Law Practice Today featured an informative roundtable discussion in their November Webzine (www.abanet.org/lpm/lpt/articles/mgt11083.shtml) with helpful suggestions for attorneys and students from three nationally known career experts: Marcia Shannon, Shelley Canter, and Kathleen Brady.
They discuss career issues, recommendations to stay employed, how to handle a layoff, dealing with a troubled practice area, spending job search time most effectively, and keeping up spirits and finances.
Some very good points to keep in mind. Worth the read.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Be Proactive Over the Holiday Break
Finals are almost over and the holiday break is about to begin. As you make your plans for the break (work, play, get ready for next semester, or spend time with family and friends) you should also be thinking about your job search. If you decide that the holiday break is time to forget about your employment search, you are making a decision not to be proactive in your search.
Therefore, when you have down time this holiday break and you will. Think about what you would like to do this summer and/or post graduation. Take a look at the job postings online, if you are in Tulsa stop by the career services office. While you are home visiting family and friends, don't forget to network! Let people know you are seeking employment, remind them what year you are in school and that summer/graduation will be here before you know it. Request informal meetings with attorneys in your hometown to learn more about what they do. Sit in on court hearings at the local courthouse and get acquainted with the judge and procedures. Even, volunteer a few hours in the community to let people know who you are and to familiarize yourself with issues addressing the local community. Be proactive, take risks can bring rewards!
Therefore, when you have down time this holiday break and you will. Think about what you would like to do this summer and/or post graduation. Take a look at the job postings online, if you are in Tulsa stop by the career services office. While you are home visiting family and friends, don't forget to network! Let people know you are seeking employment, remind them what year you are in school and that summer/graduation will be here before you know it. Request informal meetings with attorneys in your hometown to learn more about what they do. Sit in on court hearings at the local courthouse and get acquainted with the judge and procedures. Even, volunteer a few hours in the community to let people know who you are and to familiarize yourself with issues addressing the local community. Be proactive, take risks can bring rewards!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
To Blog or Not To Blog
Blogging is something most law students do, just be sure it will help not hurt your job prospects. There may even be ways you can use blogging to enhance your job prospects. In her Letter to Fall Recruits: Clean Up Your (Cyber)Space, Lynne Traverse, a veteran recruiting manager, provides excellent advice for candidates regarding blogging.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Internet Dos and Don'ts
The September 2008 issue of the NALP bulletin contains an interesting article entitled E-Professionalism Dos and Don'ts by Tracy Evans (Director of Career Services at Louisiana State University Law Center) and Amy Gerwitz (Associate Director, Alumni Counseling and Relations, Pace University School of Law).
The article talks about how best to use e-resources to present yourself in a positive light. A few of the "dos" include:
1. Do a regular online search of your name (Google, Yahoo, Ask). If necessary, consider hiring a company to “clean up” your online image.
2. Keep your online profiles private, letting in only those you trust and know personally. Check friends’ profiles on a regular basis to monitor what pictures and comments are being posted about you.
3. Record a professional voicemail message at home and on your cell phone. Employers may think you have a beautiful voice if you choose to sing your message, but they won’t be impressed with your lack of professionalism.
The "don'ts" include:
1. Don’t risk putting inappropriate content on the Internet, including on social networking sites, blogs, message boards, YouTube, etc. Don’t assume that just because you don’t put inappropriate content online, others can’t or won’t do so, and their content may include your name or pictures, etc.
2. Don’t assume that even though your profile settings are private, employers and others may not see them.
3. Don’t assume that employers are not conducting electronic background checks on you; they are and will continue to do so.
4. Don’t over blog unless the content is professional. In particular, don’t put anything about your employer in a blog; employees have been fired for this.
The article talks about how best to use e-resources to present yourself in a positive light. A few of the "dos" include:
1. Do a regular online search of your name (Google, Yahoo, Ask). If necessary, consider hiring a company to “clean up” your online image.
2. Keep your online profiles private, letting in only those you trust and know personally. Check friends’ profiles on a regular basis to monitor what pictures and comments are being posted about you.
3. Record a professional voicemail message at home and on your cell phone. Employers may think you have a beautiful voice if you choose to sing your message, but they won’t be impressed with your lack of professionalism.
The "don'ts" include:
1. Don’t risk putting inappropriate content on the Internet, including on social networking sites, blogs, message boards, YouTube, etc. Don’t assume that just because you don’t put inappropriate content online, others can’t or won’t do so, and their content may include your name or pictures, etc.
2. Don’t assume that even though your profile settings are private, employers and others may not see them.
3. Don’t assume that employers are not conducting electronic background checks on you; they are and will continue to do so.
4. Don’t over blog unless the content is professional. In particular, don’t put anything about your employer in a blog; employees have been fired for this.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Good Grooming for Goodness Sakes!
Looking good or personal appearance goes beyond knowing how to dress…it includes grooming. This means that when you put on your suit or business casual outfit it is always clean, stain and wrinkle free and fits. It also means your appearance is given as much thought as your clothes. For dressing tips see the previous entry Dressing the Part.
Don’t forget to keep your shoes looking good. Wipe them off if they get dirty. Polish them. Re-sole and re-heel as necessary. As a professional you will carry a briefcase rather than a backpack, be sure your briefcase is clean too. Wipe it off or treat with leather polish as necessary.
Being well groomed in the legal profession does mean no visible tattoos. So, if you have a tattoo be sure that your clothing covers it, or use make up to do so. All facial piercings must go. Remove any nose, eyebrow, tongue, or lip rings you have. In addition, men should not wear an earring(s) and women should only have one earring per earlobe. You are entering a conservative profession and need to look the part while at work.
Be sure you hair is clean and neat. Make sure your hair is a natural hair color, blue or green hair in the legal profession just won’t fly. Men trim you mustache and beard and by no means ever wear “five o’clock shadow” to work.
Don’t go overboard with cologne or perfume. No one should be able to smell you across the room! Women don’t go overboard with your makeup; it’s the office not a bar or nightclub. Also, watch your jewelry don’t wear too much and be sure no piece comes across as “bling” – this goes for both men and women.
Be sure your nails are neat, clean, and trimmed. If you wear nail polish make sure it is not too bright, you don’t want you nails to distract from you.
These are some general grooming tips…you get the idea, take the time to be neat and clean.
Don’t forget to keep your shoes looking good. Wipe them off if they get dirty. Polish them. Re-sole and re-heel as necessary. As a professional you will carry a briefcase rather than a backpack, be sure your briefcase is clean too. Wipe it off or treat with leather polish as necessary.
Being well groomed in the legal profession does mean no visible tattoos. So, if you have a tattoo be sure that your clothing covers it, or use make up to do so. All facial piercings must go. Remove any nose, eyebrow, tongue, or lip rings you have. In addition, men should not wear an earring(s) and women should only have one earring per earlobe. You are entering a conservative profession and need to look the part while at work.
Be sure you hair is clean and neat. Make sure your hair is a natural hair color, blue or green hair in the legal profession just won’t fly. Men trim you mustache and beard and by no means ever wear “five o’clock shadow” to work.
Don’t go overboard with cologne or perfume. No one should be able to smell you across the room! Women don’t go overboard with your makeup; it’s the office not a bar or nightclub. Also, watch your jewelry don’t wear too much and be sure no piece comes across as “bling” – this goes for both men and women.
Be sure your nails are neat, clean, and trimmed. If you wear nail polish make sure it is not too bright, you don’t want you nails to distract from you.
These are some general grooming tips…you get the idea, take the time to be neat and clean.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Business Card Etiquette
Always have business cards with you, put some in your:
● Business card holder
● Wallet
● Purse
● Briefcase
● Suit pocket
● Car
This way you will always have some with you when you need one. Your card is part of your professional image, be sure your cards are clean and uncrumpled.
Never start a conversation by offering your car, rather offer one after you have spent a few minutes in conversation. Your card is a chance to continue or further the connection and exchange contact information. You offer your card, something along the lines of “May I give you my card?” When handing over your card present it typeface up and facing the recipient so they can read it.
Typically the recipient will than give you their card. When you are given a business card:
● Take a minute and look at it
● Examine the person’s title and company
● Watch the presentation
● Offer an appropriate compliment bout the card or information on it
● Be careful how you put it away – show respect
Alternatively you can ask for someone’s card by saying something like “I’d like to follow up with you, do you have a card?”
At an event where you may be meeting a lot of people it is acceptable to write notes on the back of someone’s card to better remember them or to follow up. However, don’t write on the back of a card while that person is present!
● Business card holder
● Wallet
● Purse
● Briefcase
● Suit pocket
● Car
This way you will always have some with you when you need one. Your card is part of your professional image, be sure your cards are clean and uncrumpled.
Never start a conversation by offering your car, rather offer one after you have spent a few minutes in conversation. Your card is a chance to continue or further the connection and exchange contact information. You offer your card, something along the lines of “May I give you my card?” When handing over your card present it typeface up and facing the recipient so they can read it.
Typically the recipient will than give you their card. When you are given a business card:
● Take a minute and look at it
● Examine the person’s title and company
● Watch the presentation
● Offer an appropriate compliment bout the card or information on it
● Be careful how you put it away – show respect
Alternatively you can ask for someone’s card by saying something like “I’d like to follow up with you, do you have a card?”
At an event where you may be meeting a lot of people it is acceptable to write notes on the back of someone’s card to better remember them or to follow up. However, don’t write on the back of a card while that person is present!
The Paper of Job Applications
Cover Letter: A one page letter three to four paragraphs in length. In the first paragraph identify why you are writing, your specific interest in that employer, and your status (1L, 2l etc.). In clued any personal conatus with the employer or geographic location in this paragraph as well. The middle paragraph(s) is where you sell yourself. You want to focus o your skills and background that fit with the employer. In the final paragraph you need to either state what action you hope will happen with your application or state what action you will take. Be sure to end your letter by saying “thank you for your time and consideration”. Use “good paper” typically called bonded, use white, off-white, very light beige, or grey paper with atypical type font such as Times New Roman. Don’t use anything smaller than 11 point font size.
Resume: A one –two page document which is a factual list of objective information. Always begin with your name and contact information at the top of the page. Then divide you resume into sections: Education and Employment at a minimum, and other sections as needed Publications, Special Skills, and Volunteer Activities. In each section, list information in reverse chronological order. Use “good paper” typically called bonded, use white, off-white, very light beige, or grey paper with atypical type font such as Times New Roman. Don’t use anything smaller than 11 point font size. Don’t use too many styles, types of bullets, or small margins. Don’t write in the first person and use your official GPA and rank on your resume – employers can check this information.
Writing Sample: Five – ten pages is typical for length. It must be a legal writing sample, from law school or a job, which is your own work for legal jobs. If you want to use something from work you must get your employer’s permission. This does not have to be on good paper, just what comes out of the printer.
Transcript A copy from the registrar’s office is needed; you will need to request these in advance.
List of References: Typically three is sufficient. List them by title, name, mailing address, phone number and email. When choosing references, be sure they are familiar with your work and/or academic abilities. These are not personal references. It is a good idea to give your references a copy of your resume in case they are contacted about you. Use your “good paper” too.
Resume: A one –two page document which is a factual list of objective information. Always begin with your name and contact information at the top of the page. Then divide you resume into sections: Education and Employment at a minimum, and other sections as needed Publications, Special Skills, and Volunteer Activities. In each section, list information in reverse chronological order. Use “good paper” typically called bonded, use white, off-white, very light beige, or grey paper with atypical type font such as Times New Roman. Don’t use anything smaller than 11 point font size. Don’t use too many styles, types of bullets, or small margins. Don’t write in the first person and use your official GPA and rank on your resume – employers can check this information.
Writing Sample: Five – ten pages is typical for length. It must be a legal writing sample, from law school or a job, which is your own work for legal jobs. If you want to use something from work you must get your employer’s permission. This does not have to be on good paper, just what comes out of the printer.
Transcript A copy from the registrar’s office is needed; you will need to request these in advance.
List of References: Typically three is sufficient. List them by title, name, mailing address, phone number and email. When choosing references, be sure they are familiar with your work and/or academic abilities. These are not personal references. It is a good idea to give your references a copy of your resume in case they are contacted about you. Use your “good paper” too.
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