For new law school graduates, conducting a job search can
almost seem like navigating a maze.
Yes, we know that you held a total of 5 jobs during your undergraduate
and law school years; but finding a job in the real world is different and a
lot tougher. To make it a little easier to navigate, here are some tips for the
first time job seeker:
- Understand
the current environment. The
worst thing a job seeker can do is to fail to gauge the current employment
environment. Underestimating
the difficulty you will face while looking for your job can create a job
search that's frustrating and filled with disappointed. It's important to understand that
right now we are in a serious recession. What that means is that unemployment
is reaching 10 percent nationally and in some locales, it has already
exceeding 10 percent. Many law school graduates are left in limbo as law
firms delay or cancel their start dates. If I had to rate this employment
environment on a scale of 1 to 10, I would give it an 8 for very difficult. Be prepared, you will need to work
harder and smarter if you plan to land any job during this recession.
- Understand
what you have to offer and what the job market is looking for now. Is there a match? As a first time job seeker, you
are competing with much more experienced and skilled candidates, which
makes it imperative that you carefully and honestly measure your qualities
against those that are sought after in the job market today. When you
apply for various positions make sure you emphasize those specific
qualities you have that the employer is looking for.
- Make
the right connections. For
the first time job seeker, it is especially important to focus on building
relationships that you can eventually leverage in your job search.
Oftentimes your resume may not compete well with more experienced workers;
but one-on-one connections can give you an edge. Remember, when networking you are focusing on long-term
relationships that are based on reciprocity. What do you have to offer the connections you make?