Dream Jobs, Match Jobs: How to Conduct an Efficient Job Search

By: Kandice Thorn

In the U.S., when we apply to college, we are told to look at three kinds of schools: "Dream Schools," "Match Schools," and "Safety Schools."  Dream Schools are, of course, the schools we really really want to go to, but have basically no shot at getting into.  Safety Schools are those that we can be reasonably certain to  be admitted into with no problem.  Match Schools are those that are a good match for our credentials, and thus we have a reasonable chance of admission.  Students are told that they should apply to a small number of Dream Schools and at least one or two Safety Schools, but that the majority of their efforts should be focused on Match Schools.

While there are obvious differences between the college application process and the job search process, I do think there are some parallels to be drawn that may be helpful in formulating a successful job search.

Finals Versus Networking

By: Kandice Thorn

Anyone who has ever met with me for career advising (and anyone who reads this blog) knows that my #1 piece of career advice is to build your professional network.  Network in your professional life!  Network in your personal life!  Network in your sleep!  Never stop networking!

Apparently, I have been successful in getting this message across, because several students have come to me recently to ask a very reasonable question: How can I network and study for finals at the same time?

Careers in Compliance

By: Kandice Thorn

Compliance has always been considered an "alternative" career for lawyers.  Indeed, compliance positions generally do not require a law degree, however, because of the complex laws and regulations involved, a law degree is extremely helpful and many compliance professionals do have law degrees and law practice experience.

Because compliance is a field that is growing rapidly, even as the number of "lawyer" positions in the U.S. have decreased, compliance is quickly becoming a very attractive career for lawyers.  Additionally, unlike most legal department positions, which are filled almost exclusively with lawyers coming from large law firm practice, compliance department positions hire from a broader spectrum, and even hire for junior and entry level positions (also unlike legal department positions, which tend to begin at a more senior level).

Informational Interviews, Part IV: How to Botch an Informational Interview (Don't Let This Happen to You)

By: Kandice Thorn

Rounding out our four-part post on informational interviewing, I thought it would be appropriate to address some of the common mistakes that people make in informational interviewing, so that you can avoid making them yourself.

Below, I give you the top seven ways to botch an informational interview.