maintaining good eye contact is a good way to non-verbally express this to the interviewer.
6. Pessimistic Outlook – Having a negative outlook can jeopardize your chances of getting a job at any time during the application process. For example, you might hold off on applying for a position because you are intimidated by the prestige of a certain employer. Or you may choke up during an interview because you’re overwhelmed by the amount of competing applicants. There is never a guarantee that you will get the position that you’re vying for; only a guarantee that you’ll never get the job if you don’t even apply. And because you come away with a little more experience after each hiring process – no matter the result – it can only benefit you for the next opportunity that comes your way.
7. Networking – As it goes, it is not who you know, but who knows you. Recent studies have shown that 60 percent of job candidates are hired through referrals. Not only is it important to make professional contacts, but expanding your horizons beyond your industry can lead to a recommendation from an unlikely source.
As a job seeker, it is impossible to have power over every aspect of the hiring process. However, the seven factors listed above are well within your control. It is important to understand which factors prevented you from obtaining the job so you’re not stuck in the same pattern. If possible, contact the hiring manager and see if they are willing to give you feedback. Also, maintain communication with individuals you met in the process in case another position becomes available at a future date, especially if you were the second-ranking candidate. Above all, remember that exercising a little more persistence and formulating a careful strategy will help you achieve higher success rates in your job search. - Originally posted on onTargetjobs by Matthew O’Donnell
Posted by onTargetjobs
Just because some positions are high in demand, it doesn’t mean getting the job isn’t going to take hard work. You’ve probably applied to numerous positions, but for one reason or another, you were passed up for another candidate. Instead of wondering why you didn’t get the job, it’s time to break out of your slump and learn what possible mistakes are preventing you from landing the position.
Here are the top 7 factors why you didn’t get the job:
1. Online identity – Due to the increasing trend of hiring managers screening applicants before meeting face-to-face, social media can either make or break you as a job seeker. Depending on the content of your online profiles, social media can be utilized as a powerful promotional tool for your career, or you could wreck your chances of employment if you’re too public with your personal life. Furthermore, while it’s detrimental to have an online identity depicting you in questionable or bad light, it can be just as bad as not having an online presence altogether. The absence of a profile can send two red flags to the hiring manager. One, this candidate – probably for negative reasons – has gone to great lengths to conceal their identity; or two, since the candidate is not “online” in this day and age, they may also have a primitive approach when it comes to their career. Because an online profile can give the future employer a small indication of your personality and work history, it’s recommended that you establish a balanced presence of yourself online before seeking an interview.
2. Applying outside your qualifications – While it is common to apply for a position slightly outside of your skill set, blatantly applying for a job in which you do not meet the minimum requirements is highly inappropriate. Pay close attention to the job description for words like “must” and “preferred”. For instance, if the job description says the candidate must have (X) amount of years of experience working in a clinical practice, and you do not meet this qualification, do not bother to apply. Applying for a position outside your credentials or experience level carries the risk of ostracizing yourself from the institution that you are applying to – an institution that you may want to work for at a future date.
3. Lack of interest – Simply exhibiting a lack of interest in the hiring company can kill your chances of getting the position. Before you even walk in the door for an interview, a lack of interest in the job can be demonstrated by providing generic resumes and non-personalized cover letters to the employer. Also, while you may think that taking the laid back approach communicates confidence, what the hiring manager really sees is that you’re not taking the position seriously. Whether the job is a stepping stone for your career or your dream gig, you need to convey that you genuinely want the job.
4. Unprepared – Walking in unprepared for an interview is not only frustrating to the hiring manager, but also a complete waste of the employer’s time. Since most, if not all interview appointments are set up days or weeks in advance, there is absolutely no excuse for you to come unprepared. Preparing means learning the company’s mission statement and making sure you can articulate how your qualifications meet the job description. Experience goes a long way, so it’s also important to highlight accolades or tell stories from your previous job if it applies to the interview.
5. Your personality – A hiring manager’s job is to not only look for a candidate that is qualified for the position, but they’re also looking for someone who would make a good employee. Being on time for the interview and conducting yourself professionally can convey dedication and respect for the organization. On the flip side, having a cover letter littered with grammatical errors suggests that you lack attention to detail; an important trait for most jobs. Also, you want to come across as confident in your abilities as well as energetic. Smiling and maintaining good eye contact is a good way to non-verbally express this to the interviewer.
6. Pessimistic Outlook – Having a negative outlook can jeopardize your chances of getting a job at any time during the application process. For example, you might hold off on applying for a position because you are intimidated by the prestige of a certain employer. Or you may choke up during an interview because you’re overwhelmed by the amount of competing applicants. There is never a guarantee that you will get the position that you’re vying for; only a guarantee that you’ll never get the job if you don’t even apply. And because you come away with a little more experience after each hiring process – no matter the result – it can only benefit you for the next opportunity that comes your way.
7. Networking – As it goes, it is not who you know, but who knows you. Recent studies have shown that 60 percent of job candidates are hired through referrals. Not only is it important to make professional contacts, but expanding your horizons beyond your industry can lead to a recommendation from an unlikely source.
As a job seeker, it is impossible to have power over every aspect of the hiring process. However, the seven factors listed above are well within your control. It is important to understand which factors prevented you from obtaining the job so you’re not stuck in the same pattern. If possible, contact the hiring manager and see if they are willing to give you feedback. Also, maintain communication with individuals you met in the process in case another position becomes available at a future date, especially if you were the second-ranking candidate. Above all, remember that exercising a little more persistence and formulating a careful strategy will help you achieve higher success rates in your job search. - Originally posted on onTargetjobs by Matthew O’Donnell
Thursday, October 18, 2012
10 Things Every Law Student Should Learn as a 1L to Facilitate Career Success
http://ms-jd.org/10-things-every-law-student-should-learn-1l-facilitate-career-success
After finishing my 1L year at Vanderbilt Law, I must say that not only do I feel much wiser, but I also feel stronger and more resilient. Like climbing a mountain, I realize I still have a ways to go, but at least I reached the first plateau with a few breaths to spare. The lessons I have learned this year have been monumental and my experiences reflect many of the tips of success that practicing women lawyers have shared with me. In no particular order, here are "10 Things Every Law Student Should Learn as a 1L to Facilitate Career Success":
1. Make a connection, form a bond, secure a mentor. Whether it be law school or starting a new job, unless you already have some prior experience you most likely have no idea initially what you are doing. Mentors can serve as your go-to support system for advice and help. Sometimes it may be difficult to ask for help, but better you ask on the front end and prevent avoidable mistakes. Plus, forming relationships with people who have "been there and done that" can ease some of the stresses and anxiety that come with new experiences.
2. Shy away from comparing yourself to others, just do YOUR best. The first semester of law school or the first week of a new job can be spent worrying too much about how your classmates or co-workers will perceive your performance. It is easy to get caught up and forget that you are actually supposed to be learning, not living in fear of the looming cold-call or a bad evaluation. Similar to many of the experiences of practicing women lawyers, you have to take pride in your own work. As long as you know that you are putting in the necessary hard work, remain confident, but humble, in your capabilities.
3. Do not allow the woes of law school or a job make you feel inadequate or cause you to doubt your own ability. Always try to err on the side of optimism. When disappointment comes your way, take the time to acknowledge it (shed a tear if you may), but then it is time to get back up and move on. You have to keep things in perspective at all times and remember not to give up, no matter what. Self-loathing never gets you anywhere, its the fight and the courage to keep trying that opens doors.
4. You have to learn how to be self-consoling, reflect, give yourself pep talks. This does not mean to necessarily go around talking to yourself having full-fledged conversations, but it does mean that you have to be able to take charge of your emotions and direct them towards a more positive outlook. Taking time for reflection on the things that are going on in your life allows you to take a step back and to figure out how to proceed when life throws you curve balls. So, there is nothing wrong with telling yourself "job well done" or "I can do this" or "I'm going to do better next time."
5. Organization is key to functionality. Yes, school and work may be a priority, but you can not let other aspects of your life fall by the wayside as a result. Paying bills, working out, buying groceries, making it to that much-needed hair salon appointment, or supporting family and friends at their events are all important too. It may seem like you are being pulled in a million directions, but with a planner/organizer and a t0-do list to help you organize your day-to-day activities you are less likely to forget important dates. Also, there is something to be said for the peace of mind you get when everything just flows.
6. Use every opportunity to network, you never know how someone may be of help to you in the future. I have learned that people really do want to help, especially if they see that you are making an effort to reach out to them and you are passionate about your goals. So no worries, your head will not get bitten off by asking for a business card or following up with an e-mail. If you are interested in really building a solid relationship, be sure to keep in touch and reach out occasionally with updates or suggestions for lunch meetings.
7. Be aware of how you carry yourself and the reputation you are creating. From day one of school or a new job, people are watching you. Seem a little creepy? Well its not really. People are curious and they look to see how you will respond to situations and how you interact with others, all the while making mental notes of those things. How people perceive you will play a great role in the respect they will give you and opportunities you might be considered for. Remaining neutral and consistent in your behavior is key. You want to be seen by your peers as someone who is likeable, reliable, and of good character, but you want to be yourself first and foremost.
8. Find some sort of outlet. You have to do things for yourself or participate in activities that you enjoy from time to time. Working or studying all day and night is enough to drive anyone insane. If you are unable to pry yourself away, be sure to appoint a friend who will. Things should never get so bad that you do not feel like an actual functioning human being, like you are not actually a part of society. So take a break and do something fun, watch your favorite tv show, go for a walk, retail therapy is always great.
9. Keep pre-law school, pre-work relationships going strong. It is important that we make new friends and career connections as we move along in life, but there is something special about those old friendships from college or elementary school that are true gems. Find ways to include old friends in your new endeavors and try to remain in contact as much as possible. It is also quite a refreshing feeling to have friends outside of school or work.
10. Stay true to yourself. Your life is changing rapidly, but that does not mean that the things you feel so strongly about have to as well. Unless there are aspects of your life or personality that could use a fix, try not to trade in the things that make you unique. It is so easy to try to fit a mold or an image of how society wants you to be, but remember to value the parts that have made you who you are. We all bring some special quality to the table, keep the one you have safe.
Submitted by jnwokocha
1. Make a connection, form a bond, secure a mentor. Whether it be law school or starting a new job, unless you already have some prior experience you most likely have no idea initially what you are doing. Mentors can serve as your go-to support system for advice and help. Sometimes it may be difficult to ask for help, but better you ask on the front end and prevent avoidable mistakes. Plus, forming relationships with people who have "been there and done that" can ease some of the stresses and anxiety that come with new experiences.
2. Shy away from comparing yourself to others, just do YOUR best. The first semester of law school or the first week of a new job can be spent worrying too much about how your classmates or co-workers will perceive your performance. It is easy to get caught up and forget that you are actually supposed to be learning, not living in fear of the looming cold-call or a bad evaluation. Similar to many of the experiences of practicing women lawyers, you have to take pride in your own work. As long as you know that you are putting in the necessary hard work, remain confident, but humble, in your capabilities.
3. Do not allow the woes of law school or a job make you feel inadequate or cause you to doubt your own ability. Always try to err on the side of optimism. When disappointment comes your way, take the time to acknowledge it (shed a tear if you may), but then it is time to get back up and move on. You have to keep things in perspective at all times and remember not to give up, no matter what. Self-loathing never gets you anywhere, its the fight and the courage to keep trying that opens doors.
4. You have to learn how to be self-consoling, reflect, give yourself pep talks. This does not mean to necessarily go around talking to yourself having full-fledged conversations, but it does mean that you have to be able to take charge of your emotions and direct them towards a more positive outlook. Taking time for reflection on the things that are going on in your life allows you to take a step back and to figure out how to proceed when life throws you curve balls. So, there is nothing wrong with telling yourself "job well done" or "I can do this" or "I'm going to do better next time."
5. Organization is key to functionality. Yes, school and work may be a priority, but you can not let other aspects of your life fall by the wayside as a result. Paying bills, working out, buying groceries, making it to that much-needed hair salon appointment, or supporting family and friends at their events are all important too. It may seem like you are being pulled in a million directions, but with a planner/organizer and a t0-do list to help you organize your day-to-day activities you are less likely to forget important dates. Also, there is something to be said for the peace of mind you get when everything just flows.
6. Use every opportunity to network, you never know how someone may be of help to you in the future. I have learned that people really do want to help, especially if they see that you are making an effort to reach out to them and you are passionate about your goals. So no worries, your head will not get bitten off by asking for a business card or following up with an e-mail. If you are interested in really building a solid relationship, be sure to keep in touch and reach out occasionally with updates or suggestions for lunch meetings.
7. Be aware of how you carry yourself and the reputation you are creating. From day one of school or a new job, people are watching you. Seem a little creepy? Well its not really. People are curious and they look to see how you will respond to situations and how you interact with others, all the while making mental notes of those things. How people perceive you will play a great role in the respect they will give you and opportunities you might be considered for. Remaining neutral and consistent in your behavior is key. You want to be seen by your peers as someone who is likeable, reliable, and of good character, but you want to be yourself first and foremost.
8. Find some sort of outlet. You have to do things for yourself or participate in activities that you enjoy from time to time. Working or studying all day and night is enough to drive anyone insane. If you are unable to pry yourself away, be sure to appoint a friend who will. Things should never get so bad that you do not feel like an actual functioning human being, like you are not actually a part of society. So take a break and do something fun, watch your favorite tv show, go for a walk, retail therapy is always great.
9. Keep pre-law school, pre-work relationships going strong. It is important that we make new friends and career connections as we move along in life, but there is something special about those old friendships from college or elementary school that are true gems. Find ways to include old friends in your new endeavors and try to remain in contact as much as possible. It is also quite a refreshing feeling to have friends outside of school or work.
10. Stay true to yourself. Your life is changing rapidly, but that does not mean that the things you feel so strongly about have to as well. Unless there are aspects of your life or personality that could use a fix, try not to trade in the things that make you unique. It is so easy to try to fit a mold or an image of how society wants you to be, but remember to value the parts that have made you who you are. We all bring some special quality to the table, keep the one you have safe.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Embarrassing E-mails: Don’t Let This Happen to You!
http://www.careerealism.com/embarrassing-emails/
by Ariella Coombs
by Ariella Coombs
Everyone knows how important it is to double check your e-mail attachments, especially if you’re applying for a job.
However, sometimes the wrong file can find its way to an important message.
This nightmare happened to one girl, who accidentally sent a potential employer an e-mail attached with a scary photo of Nicolas Cage instead of her resume and cover letter.
Talk about a bad first impression.
As a result of the innocent screw up, she probably didn’t even get an e-mail back for a potential job. Sounds frustrating, huh?
Don’t let these careless mistakes cause big embarrassment and missed opportunities. Here are seven common errors to check for before you hit the “Send” button.
Get names right. Nothing is more embarrassing than messing up someone’s name, especially if it’s your boss or potential employer. Always double check names and spelling!
Make sure your e-mail address is appropriate. First impressions are huge. Do you really think a potential employer would respect an applicant whose e-mail handle was sexy.beach.babe.123@gmail.com? Probably not. Make sure you have a professional e-mail address for business-related messages.
Watch out for typos. We all are guilty of misspelling a word or two every once an awhile. It’s a pretty common mistake, so we tend to brush it off. However, it might not sit well with a potential employer if your e-mail was peppered with minor typos (especially after all that talk about your attention to detail in your cover letter!).
Be aware of your grammar. Double check “your” and “you’re,” “their,” “there,” and “they’re,” “than” and “then,” and “it’s” and “its.” Each of your little mistakes will reflect on your employer, no matter how small. If you can’t even write a grammatically correct e-mail, how will you represent the company?
Avoid all caps. NO EMPLOYER WILL APPRECIATE AN E-MAIL FROM AN APPLICANT THAT DOESN’T HAVE THE COURTESY TO TURN OFF CAPS LOCK. Not only does it look like you are shouting, but it’s also incredibly annoying.
Ditch the slang, bro. Make sure to avoid using slang words and phrases in e-mails, especially professional ones. Even if you are sending a casual message to a co-worker, practice good e-mail habits so things like “thx,” “gr8,” or “LOL” don’t slip into an important e-mail.
Try not to use emoticons. Although it can be hard to convey emotion through e-mail, try not to use smiley faces in work-related e-mails. Though there are worse things you can put in an e-mail, some people find them to be annoying and unprofessional. Sorry :-(
And above all, make sure Nicolas Cage doesn’t creep into an attachment!
However, sometimes the wrong file can find its way to an important message.
This nightmare happened to one girl, who accidentally sent a potential employer an e-mail attached with a scary photo of Nicolas Cage instead of her resume and cover letter.
Talk about a bad first impression.
As a result of the innocent screw up, she probably didn’t even get an e-mail back for a potential job. Sounds frustrating, huh?
Don’t let these careless mistakes cause big embarrassment and missed opportunities. Here are seven common errors to check for before you hit the “Send” button.
Get names right. Nothing is more embarrassing than messing up someone’s name, especially if it’s your boss or potential employer. Always double check names and spelling!
Make sure your e-mail address is appropriate. First impressions are huge. Do you really think a potential employer would respect an applicant whose e-mail handle was sexy.beach.babe.123@gmail.com? Probably not. Make sure you have a professional e-mail address for business-related messages.
Watch out for typos. We all are guilty of misspelling a word or two every once an awhile. It’s a pretty common mistake, so we tend to brush it off. However, it might not sit well with a potential employer if your e-mail was peppered with minor typos (especially after all that talk about your attention to detail in your cover letter!).
Be aware of your grammar. Double check “your” and “you’re,” “their,” “there,” and “they’re,” “than” and “then,” and “it’s” and “its.” Each of your little mistakes will reflect on your employer, no matter how small. If you can’t even write a grammatically correct e-mail, how will you represent the company?
Avoid all caps. NO EMPLOYER WILL APPRECIATE AN E-MAIL FROM AN APPLICANT THAT DOESN’T HAVE THE COURTESY TO TURN OFF CAPS LOCK. Not only does it look like you are shouting, but it’s also incredibly annoying.
Ditch the slang, bro. Make sure to avoid using slang words and phrases in e-mails, especially professional ones. Even if you are sending a casual message to a co-worker, practice good e-mail habits so things like “thx,” “gr8,” or “LOL” don’t slip into an important e-mail.
Try not to use emoticons. Although it can be hard to convey emotion through e-mail, try not to use smiley faces in work-related e-mails. Though there are worse things you can put in an e-mail, some people find them to be annoying and unprofessional. Sorry :-(
And above all, make sure Nicolas Cage doesn’t creep into an attachment!
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
How to Schmooze (Network) Without Being Sleazy
http://www.inc.com/tom-searcy/how-to-schmooze-9-essential-rules.html
Tom Searcy
I am still a low-level novice at the art of schmoozing, but I consulted a high-level master, Bob Kobek from Mobius. Here are his rules for schmoozing without the sleaze.
1. Idle chatter is the enemy of schmoozing. Sincere interest in the other person is the objective.
2. Schmooze is for everyone. If you want a successful event, schmooze your server staff, the event manager, the valet, not just the attendees.
3. Schmoozing is not situational. It doesn't matter whether you're online or offline.
4. Schmoozing always builds up rather than tears down. Try to speak positively--whether about other people, the event you're at, or even the conversations you're in.
5. Schmoozing is time sensitive. If the conversation has run its course, graciously exit. Then be the first with a follow-up email, a thank-you note, or an appreciative call.
6. Schmoozing is not arrogant. You should always be thinking about the other person first.
7. Schmoozing is a balancing act. Get the recipe right: It's four parts listening, three parts appreciating, two parts laughter, and just one part wit.
8. Schmoozing is honest. It is not bribing, manipulating, or falsely flattering. It is about connecting at a personal level in a business context.
9. There is always more room for schmoozing.
Tom Searcy
Schmoozing gets a bad rap, but it shouldn't. Use these nine guidelines to become a master networker.
The term "schmoozing" sometimes takes on a negative connotation--it can feel somehow ingratiating, insincere, or pushy. But if you get it right, schmoozing can help you build valuable networks.I am still a low-level novice at the art of schmoozing, but I consulted a high-level master, Bob Kobek from Mobius. Here are his rules for schmoozing without the sleaze.
1. Idle chatter is the enemy of schmoozing. Sincere interest in the other person is the objective.
2. Schmooze is for everyone. If you want a successful event, schmooze your server staff, the event manager, the valet, not just the attendees.
3. Schmoozing is not situational. It doesn't matter whether you're online or offline.
4. Schmoozing always builds up rather than tears down. Try to speak positively--whether about other people, the event you're at, or even the conversations you're in.
5. Schmoozing is time sensitive. If the conversation has run its course, graciously exit. Then be the first with a follow-up email, a thank-you note, or an appreciative call.
6. Schmoozing is not arrogant. You should always be thinking about the other person first.
7. Schmoozing is a balancing act. Get the recipe right: It's four parts listening, three parts appreciating, two parts laughter, and just one part wit.
8. Schmoozing is honest. It is not bribing, manipulating, or falsely flattering. It is about connecting at a personal level in a business context.
9. There is always more room for schmoozing.
Monday, October 8, 2012
10 Biggest Mistakes You Can Make Interviewing at Public Interest Law Fairs (and other job fairs)
http://equaljusticeworks.org/news/blog/mistakes
Submitted by Miranda Selover on Tue, 09/04/2012 - 20:25
Printer-friendly versionThis article was originally published on the PSLawNet blog. Read the original post here.
by Lauren Burke, Esq.
Lauren Burke is the co-founder of Atlas: DIY, developing immigrant youth, and the immigration attorney at the New York Asian Women’s Center. Lauren is a former Skadden Fellow at The Door, where she worked with Chinese child survivors of human trafficking. Since graduating from NYU Law in 2009, she has worked with over thirty law students in a direct and clinical capacity and loves sharing the advice she learned from tripping (literally!) in dozens of legal interviews.
1. You Didn’t Do Your Homework
If you can pass civil procedure you can certainly take five minutes to look at an organization’s website and at least learn their mission statement! No excuses, just do it. I’ll quiz you on it, I will!
2. You Dismiss My Training
Organizations are not particularly interested in training you for an entire summer if the biggest impact you think you will have down the road is “taking on a few pro bono cases” or that you’d like an internship “to get class credit.” We want to see how you are dedicated to the field, or, at least, want to apply our training and work to help others in need.
3. You Take Me Too Seriously
It’s actually ok to relax in the interview and let your personality show. We’ll be working together late in the night working on an appellate brief and THEN get a call that a client was arrested…again! So we’re looking for people we can click with on a personal and professional level.
4. …Or You Don’t Take Me Seriously Enough!
Yes, I’m 28 and a female but that doesn’t mean working with me isn’t tough or that I’ll beg for any law student to come crawling my way. You may be older and in many respects wiser but don’t forget who is interviewing whom.
5. You Fabricate Your Language Skills
Conversational means you know how to say more than “what is your name” and “how old are you.” Proficient articulates that you can get the job done, literally, in the language you use. Don’t think you’ll get off without being tested, I often bring others who speak a language I need to test prospective interns’ chops.
6. You Patronize the Clients
I’d rather not hear about how all you want to do is “help the poor people” and how having a law degree (or half of one) makes you superman. We love what we do but we also recognize why we are here and it’s largely because we love the population. You should want to learn as much, if not more, from the clients as you are able to provide and to recognize that in the interview.
7. You Take a One-size Fits All Approach to Public Interest
I love an intern with variety but housing foreclosure for the elderly applies a different skill set than youth in foster care. Do issues and talents overlap? Absolutely! But I want you to be able to speak about and articulate why this particular internship speaks to you.
8. You Didn’t Ask Me Any Questions
If a law student doesn’t have questions at the end of an interview, I worry about their intellectual curiosity and genuine devotion to the position. Students should come to every interview armed with at least one follow up, “where do you find your client base” works in most situations!
9. You Confused the Name of My NGO
This maybe goes with number one but, again, do your homework! Sanctuary for Families is different than Safe Horizons, and Advocates for Children is not the Administration for Children’s Services. Print out a page of each NGO you are interviewing with and highlight key items, review this sheet before each interview and you should be good to go!
10. You Didn’t Show Up
Interviews at these fairs are lightning fast and you’ve got to make an impression (and not the kind where the interviewer is left sitting at a table alone staring into space.) Even if you have a job offer that you would like to take, contact the employer in advance of your interview so that they have a chance to talk to someone else. You never know who you’ll want to interview with in the future and trust us, we talk!
Submitted by Miranda Selover on Tue, 09/04/2012 - 20:25
Printer-friendly versionThis article was originally published on the PSLawNet blog. Read the original post here.by Lauren Burke, Esq.
Lauren Burke is the co-founder of Atlas: DIY, developing immigrant youth, and the immigration attorney at the New York Asian Women’s Center. Lauren is a former Skadden Fellow at The Door, where she worked with Chinese child survivors of human trafficking. Since graduating from NYU Law in 2009, she has worked with over thirty law students in a direct and clinical capacity and loves sharing the advice she learned from tripping (literally!) in dozens of legal interviews.
1. You Didn’t Do Your Homework
If you can pass civil procedure you can certainly take five minutes to look at an organization’s website and at least learn their mission statement! No excuses, just do it. I’ll quiz you on it, I will!
2. You Dismiss My Training
Organizations are not particularly interested in training you for an entire summer if the biggest impact you think you will have down the road is “taking on a few pro bono cases” or that you’d like an internship “to get class credit.” We want to see how you are dedicated to the field, or, at least, want to apply our training and work to help others in need.
3. You Take Me Too Seriously
It’s actually ok to relax in the interview and let your personality show. We’ll be working together late in the night working on an appellate brief and THEN get a call that a client was arrested…again! So we’re looking for people we can click with on a personal and professional level.
4. …Or You Don’t Take Me Seriously Enough!
Yes, I’m 28 and a female but that doesn’t mean working with me isn’t tough or that I’ll beg for any law student to come crawling my way. You may be older and in many respects wiser but don’t forget who is interviewing whom.
5. You Fabricate Your Language Skills
Conversational means you know how to say more than “what is your name” and “how old are you.” Proficient articulates that you can get the job done, literally, in the language you use. Don’t think you’ll get off without being tested, I often bring others who speak a language I need to test prospective interns’ chops.
6. You Patronize the Clients
I’d rather not hear about how all you want to do is “help the poor people” and how having a law degree (or half of one) makes you superman. We love what we do but we also recognize why we are here and it’s largely because we love the population. You should want to learn as much, if not more, from the clients as you are able to provide and to recognize that in the interview.
7. You Take a One-size Fits All Approach to Public Interest
I love an intern with variety but housing foreclosure for the elderly applies a different skill set than youth in foster care. Do issues and talents overlap? Absolutely! But I want you to be able to speak about and articulate why this particular internship speaks to you.
8. You Didn’t Ask Me Any Questions
If a law student doesn’t have questions at the end of an interview, I worry about their intellectual curiosity and genuine devotion to the position. Students should come to every interview armed with at least one follow up, “where do you find your client base” works in most situations!
9. You Confused the Name of My NGO
This maybe goes with number one but, again, do your homework! Sanctuary for Families is different than Safe Horizons, and Advocates for Children is not the Administration for Children’s Services. Print out a page of each NGO you are interviewing with and highlight key items, review this sheet before each interview and you should be good to go!
10. You Didn’t Show Up
Interviews at these fairs are lightning fast and you’ve got to make an impression (and not the kind where the interviewer is left sitting at a table alone staring into space.) Even if you have a job offer that you would like to take, contact the employer in advance of your interview so that they have a chance to talk to someone else. You never know who you’ll want to interview with in the future and trust us, we talk!
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Icebreakers 101: Seven Tips for Getting to Know Anyone Anywhere
http://www.psychologytoday.com/collections/201206/are-you-shy/icebreakers-101-seven-tips-getting-know-anyone-anywhere
by Susan Heitler, Ph.D.
There’s definitely a skill-set for meeting new folks. Here’s a quickee version of tried and true tactics for any party or social situation.
Use these tips to break the ice to get to know someone enough to find out if you want to keep talking with them.
Here we go. You are in a social situation where there's new people all around you, or maybe one in which there is only one person nearby.
1. Decide that you are the shopper, not the shoppee.
You are hunting for who would be interesting to get to know.
Think of social connecting as a scavenger hunt where you are looking to learn interesting things and potentially discover interesting people. Being the one who is doing the searching puts you in a position of power which will ease potential anxieties.
2. Pick a person to connect with who is standing nearby. Comment on something in the environment to get started.
by Susan Heitler, Ph.D.
There’s definitely a skill-set for meeting new folks. Here’s a quickee version of tried and true tactics for any party or social situation.
Use these tips to break the ice to get to know someone enough to find out if you want to keep talking with them.
Here we go. You are in a social situation where there's new people all around you, or maybe one in which there is only one person nearby.
1. Decide that you are the shopper, not the shoppee.
You are hunting for who would be interesting to get to know.
Think of social connecting as a scavenger hunt where you are looking to learn interesting things and potentially discover interesting people. Being the one who is doing the searching puts you in a position of power which will ease potential anxieties.
2. Pick a person to connect with who is standing nearby. Comment on something in the environment to get started.
"Umm. These baby hot dogs are yummy. Have you tried them?"
3. Introduce yourself.
Names transition you from being just faces into people who know each other.
“I’m Cathy/Karl.” (shake hands and they’ll say their name.)
If you are lucky the name will give you a starter for further conversation.
"Oh, Grace. That's an interesting name. People these days don't often get named after virtues. How did that happen in your family?"
4. Ask open-ended questions
Open-ended questions are questions that invite extensive information in the response rather than just yes/no answers.
The first word is critical. Open-ended questions generally begin with what or with how like in the example above.. Sometimes where, who or when work too. Words like are you, do you, have you, did you... are fine from time to time. They just tend to draw forth less information.
“How did your parents happen to name you Grace? Sounds intriguing, like a name with a story…”
“Where are you from?”
“What kind of work do you do?”
In general, it's less anxiety producing for the other person if you first answer the question about yourself and then ask them.
For example, "I love blues folk music like this. I like it in the background when I'm working as well as to listen to. What kinds of music do you like?
5. Comment on the answer you receive.
Saying something about their answer clarifies that you heard them and are taking their thoughts seriously.
Beginning with positives like “I agree, …” or “I like …..” sets a positive tone.
"I agree that this volume on this music is too high. I wonder what would be a tactful way to turn the volume down." Talk together back and forth several times on that topic before you ask your next open-ended questions. Otherwise you may come across as a prosecuting attorney.
6. Offer parallel information about yourself so the conversation does not become excessively one-sided.
Share something similar about yourself.
"I'm from Denver. I moved there a few years ago to be close to the mountains. I love hiking."
7. Let yourself explore that person’s world.
Getting to know someone is like reading a book or watching a movie. Aim to enjoy what you discover as the information flows.
Have fun!
And if you lose interest, move on to the next person. Remember, you are the hunter, not the prey.
3. Introduce yourself.
Names transition you from being just faces into people who know each other.
“I’m Cathy/Karl.” (shake hands and they’ll say their name.)
If you are lucky the name will give you a starter for further conversation.
"Oh, Grace. That's an interesting name. People these days don't often get named after virtues. How did that happen in your family?"
4. Ask open-ended questions
Open-ended questions are questions that invite extensive information in the response rather than just yes/no answers.
The first word is critical. Open-ended questions generally begin with what or with how like in the example above.. Sometimes where, who or when work too. Words like are you, do you, have you, did you... are fine from time to time. They just tend to draw forth less information.
“How did your parents happen to name you Grace? Sounds intriguing, like a name with a story…”
“Where are you from?”
“What kind of work do you do?”
In general, it's less anxiety producing for the other person if you first answer the question about yourself and then ask them.
For example, "I love blues folk music like this. I like it in the background when I'm working as well as to listen to. What kinds of music do you like?
5. Comment on the answer you receive.
Saying something about their answer clarifies that you heard them and are taking their thoughts seriously.
Beginning with positives like “I agree, …” or “I like …..” sets a positive tone.
"I agree that this volume on this music is too high. I wonder what would be a tactful way to turn the volume down." Talk together back and forth several times on that topic before you ask your next open-ended questions. Otherwise you may come across as a prosecuting attorney.
6. Offer parallel information about yourself so the conversation does not become excessively one-sided.
Share something similar about yourself.
"I'm from Denver. I moved there a few years ago to be close to the mountains. I love hiking."
7. Let yourself explore that person’s world.
Getting to know someone is like reading a book or watching a movie. Aim to enjoy what you discover as the information flows.
Have fun!
And if you lose interest, move on to the next person. Remember, you are the hunter, not the prey.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
How to Ace the Callback . . .
http://thecareerist.typepad.com/thecareerist/2012/09/how-to-ace-the-callback.html
How to Ace the Callback . . .
The Careerist
In August, Seattle lawyer and author Grover Cleveland gave students advice about how to nail the initial interview with a firm. The author of Swimming Lessons for Baby Sharks: The Essential Guide to Thriving as a New Lawyer, Cleveland is back with advice about the next phase of the game: the callback.
. . . And Land that Big-Firm Job
by Grover Cleveland
Congratulations! You made it through the gauntlet of screening interviews and you've got a callback. That means you have generally put to rest any questions about your raw brainpower. Now the focus shifts more to “fit.” As one partner put it: “I don’t want any doorknobs. I have to work with these people.”
At this stage, interviewers are trying to discern how well you will get along with others in the office—particularly under stress. They'll also want to see if you have the poise and professionalism to represent the firm and cultivate clients. Finally, they will be looking for qualities such as initiative, attention to detail, and resourcefulness.
Here are some tips to engage your interviewers and turn your callback interviews into an offer:
Keep up with the news. Be prepared to chat about something beside law school. Although law school is not particularly conducive to fascinating extracurricular experiences, come up with one or two succinct stories that will interest the interviewer. Here, a trip to Cuba trumps your moot court experience. Also check the news in the morning before your interviews. If there is a huge story that everyone is talking about, you need to be able to discuss it.
Relax and have a conversation. To show that you are friendly, professional, and poised, it's key to be relaxed (or act like you are). When the interviewer thinks about whether you would be pleasant to work with at 2 a.m. before a trial or a closing, the answer needs to be “yes.”
Do some intelligence work, if possible. If you hit it off with your initial interviewer, you might ask her for insights about the other lawyers you are scheduled to speak with. You might discover landmines to avoid or pick up an interesting nugget that will be a good conversation-starter later in the day.
Don't be too casual during the interview meal. Callback interviews sometimes involve a meal. Don’t let your guard down. The meal is part of the interview, and your dining companions will inevitably submit evaluations as soon as the meal concludes. Order food that won’t take your focus off the discussion or create a wardrobe disaster. Anything that requires peeling, deboning, twirling, or slurping is off-limits.
Questions to ask. Open-ended questions will elicit the most information, and genuine questions that call for a personal perspective are likely to flatter the interviewer. Some questions to ask: "Where do you see the firm in 10 years?" or "What practice areas are experiencing the most growth?"
Questions to avoid. Avoid questions that could betray a lack of commitment or suggest that you might be high-maintenance. If you ask whether you will have to work nights and weekends, you won’t get an opportunity to find out.
Also avoid questions that are too sensitive. Examples: "How strong is the firm financially?" or "Do new associates get credit for bringing in business?" Questions about how the firm measures up to competitors are also usually problematic.
Address the unstated concerns behind the questions. Take a moment to consider why the interviewer asked the question, because many questions shroud unstated concerns. A seemingly innocuous question like “Tell me about a time you have worked on a team” may be designed to explore whether you are comfortable working independently and taking initiative. Researching the qualities that law firms value will help you identify and address hidden concerns.
Don't forget to say thank you. At the end of your interviews, thank the lawyers who talked to you for their time. Then, go home and write a thank-you note. (I think handwritten notes make a bigger impression since very few people do them these days.) But send out the note immediately, because interviewers will complete their evaluations a day or two after the interview, if not sooner. (And the hiring committee's discussion will follow shortly thereafter.)
One caveat: If you're applying for a Silicon Valley or high-tech position, skip the handwritten note; it'll make you look like a dinosaur.
Finally, do not forget to thank the hiring coordinator!
Readers may contact guest blogger Grover Cleveland at www.swimminglessonsforbabysharks.com or on Twitter @babysharklaw.
. . . And Land that Big-Firm Job
by Grover Cleveland
At this stage, interviewers are trying to discern how well you will get along with others in the office—particularly under stress. They'll also want to see if you have the poise and professionalism to represent the firm and cultivate clients. Finally, they will be looking for qualities such as initiative, attention to detail, and resourcefulness.
Here are some tips to engage your interviewers and turn your callback interviews into an offer:
Keep up with the news. Be prepared to chat about something beside law school. Although law school is not particularly conducive to fascinating extracurricular experiences, come up with one or two succinct stories that will interest the interviewer. Here, a trip to Cuba trumps your moot court experience. Also check the news in the morning before your interviews. If there is a huge story that everyone is talking about, you need to be able to discuss it.
Relax and have a conversation. To show that you are friendly, professional, and poised, it's key to be relaxed (or act like you are). When the interviewer thinks about whether you would be pleasant to work with at 2 a.m. before a trial or a closing, the answer needs to be “yes.”
Do some intelligence work, if possible. If you hit it off with your initial interviewer, you might ask her for insights about the other lawyers you are scheduled to speak with. You might discover landmines to avoid or pick up an interesting nugget that will be a good conversation-starter later in the day.
Don't be too casual during the interview meal. Callback interviews sometimes involve a meal. Don’t let your guard down. The meal is part of the interview, and your dining companions will inevitably submit evaluations as soon as the meal concludes. Order food that won’t take your focus off the discussion or create a wardrobe disaster. Anything that requires peeling, deboning, twirling, or slurping is off-limits.
Questions to ask. Open-ended questions will elicit the most information, and genuine questions that call for a personal perspective are likely to flatter the interviewer. Some questions to ask: "Where do you see the firm in 10 years?" or "What practice areas are experiencing the most growth?"
Questions to avoid. Avoid questions that could betray a lack of commitment or suggest that you might be high-maintenance. If you ask whether you will have to work nights and weekends, you won’t get an opportunity to find out.
Also avoid questions that are too sensitive. Examples: "How strong is the firm financially?" or "Do new associates get credit for bringing in business?" Questions about how the firm measures up to competitors are also usually problematic.
Address the unstated concerns behind the questions. Take a moment to consider why the interviewer asked the question, because many questions shroud unstated concerns. A seemingly innocuous question like “Tell me about a time you have worked on a team” may be designed to explore whether you are comfortable working independently and taking initiative. Researching the qualities that law firms value will help you identify and address hidden concerns.
Don't forget to say thank you. At the end of your interviews, thank the lawyers who talked to you for their time. Then, go home and write a thank-you note. (I think handwritten notes make a bigger impression since very few people do them these days.) But send out the note immediately, because interviewers will complete their evaluations a day or two after the interview, if not sooner. (And the hiring committee's discussion will follow shortly thereafter.)
Finally, do not forget to thank the hiring coordinator!
Readers may contact guest blogger Grover Cleveland at www.swimminglessonsforbabysharks.com or on Twitter @babysharklaw.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Public Interest and Law Firm Can Go Together in the Same Sentence
(from The PSLawNet Blog)
Believe it or not, “public interest” and “law firm” can be used in the same phrase – a small niche practice of firms devote all or a significant portion of their time to “plaintiff side” work, partnering with public interest organizations and/or representing labor unions, associations, and government bodies.
Even if you thought you would never work at a law firm, researching these organizations is still valuable – especially after considering the fact that public interest positions are more competitive than ever.
Check out PSLawNet's resources to learn more:
http://pslawnet.org/publicinterestlawfirmcareers
Believe it or not, “public interest” and “law firm” can be used in the same phrase – a small niche practice of firms devote all or a significant portion of their time to “plaintiff side” work, partnering with public interest organizations and/or representing labor unions, associations, and government bodies.
Even if you thought you would never work at a law firm, researching these organizations is still valuable – especially after considering the fact that public interest positions are more competitive than ever.
Check out PSLawNet's resources to learn more:
http://pslawnet.org/publicinterestlawfirmcareers
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)