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10 Steps
to a
Successful
Job Search
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Step One – Get Organized Your time during law school is valuable.
Use it wisely to be productive in your job search.
Plan of attack – make sure all of your job search tools;
resume, cover letter, references, writing sample and transcript are up-to-date.
Make sure you have copies of each in your Career Services’ credential file.
Look at the Law Career Services Web Page: www.law.onu.edu
Make an appointment with the Career Services’ Director in January or February.
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STEP TWO
Where do you want to work?
Decide on a location. Where do you want to be?? City, State, Region
Narrow down to FIVE preferred areas and then rank those areas 1-5.
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STEP THREE
Analyze & Define
Analyze and define your interests, skills, wants, & values.
Self-assessment process – List most desirable to least desirable options.
Consider your Background, Experience & Education – Undergraduate Degree.
Consider all areas of law.
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Areas of Law
Private practice – large, medium, or small firm
Public Interest – Legal Aid, Public Defender, Lobbyist, Advocate
Government – Federal, State, Local Judicial Clerkship
Agency
Policy/Legislation
Prosecutor
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STEP FOUR
Networking
Develop and maintain contacts in your geographical location.
Nearly 80% of jobs are obtained by conducting informational networking, not by sending out cold resumes.
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LexisNexis searching Alumni-Law and College
Areas of Law Practice
Professors/Deans
Acquaintances
Former employers
Friends/Family
Doctors
Social acquaintances
Read Trade Papers
State Bar Associations
Organizations
Ways to Network Be Creative in Marketing yourself.
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STEP FIVE
Evaluate the Job Market
Explore your options.
Consider both the positive and the negative.
What is available in the market you are considering?
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STEP SIX
Employers
Research potential employers
LexisNexis
Westlaw
Websites of Employers
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STEP SEVEN
Databases Legal Sift
Career Services OCI and Resume Collection schedule
Watch your email for announcements.
Websites – Employment links – Examples:
Career Services Webpage
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STEP EIGHT
Packaging yourself
Resume – samples in student hand book
Cover Letter – samples in student hand book
References – samples in student hand book
Writing Sample - samples in student hand book
Transcript – Order from Registrar’s Office as soon as first semester grades are posted.
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STEP NINE Make yourself the “Dream Candidate”
Distinguish yourself from the competition.
Make yourself memorable.
Grades – One way but not the only way.
Experience/Transferable Skills
Hobbies/Interests
Something Unique
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Make yourself the
“Dream Candidate”
Demonstrate the ability to do what attorneys do. Part-time Jobs
Research projects
Publishing articles
Volunteering
Dealing with clients (people) – use your people-oriented skills.
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Make yourself the
“Dream Candidate”
Show Your Interest in the Practice of Law.
Join student law organizations.
Research areas of the law.
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Make Yourself
Geographically Desirable.
Do You Have Ties to an Area?
Home Town – Where did you grow up?
College Town – Where did you go to college?
Other places with contacts - friends or relatives.
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If You Have No Ties to a Particular Area,
You Will Need to Prove
You Will Stay Once Hired.
Visit the area.
Research the area making sure you are familiar with its points of interest.
Employers will hesitate hiring a person with no ties to an area.
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STEP TEN
Persistence
Persistence pays off!
Follow up!
Plan ahead!
If you are traveling to a location over a break, call and see if you can set up a meeting.
Please Let Law Career Services know when you land a job!
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Remember