By: Kandice Thorn
This may seem like a very rudimentary topic for a blog post, but I see (and, yes, occasionally even make) enough mistakes in this area that I think it is worth the reminder. In professional settings these days, email is our go-to mode of communication, whether we are setting up meetings, negotiating contracts, or applying for jobs. Thus, it is extremely important that our email communication always be professional, concise, and clear.
This post addresses common mistakes that people make when they respond to an email or email chain. You can use this list as a checklist until the concepts become habitual for you.
Monday, September 23, 2013
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, August 26, 2013
The 50-Hour Pro Bono Requirement for the New York Bar
by: Kandice Thorn
UPDATE: The same day that this post was written, the Court of Appeals updated it's guidance with respect to the timing of the 50 hours for LL.M. students. See "Can I Complete it Before Beginning the LL.M. Program?" below for the updated information.
As most of you know, the New York Court of Appeals recently approved a new rule that requires all applicants to the New York bar to complete 50 hours of pro bono service prior to admission. I hope this post will alleviate some of the confusion surrounding this new requirement.
UPDATE: The same day that this post was written, the Court of Appeals updated it's guidance with respect to the timing of the 50 hours for LL.M. students. See "Can I Complete it Before Beginning the LL.M. Program?" below for the updated information.
As most of you know, the New York Court of Appeals recently approved a new rule that requires all applicants to the New York bar to complete 50 hours of pro bono service prior to admission. I hope this post will alleviate some of the confusion surrounding this new requirement.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Goal-setting for the New Year
By: Kandice Thorn
The beginning of a new school year is always an exciting time. Like at the start of the calendar year, I remember making "resolutions" at the beginning of each academic year. This will be the year that I would keep up on all my assignments! I will start outlining for each class in October! I will get involved in lots of extracurricular activities! It was a new beginning and I could become the perfect student I had always wanted to be.
The beginning of a new school year is always an exciting time. Like at the start of the calendar year, I remember making "resolutions" at the beginning of each academic year. This will be the year that I would keep up on all my assignments! I will start outlining for each class in October! I will get involved in lots of extracurricular activities! It was a new beginning and I could become the perfect student I had always wanted to be.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Graduation, Bar Results, and Summer Break
By: Kandice Thorn
Whew! This year has flown by, and I can't believe summer is already upon us. This will be my last blog post of the academic year, as I will be taking a break from blogging over the summer. Keep your eyes open in August, though, when I promise I will return to delight you with more nuggets of career-advising wisdom! And if you get really itchy for more advice while I'm gone, I urge you to explore the blog and read past posts that may be of interest.
For my final blog post of the year, I have messages for three different groups of people: (1) students who will be graduating on Sunday, (2) alumni who have just found out their February bar results, and (3) students who are currently finishing up this semester and will be returning to us in the fall.
Whew! This year has flown by, and I can't believe summer is already upon us. This will be my last blog post of the academic year, as I will be taking a break from blogging over the summer. Keep your eyes open in August, though, when I promise I will return to delight you with more nuggets of career-advising wisdom! And if you get really itchy for more advice while I'm gone, I urge you to explore the blog and read past posts that may be of interest.
For my final blog post of the year, I have messages for three different groups of people: (1) students who will be graduating on Sunday, (2) alumni who have just found out their February bar results, and (3) students who are currently finishing up this semester and will be returning to us in the fall.
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.
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