By: Kandice Thorn
The year has flown by and we are already fast approaching spring semester finals. Around this time of year, as many of our students prepare to graduate, I start getting queries from people who previously hadn't thought much about the job search but suddenly are realizing that the entire year has passed them by. The far off haze of post-graduation employment is suddenly coming sharply into focus.
"How do I start looking for a job?" they ask. "Should I start networking now?"
Obviously, you're much better off if you began preparing your resume, networking, etc. early on. But if you didn't do this, are you without hope? No! It's never too late to start. Here are some tips to help the procrastinators among us make up for lost time.
Showing posts with label applying for jobs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label applying for jobs. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Resume Real Estate
By: Kandice Thorn
If I told you that you have 500 square feet with which to design an apartment that you will live in, how would you design it? How much space would you allocate to the bedroom versus the living room or the bathroom or the closet? I imagine you would devote more space to the "more important" rooms and less space to "less important" rooms. If you have a large shoe collection but don't cook, you might have a big closet and a small kitchen; but a gourmet chef who has little interest in clothing might do the opposite.
If I told you that you have 500 square feet with which to design an apartment that you will live in, how would you design it? How much space would you allocate to the bedroom versus the living room or the bathroom or the closet? I imagine you would devote more space to the "more important" rooms and less space to "less important" rooms. If you have a large shoe collection but don't cook, you might have a big closet and a small kitchen; but a gourmet chef who has little interest in clothing might do the opposite.
Monday, April 7, 2014
Acquiring the Skills for Your Dream Job
By: Kandice Thorn
It's the classic job seeker's paradox: you can't get a job without experience; you can't get experience without a job. This is not just a problem for students or recent graduates who are looking for their first "real" jobs; it can also be an issue for anyone seeking to change practice area or jurisdiction. It can seem like the cards are stacked against you right from the start, so what is a job seeker to do?
It's the classic job seeker's paradox: you can't get a job without experience; you can't get experience without a job. This is not just a problem for students or recent graduates who are looking for their first "real" jobs; it can also be an issue for anyone seeking to change practice area or jurisdiction. It can seem like the cards are stacked against you right from the start, so what is a job seeker to do?
Monday, March 24, 2014
Bookmark This (LLM-UNITED)
By: Kandice Thorn
My Monday schedule has just been completely thrown off. Why? Because I just spent the past hour immersed in the wonderful articles on the LLM-UNITED website. I hadn't been on there for a while, so I wasn't aware of the latest updates, and I must say, if you are not checking this website regularly, you should be. LLM-UNITED is a network of LL.M. students and alumni, and features straightforward advice from someone who has walked in your shoes.
To get you started, here are links to three of my favorite articles on the website:
Your To Do List for Finding a Job in the U.S. With Your LL.M. Degree
Networking Advice: The Power of Names
Networking: How to Write a Forceful Email
My Monday schedule has just been completely thrown off. Why? Because I just spent the past hour immersed in the wonderful articles on the LLM-UNITED website. I hadn't been on there for a while, so I wasn't aware of the latest updates, and I must say, if you are not checking this website regularly, you should be. LLM-UNITED is a network of LL.M. students and alumni, and features straightforward advice from someone who has walked in your shoes.
To get you started, here are links to three of my favorite articles on the website:
Your To Do List for Finding a Job in the U.S. With Your LL.M. Degree
Networking Advice: The Power of Names
Networking: How to Write a Forceful Email
Monday, February 10, 2014
One Question You Should Always Ask in a Job Interview
By: Kandice Thorn
Students frequently ask me when is the appropriate time to follow up after a job interview. This is a very good question - follow up is important. It is always good to put yourself back in their minds and reiterate your interest in the position. But you need not wonder when to do this - you just need to ask the right question in the interview!
Students frequently ask me when is the appropriate time to follow up after a job interview. This is a very good question - follow up is important. It is always good to put yourself back in their minds and reiterate your interest in the position. But you need not wonder when to do this - you just need to ask the right question in the interview!
Monday, September 16, 2013
Facebook Follies
By: Kandice Thorn
As Google searches become a routine aspect of the interview process, it has become crucial for job seekers to know and control what information employers will be able to access about you. In particular, Facebook profiles seem to land a lot of candidates in hot water - virtually everyone has a Facebook account, and Facebook's ever-shifting privacy policies make your "private" information difficult to control. In this post, I will discuss some common "Facebook Follies," and then I will discuss how you can avoid them.
As Google searches become a routine aspect of the interview process, it has become crucial for job seekers to know and control what information employers will be able to access about you. In particular, Facebook profiles seem to land a lot of candidates in hot water - virtually everyone has a Facebook account, and Facebook's ever-shifting privacy policies make your "private" information difficult to control. In this post, I will discuss some common "Facebook Follies," and then I will discuss how you can avoid them.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Resume Drafting: It's All About the Details
By: Kandice Thorn
What is the purpose of a resume? Most people would answer that the purpose of a resume is to convey your credentials to a potential employer. While this is true, the purpose is actually much broader than that. Your resume is also a sample of your very best work.
An employer who reads your resume is not just looking at the content, but is also looking at the resume's composition for attention to detail, organization skills, and professional judgment. Having a resume that demonstrates these skills can land you an interview even if your background is not a perfect fit for the position; likewise, even if you have the ideal credentials, sloppiness can land your resume in the "no" pile. Think of it like interview attire: if you show up to an interview in your pajamas, it doesn't matter what you say in the interview, you aren't getting the job!
What is the purpose of a resume? Most people would answer that the purpose of a resume is to convey your credentials to a potential employer. While this is true, the purpose is actually much broader than that. Your resume is also a sample of your very best work.
An employer who reads your resume is not just looking at the content, but is also looking at the resume's composition for attention to detail, organization skills, and professional judgment. Having a resume that demonstrates these skills can land you an interview even if your background is not a perfect fit for the position; likewise, even if you have the ideal credentials, sloppiness can land your resume in the "no" pile. Think of it like interview attire: if you show up to an interview in your pajamas, it doesn't matter what you say in the interview, you aren't getting the job!
Monday, May 6, 2013
Should I Accept a Position as a Paralegal?
By: Kandice Thorn
"Should I accept a position as a paralegal?"
This is a question I get a lot from students and alumni looking to get a foothold in the challenging U.S. legal job market. Job seekers realize very quickly how competitive attorney positions are, and those who are especially intent on staying in the U.S. begin to look for ways to broaden their job search. In this context, the question of paralegal positions often comes up.
"Should I accept a position as a paralegal?"
This is a question I get a lot from students and alumni looking to get a foothold in the challenging U.S. legal job market. Job seekers realize very quickly how competitive attorney positions are, and those who are especially intent on staying in the U.S. begin to look for ways to broaden their job search. In this context, the question of paralegal positions often comes up.
Monday, April 29, 2013
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Set a Goal: Perfect Your Resume Before Spring Break
By: Kandice Thorn
If you haven't already done it, now is the time to get your resume polished and perfected!
Opportunities come up suddenly and often require a quick response. When someone says "send me your resume," you should be able to send it ASAP. If you aren't able to respond with your resume immediately, the person could think you are either uninterested or disorganized and you might miss out on a valuable opportunity.
If you haven't already done it, now is the time to get your resume polished and perfected!
Opportunities come up suddenly and often require a quick response. When someone says "send me your resume," you should be able to send it ASAP. If you aren't able to respond with your resume immediately, the person could think you are either uninterested or disorganized and you might miss out on a valuable opportunity.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Careers in International Public Interest Law
By: Kiran Chahal
For students interested in international public interest law, there is a breadth of rewarding opportunity. These opportunities exist at international organizations, international courts and tribunals, nongovernmental organizations, nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Should You Consider a Contract Attorney Position? Part II
By: Kandice Thorn
Last week, we discussed the pros and cons of contract attorney positions. This week, we will look at how to go about getting a contract attorney position if you decide to pursue this type of work.
Last week, we discussed the pros and cons of contract attorney positions. This week, we will look at how to go about getting a contract attorney position if you decide to pursue this type of work.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Should You Consider a Contract Attorney Position? Part I
By: Kandice Thorn
You have multiple law degrees. Good grades. Some relevant work experience back home. Yet, like so many others, you graduate and find that employment opportunities in the U.S. are very hard to come by, particularly for attorneys who do not hold J.D. degrees from U.S. law schools.
But then you hear of an opportunity: a large law firm is looking for contract attorneys with language skills in your native language. The pay is decent and you'll be working in the office of a prestigious firm. Sound too good to be true? Maybe.
You have multiple law degrees. Good grades. Some relevant work experience back home. Yet, like so many others, you graduate and find that employment opportunities in the U.S. are very hard to come by, particularly for attorneys who do not hold J.D. degrees from U.S. law schools.
But then you hear of an opportunity: a large law firm is looking for contract attorneys with language skills in your native language. The pay is decent and you'll be working in the office of a prestigious firm. Sound too good to be true? Maybe.
Monday, January 14, 2013
New Year's Resolutions
By: Kandice Thorn
It's never too late to make a New Year's resolution, is it? With the new semester starting, it may be a good time to consider some career-related New Year's resolutions.
The best way make your New Year's resolutions stick is to make your resolutions doable--small steps that will lead you to your ultimate goal, rather than lofty objectives that leave you wondering where to begin. Below we have taken some New Year's resolutions that don't work and reformulated them into achievable resolutions you can start doing today.
Hopefully the resolutions below will inspire you to create your own achievable resolutions.
It's never too late to make a New Year's resolution, is it? With the new semester starting, it may be a good time to consider some career-related New Year's resolutions.
The best way make your New Year's resolutions stick is to make your resolutions doable--small steps that will lead you to your ultimate goal, rather than lofty objectives that leave you wondering where to begin. Below we have taken some New Year's resolutions that don't work and reformulated them into achievable resolutions you can start doing today.
Hopefully the resolutions below will inspire you to create your own achievable resolutions.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Should I Use a Legal Recruiter (Headhunter)?
By: Kandice Thorn
Each year, I receive several inquiries from students and alumni regarding the use of legal recruiters to find jobs, so I thought it would be worth devoting a few words on the blog to this topic. On the surface, it seems like an attractive option: "A legal recruiter is someone who is going to go out and find me a job. How easy is that?" It's not so simple, as it turns out.
Each year, I receive several inquiries from students and alumni regarding the use of legal recruiters to find jobs, so I thought it would be worth devoting a few words on the blog to this topic. On the surface, it seems like an attractive option: "A legal recruiter is someone who is going to go out and find me a job. How easy is that?" It's not so simple, as it turns out.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Cover Letters: Be Concise
By: Kandice Thorn
I said in a previous post that one common mistake I see in cover letters is that they are too long. This is actually the most common mistake I see in cover letters, so common that I thought the topic deserved its own blog post. First, I am going to describe what a concise cover letter should look like, then, because I like lists, I am going to give you the top five reasons you should keep your cover letters short and sweet.
I said in a previous post that one common mistake I see in cover letters is that they are too long. This is actually the most common mistake I see in cover letters, so common that I thought the topic deserved its own blog post. First, I am going to describe what a concise cover letter should look like, then, because I like lists, I am going to give you the top five reasons you should keep your cover letters short and sweet.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Advice for Career Changers
By: Kandice Thorn
Most LL.M. students come to the program as the logical continuation of a career path that has been already well defined. However, we also have a number of students who pursue the LL.M. degree as a way to move their career in a new direction. For these students, the question of how to market themselves to employers can be tricky.
Most LL.M. students come to the program as the logical continuation of a career path that has been already well defined. However, we also have a number of students who pursue the LL.M. degree as a way to move their career in a new direction. For these students, the question of how to market themselves to employers can be tricky.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Professional Email Etiquette
By: Kandice Thorn
Repeat after me: "Email correspondence is professional correspondence."
We live in a world where email is frequently our primary method of communication. We send our friends two line emails to make plans; we dot our correspondence with smiley faces; we use abbreviations and slang. But it is important to remember that, in the professional world, email correspondence should reflect your professionalism and should be treated with the same level of care you would have used in drafting a hard copy letter in the days of yore.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Google Yourself
By: Kandice Thorn
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
How to Get Your Resume Noticed (and not Thrown Away) when Responding to a Job Posting
By: Kandice Thorn
Responding to job postings can be tedious. Often, it feels like you'd be better off rolling your resume up, popping it into a sealed bottle, and sending it adrift on the ocean hoping that a vacationing law firm hiring partner will pick it up somewhere off the coast of Belize. Most job postings these days get dozens of responses, if not more, and most resumes get barely a glance. But there are things you can do to improve your success rate when responding to job postings, and there are common mistakes you can avoid to ensure your resume doesn't go straight to the trash bin. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of this method of applying for jobs.
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