If you are in school training for a legal career, the time to begin thinking about your job search is now, not after graduation. In an ever-tightening job market, employers have their pick of candidates and competition for jobs is fiercer than ever. Below are 15 tips for kick starting your job search while in school and snagging a great position upon graduation.
1. Get to know the staff in the career services office.
Your career services office can point you to job opportunities and and help you craft your resume.
2. Create an e-portfolio.
E-portfolios are a tech-savvy way to showcase your skills, achievements and writing samples.
3. Get to know your professors.
Professors can provide you with valuable recommendations and open doors for you.4. Network with fellow students.
Fellow students are your future peers in the work community.5. Practice your interview skills.
Sharpening your interview skills, even if you are not currently seeking a job, can help shorten your job search.
6. Strive for top grades.
Low grades can eliminate some job opportunities; high marks can open doors, especially for law students.7. Find a mentor.
A mentor can help guide your career decisions, expand your networking pool, teach you job basics and help with your job search.8. Leverage existing skills.
Think about how you can leverage existing skills into new job opportunities.9. Tap into social media.
Network with the larger legal community on social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.10. Volunteer.
Volunteer for a public interest or legal aid firm to build your resume and gain valuable experience.
