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April 02, 2007
Recharging Your Job Search
The CSO and job-hunting books and resources all provide hundreds of great tidbits of advice when it comes to your job search; however, it may sometimes lead to "information overload." To avoid this "analysis paralysis," Deborah Arron, author of What Can You Do with a Law Degree?, suggests remembering the "Rule of Three."
1. Assess Your Strengths and Passions - Employers are looking for people who demonstrate an honest interest in and enthusiasm for the work they seek. They'll hire you because you genuinely want to do the work, not just to earn the salary. To improve your job search, study your likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses until you can articulate them easily to others.
2. Research Your Way Through Obstacles - It's natural to get to a point in your job search where you feel stuck and unmotivated. Use this time to let yourself explore, without expecting results. Go online to find out more about the areas of law/fields that intrigue you. Read publications of any related professional associations. You'll reenergize yourself and, at the same time, uncover leads.
3. Get Actively Involved - It is unlikely that an employer will hire you just because you verbalize interest in their work. They'll hire you when you prove your interest with action. Volunteer in their professional associations. Join a political action committee or nonprofit group that's closely alligned with their work. Publish an article in a relevant journal. Your participation will do more to assure you the kind of job you want than the most effective resume, cover letter or pitch imaginable.
Posted by cld30 at April 2, 2007 11:43 AM