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October 30, 2009
Resources on How to Use LinkedIn Effectively
If you’ve met with your CSO counselor or attended a CSO presentation at any point in the past year, you’ve undoubtedly heard us talk about the professional networking site LinkedIn and the usefulness it can provide in your job search and networking efforts.
The most important first step in using LinkedIn in your job search is to make sure you have an effective presence on the site. If you missed this past Tuesday’s session on using LinkedIn in your job search, be sure to stop by the CSO to pick up the handouts and speak to your counselor about getting a copy of the presentation. You can also learn more at LinkedIn’s tutorial site: http://learn.linkedin.com.
As we are forever eager not to reinvent the wheel, here are several good resources to learn how to use LinkedIn most effectively:
How to Use LinkedIn Effectively
Top Eleven Ways to Use LinkedIn Effectively
Six Elements of a Great LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn: Seven Tips to Make the Most of Your Profile
Leading Professional Network LinkedIn Offers Ten Tips for a Great Online Profile
Five LinkedIn Tips on Effective Personal Branding
(With thanks to our friends at Touro Law Center for compiling these resources.)
Posted by hdd5 at 12:58 PM
October 28, 2009
How Do You Want to be Perceived?
It is important to distinguish ourselves and to be seen as professional, personable and able to work well with others. It is hard not only for law students but the general public to determine how they want others to see them. So, how you want the world to perceive you?
As lawyers by nature we tend to be adversarial. Law school teaches us to advocate for our clients but it is important to get along with our peers, clients and employers. Numerous employers discuss the importance of an associate’s ability to work well with co-workers and make clients feel at ease.
Employers want to know that you possess the skills of proper advocacy and the ability to negotiate with your competitors. Being a good lawyer is knowing how to deal with everyone in an amicable way.
You never know who you will encounter in the future so always behave professionally and cordial. Your professional reputation may depend on it!
The ABA’s article entitled, “Office Etiquette Essentials,” By Deborah Schneider highlights some important issues when thinking about interviewing or how you want to be perceived. Below are key tips for how to behave in the professional world. The full article can be found here.
Do mind your manners
One of the most commonly reported offenses of young lawyers is treating support staff disrespectfully. Treating staff with the utmost respect is not only the right thing to do, but it also can make your work life a lot easier.
"You need the staff's support for everything from finding office supplies to filing court documents," notes Lisa Dickinson, director of career planning at the University of San Francisco School of Law. "If you treat them well, they will look out for you and offer extra help and insider information."
Conversely, if you develop a reputation as someone who is difficult to work with, your work might end up at the bottom of the pile.
One lawyer at a Washington-based government agency points out that support staff may be called on to help evaluate your job performance.
"As part of my evaluation, the firm I worked for as a summer associate asked my assistant what she thought of me," he says. "I hadn't expected that and was doubly thankful I had always treated my assistant with respect and collegiality."
Of course, it's not just support staff you should treat respectfully. It's everyone.
"Use basic politeness," Abrahams says. "Say ‘please' and ‘thank you.' Hold doors for people. Try it and see what a big difference it makes in how people relate to you. You'll get more with honey than with vinegar."
Another important way to show respect for your colleagues is respecting their time.
"Don't be late," notes White, "either to a meeting or with a promised item. Lack of punctuality is a sign of rudeness that tells others that you think your time is more important than theirs. If you know you will be late, give as much advance notice as possible. And if you are late despite your best efforts, don't interrupt the meeting when you enter. Apologize to the meeting organizer and don't do it again."
Do watch your mouth
Despite the saying "actions speak louder than words," your words can speak volumes about you. That's why it's so important to be mindful of what you say and how you say it, when you're looking for a job and when you're on the job.
When it comes to the manner in which you express yourself, a common misstep is using language that's, like, too casual.
"The most common workplace etiquette faux pas I've observed among law student interns is using the word ‘like' and other slang words too often," says Karen Doran, an associate at Maduff, Medina & Maduff in Chicago. "When law clerks sound more like high school students than burgeoning attorneys, it is difficult for me to take them, and their work, seriously."
How to improve your language? Doran suggests reading classic books, newspapers like The New York Times, and magazines such as The New Yorker and The Economist.
As for what you say, make sure you think before you speak.
"Even if your office atmosphere is congenial and informal, do not ever make jokes or comments that could be perceived as offensive or inappropriate," says Ellen Fred, an associate at Coblentz, Patch, Duffy & Bass in San Francisco. "You're still in a professional setting and should conform your behavior accordingly. Inappropriate comments tend to stick in people's memories."
That's certainly the case with Glover. "In one instance," she recalls, "I was in a cab with three summer associates who began discussing in explicit detail the sex one of them had with a pick-up date the night before."
Do recover gracefully
According to Morris, Abrahams, and Dickinson, overcoming an etiquette slip-up is a four-step process:
- Address the issue directly and don't ignore it or try to cover it up.
- Apologize to the appropriate individual(s) and acknowledge that you made a mistake.
- Make any necessary amends or take any action needed to remedy the situation.
- Learn from your mistake and don't repeat it again.
So, for example, if you are disrespectful to your assistant, apologize and do something nice for him or her (like bringing flowers or sweets) and don't behave rudely ever again.
Don't beat yourself up too much, either.
"If you're not sure how to handle a particular situation, seek advice from a trusted colleague," Morris advises. "Most importantly, keep your head up, own up to your behavior, and act like a professional. The best lawyers and law students can deal with the hardest aspects of communication."
Doran agrees. "A law clerk who recognizes the problem and takes responsibility to actively remedy it goes a long way in my mind to becoming a clerk I can trust."
Posted by fmf9 at 01:05 PM
October 27, 2009
Coffee with CSO!
The CSO's monthly “Coffee with the CSO” is tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 28!
Stop by the Career Services Office in the morning (after 9 am) for a cup of coffee and to check in with us about your job search.
Posted by kcc17 at 06:18 PM
October 26, 2009
How to Handle References
Putting together a list of references is a must as you continue through the job search. Most, if not all of you have probably already had a potential employer ask for a list of references as part of your application. A strong reference can be a determining factor for an employer who is having difficulty deciding between two otherwise equal candidates, so here are a few tips to keep in mind as you compile your own list of references.
1. You should aim to have 3-5 references.
2. Choose references who either know what it's like to work with you, or know the quality of your work product (academic or professional). Former supervisors and professors are ideal references. Volunteer experience supervisors can also make great references. Bottom line is that you want to choose people who can say great things about you.
3. At the very least, provide each reference with a copy of your updated resume. If the reference is writing an actual letter of recommendation for you, you should also provide him/her with a list/description of the position(s) you are applying to, and instructions as to where to send the letter. It is not uncommon for a professor reference to also ask to see your transcript.
4. If a reference does write an actual letter of recommendation for you, be sure to send him/her a thank-you note or email. Keep them up to date with your job search and the outcome of the positions you have applied to.
If you have any questions about references, please stop by the CSO to speak with a counselor!
Posted by cld30 at 01:46 PM
October 23, 2009
Get Involved in the Community!
Volunteer work, whether legal or non-legal, provides opportunities for exercising your abilities to take initiative, build leadership skills, improve the community, and serve others.
During your free time or on weekends, consider tutoring young children, organizing and conducting food drives, visiting and entertaining at nursing homes, and reading to children in hospitals.
These activities will help you to develop strong skills as a humanitarian and an individual. Simply put, people want to work with those who are involved, friendly, and understanding. Not to mention the networking benefits of volunteer work!
To get started check out www.volunteermatch.com! VolunteerMatch strengthens communities by making it easier for good people and good causes to connect. The organization offers a variety of online ervices to support a community of nonprofit, volunteer and business leaders committed to civic engagement. This popular service welcomes millions of visitors a year and has become the preferred internet recruiting tool for more than 65,000 nonprofit organizations.
And be sure to stop by the CSO to pick up a copy of the Community Involvement handout. This resource highlights additional volunteer local and national volunter opportunities.
Posted by kcc17 at 11:44 AM
October 21, 2009
Think Before You Tweet!
Drake University Law School professor Melissa Weresh discusses with The National Law Journal how social media technologies like twitter, instant messaging, and facebook have led to differing views on what is professional and appropriate electronic communication.
To read why she suggests that law students and young attorneys think twice before they hit send click here.
Posted by kcc17 at 08:57 PM
October 16, 2009
Managing the Stress of the Job Search
We in the CSO know how stressful the job search can be. We’ve all been in your shoes at one time and, the good news for you is: we survived it! And so will you. With the Fall Interview Program winding down, the CSO has seen more students stopping in to talk about their rising anxiety and stress with their job search. And the economy isn’t helping the stress levels, either. The CSO wants to remind you that the Fall Interview Program is only one small part of the job search process; there are still many excellent opportunities out there – and one of them has your name on it!
As you head into Fall Break, the CSO wants to encourage you to take some time to evaluate your current job search strategy (and if you’ve been putting off your job search, to take some time to think about your job search goals) and prepare yourself for diving into your job search full steam ahead when you return to school next week. Having a good strategy in place can help keep stress levels in check.
The following article, provided to us by our friends at the University of Minnesota Law School CSO, provides some excellent advice for managing the stress of a job search.
“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.” – Etty Hillesum
Reducing and managing stress is one of the keys to a successful search. Too much stress and you appear desperate. Not enough and people question your motivation. Only you can decide how much stress is the right amount! Here are seven steps you can take to significantly lower stress, improve your effectiveness, and ultimately shorten your job hunt.
1. Have a realistic understanding of how long a job search takes. Many job seekers have an unrealistic time frame for finding their next job. It always takes longer than you think. When you don’t have a realistic expectation for how long it can take it is easy to feel stressed out.
2. Develop a job search action plan. Map out where you want to go and how you are going to get there. Set specific daily and weekly goals; then develop a contingency plan for when Plan A doesn’t work. Once your plan is in place and you are emotionally prepared – take action!
3. Reduce unnecessary expenses immediately. Minimizing financial responsibilities and maximizing financial resources will significantly reduce stress. This is not the time to go stress shopping. The greater your financial resources the more flexibility you have to accept the right job offer rather than grabbing the first one that comes along.
4. Think of your job search as a job. Consider putting specific job search activities on your calendar and treat them like a job.
5. Spend time on the right activities. Do spend time developing high quality marketing materials – like a résumé, cover letter, and reference list; networking with friends and colleagues who can connect you to the right people or opportunities; and following up with potential employers. Don’t spend hours on the internet searching job boards for the ‘right’ job. Instead use the internet to research organizations, gain information about specific industries, and network with people who can assist with your search.
6. Evaluate your progress on a weekly basis. Stay on top of your search so that you can tell immediately if your search starts to stall and take steps to get it back on track. Assess what is working – do more of it. Determine what isn’t working and revise your approach.
7. Take time to refresh your mind, body, and soul. Looking for a job, especially when you don’t have one, is something you carry around 24/7. Remind yourself to set regular office hours and knock off at a reasonable hour. That includes taking time off on the weekends. Take a walk, go to the gym, escape with a good book, or have coffee with a friend.
Be sure to touch base with your CSO counselor when you return from Fall Break; she can help you set up or refine your game plan, as well as point you towards resources that will help you identify potential opportunities.
Posted by hdd5 at 09:16 AM
October 15, 2009
Complete the Geographic Survey
As you may know, each year the Career Services Office (CSO) asks students to fill out a Geographic Survey. The information we collect in this survey helps us to better assist you with your job search.
Click here to complete the geographic survey online.
The survey will be available to complete until 1pm on Friday, October 16th.
If you would prefer to fill out a paper version of the survey, please come by the CSO office.
Posted by kcc17 at 09:29 AM
October 14, 2009
The Importance of the Informational Interview
Are you doubtful about the benefits of an informational interview and hesitant to take time to schedule and attend them? Keep in mind that, as a recent article on Law.com explained, you need to think about an informational interview as “a long-term investment, not one where you expect an immediate return.” When you prepare properly for an informational interview, you can obtain information and contacts that will be extremely useful in your job search.
For additional tips and advice on the informational interview, read the full article here.
Posted by kcc17 at 11:05 AM
October 13, 2009
"There's an app for that!"
Do you have an iPhone? Are you looking for ways to save time? Check out the apps for law students and lawyers in the article 70 Sizzling Apps on ABA Journal Online.
Need a searchable copy of the Federal Rules Evidence? Or how about an app that translates improper citations into Bluebook form and includes accurate pinpoint cites? There are apps for that!
Check out the article for 68 other apps to make your law life easier.
Posted by kcc17 at 05:49 PM
Geographic Survey- Tell the CSO where you want to live and practice over the summer and after graduation!
As you may know, each year the Career Services Office (CSO) asks students to fill out a Geographic Survey. The information we collect in this survey helps us to better assist you with your job search.
Click here to complete the geographic survey online.
The survey will be available to complete until 1pm on Friday, October 16th.
If you would prefer to fill out a paper version of the survey, please come by the CSO office.
Posted by fmf9 at 04:55 PM
October 09, 2009
Missed Nancy Fink’s Federal Resume & Job Search Session Today?
Then you missed a lot! Ms. Fink gave an engaging and high-energy demonstration of how to read and understand a federal job posting, and how to craft a federal resume and KSA that will not get tossed out on a technicality. If you missed the session, be sure to talk to your CSO counselor to learn more and get copies of the handouts. And if you’d like to watch the presentation (this one given by Ms. Fink to Case undergraduates and alumni in June 2009), please click here.
Posted by hdd5 at 04:13 PM
October 08, 2009
Using Fall Break to your Advantage in the Job Search
If you read the WSJ Law Blog interview about networking, you know that coming up with a networking plan is a key to moving your job search forward. And, with Fall Break a little more than a week away, now is the time to develop and implement that networking plan.
The Fall Break provides a great opportunity for you to focus your networking efforts. If you have not done so already, Fall Break is the time to contact alumni practicing in your target city, join local bar associations and organizations and attend a networking event, or attend a CLE course on a topic that interests you. In short, do everything you can do to meet practicing attorneys and grow your network of contacts.
If you need some tips to help you get started, be sure to stop by the CSO before Fall Break for an alumni list or to talk about ideas you have for connecting with practicing attorneys.
And, for tips on online networking, be sure to mark your calendar for the CSO’s workshop on October 27th at 12PM. The workshop will focus on effectively using tools such as LinkedIn in your job search.
Posted by kcc17 at 10:34 AM
Interested in Health Law? You should attend the American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics (ASLME) Health Law Conference on October 16th at Seton Hall University School of Law in Newark, NJ.
The health law conference is next Friday, October 16th at Seton Hall University School of Law in Newark, NJ, only 20 minutes from NYC by public transit. Last year, a representative of the CSO attended the conference and found it to be interesting and informative for students interested in pursuing a health law career. This is an opportunity to network and learn about opportunities in the health field. Students can expect to meet health law practitioners and get advice on how to get into the industry. New attorneys attended to share how they were able to obtain their dream jobs in the health care field right out of law school.
The conference included health law employment opportunities with the federal and state government. Last year, representatives from the Center for Health and Homeland Security, non-profit organizations, academia, County Department of Human Services, Board of Veteran’s Appeal, US Department of Health and Human Services, FBI, management consulting, Legal Services, Office of the Inspector General, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attended the conference and shared details about how to pursue employment with their organizations. There were also conventional employers at the conference such as drug companies, healthcare providers, hospitals and private firms.
One of the common factors among all the presenters from the 2008 conference was that they never imagined they would be in the job they are in now. Each person had a different story; a different path to what they believe now is their dream job. Presenters were in all in different stages in their careers so it is important to understand that dream jobs do not always come immediately. There is a reason the saying goes, “patience is a virtue.”
Posted by kcc17 at 09:52 AM
October 06, 2009
Make Yourself Useful: a WSJ Law Blog Chat
You have heard the CSO say it over and over - network, network, network. And it isn't just career counselors. Experts across the country have made it clear that, with the challenges presented by the economy, more and more positions (including legal positions) are being filled through networking.
You simply cannot overlook the importance of making these efforts.
Click here to read a post on today's Wall Street Journal Law Blog highlighting a conversation with one expert whose networking stratagies include making yourself useful.
Put his advice to work - by making yourself useful you also make yourself stand out!
Posted by kcc17 at 06:42 PM
October 05, 2009
Geographic-Specific Workshops
Join the CSO and an alum, by conference call, who practices in the featured geographic market. Our goal is to provide students who are interested in specific geographic markets with information about breaking into the market, including specific qualities that employers in the geographic market are looking for and other advice about developing a strong job search strategy in the particular geographic market.
Monday, October 5 at 12:30PM in A58: Los Angeles.
Tuesday, October 6 at 12PM in A58: New York City.
Tuesday, October 6 at 12:30PM: North Carolina.
Friday, October 16 at 3PM: Chicago. An RSVP is required. RSVP by signing up in the Career Services Office.
The DC Workshop will be re-scheduled due to speaker availability. Watch for additional information about this workshop.
Posted by cld30 at 09:27 AM
October 02, 2009
Lesson #1 for Government Applications: Apply Early!
With the state of the current economy and the change in presidential administration (and increase in government hiring going along with it), government jobs have become more highly desirable than usual. The CSO has always advocated submitting employment applications sooner rather than later, but this adage has never been more true than it is for federal government applications this year.
Government agencies have been overwhelmed with applications for all opportunities and, just this week, the CSO received notification that two agencies have closed their applications early. As an example, we recently received an email from someone in-the-know regarding one agency’s decision. The email is paraphrased below:
The Department of Health & Human Services Office of General Counsel - Children, Families and Aging Division has been inundated with student applications -- not only for spring but looking ahead to summer (deadline for summer would have been December 31st). As a result, they have closed applications and removed their published job postings. The Federal Trade Commission recently took similar action.
These actions indicate that some federal employers may be unprepared to handle the large number of applications they will receive this year, due to reduced hiring in the private sector. They may also be surprised by the number of students willing to commit this early in the year for a summer position. Which leads to a matter of professionalism that students should remember: they are as honor-bound by a commitment to a government employer as they would be when accepting a job offer from a law firm.
The Government Honors and Internship Handbook is the clearinghouse of information for a large number of hiring opportunities within the federal government, and is available in electronic format via the CSO’s Blackboard Course as well as in hard copy in the CSO Resource Room.
Programming Note: If you are seeking government employment, be sure to attend the session presented by Nancy Fink on October 9th. Ms. Fink will discuss how to navigate the federal process for jobs through the http://www.usajobs.gov/ website, how to decipher federal applications, how to develop your KSA responses, and how to create your federal resume. Get tips and tools to master the application process. 12PM in A59. RSVP is required. RSVP by signing up in the Career Services Office.
Posted by hdd5 at 09:39 AM