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January 26, 2009
Job Searching in Tough Economic Times
It's no secret that our country is currently in a recession, but what does this mean for you and your job search? Certainly it means you need to be actively engaged and proactive with your search, but the Career Services Office offers the following tips and strategies that are particularly important for a job search during an economic downturn.
1. NETWORK! - According to author Kimm Walton in her book "Guerilla Tactics for Getting the Legal Job of Your Dreams," statistics show that almost half of all law students get their jobs by either self-initiated contact with the employer or by referral from a friend, relative or family member. The bottom line is that making contact with people, whether directly or through a mutual contact, is statistically the most effective way to land a job. Surely this statistic should be enough to motivate you to get out there and network...
2. ATTEND LAW SCHOOL EVENTS AND CSO WORKSHOPS - Keep your eyes peeled for law school events and lectures (the law school offers a wonderful lecture series) and make it a priority to attend. Take a look at your CSO Programming Guide and mark your calendar to attend upcoming workshops, brown bag lunches and theme week panels. These are invaluable opportunities for you to learn more about different areas of law and create connections with local attorneys.
3. BE OPEN-MINDED AND FLEXIBLE - Consider a variety of geographic locations, practice areas and settings. As noted in the previous blog, think about the practice areas that thrive during an economic downturn. Keep in mind that many practice areas overlap and offer opportunities and bridges to other areas in the future. Remember that your first job will not be your last and you need to treat each opportunity as a stepping stone to your ultimate dream job.
4. BE PERSISTENT AND OPTIMISTIC - We know this is easier said than done, but important nonetheless. Don't operate under the false assumption that you can simply send out a few resumes (or even a hundred) and then sit back and wait for employers to contact you. Following up with employers is even more critical in tough economic times.
5. CONSIDER CLINICAL EXPERIENCES OR PART TIME WORK DURING THE SEMESTER - Participating in a clinic here at school or working part time during the school year are both excellent ways to add practical legal experience to your resume. Not only will you be in the position to continue developing contacts which may later prove to be helpful with your permanent job search, but employers will be impressed by your time-management skills and hands-on experience.
6. DON'T PROCRASTINATE AND DON'T GIVE UP - Looking for a job takes time and rarely produces immediate results. Be patient and proactive, remembering that you must reserve time in your schedule to focus on your job search.
Need advice on how to implement these techniques and strategies? Stop by the CSO and talk to a counselor!
Posted by cld30 at January 26, 2009 03:47 PM