The Legal Intelligencer
December 15, 2009
Across the country, newly minted attorneys are proudly telling their friends and family that they have successfully passed the bar exam. But at the same time, they remain unemployed, or at least not satisfactorily employed in a legal job.
The job market is tighter than ever, and law jobs are not exempt from this economy. Below are some concrete actions law graduates can take to enhance their chances for a successful job search even in a difficult economy.
• Consider your target market.
If you have been busily sending out resumes for the past few months, pause to reassess your strategy. Are you applying to the right types of employers? For example, large law firms have been among the most affected by this economy, and they also hire entry-level attorneys on a rigid timetable, which has passed for the class of 2009. Are you applying to practice areas that are faltering in this economy -- for example, real estate? Are you applying only in a very competitive geographic market? If so, it is very likely that you need to consider expanding your search parameters.
• Tailor your application materials.
Similarly, ask yourself if you have been sending tailored materials, or if you have one cover letter on which you just change the address each time. It is a sad but true fact that mass mailings are almost never effective in netting interviews. Rather than mailing 50 cover letters and resumes each week, take the time to carefully target a cover letter (and to a lesser extent, a resume) for each employer.
Research the employer thoroughly. If your letter is in reply to a job posting, review the listing carefully and try to highlight how your specific background meets each of the listed criteria. Mailing five to 10 tailored cover letters is much more effective than mailing 50 mass-produced letters.
• Review your resume and cover letter to make sure they are perfect.
This does not mean just having no typographical errors, although that should go without saying. Even though you will be tailoring your materials to each employer to whom you apply, some essentials of your resume and cover letter will likely remain the same.
• Make your resume dynamic.
Begin each line with a compelling verb such as "researched," "drafted" or "appeared." Avoid weak beginnings such as "assisted with" or "was responsible for." Be specific in your descriptions of your experience. Particularly as a newly minted law graduate, you likely don't have so many items to list that space is at a true premium.
Instead of saying "researched legal issues," say something specific: "Researched choice of laws issues in Pennsylvania and New Jersey." "Researched impact of federal sentencing guidelines on manslaughter convictions and drafted memorandum re same." By adding specific information, your experience will seem weightier and your resume will read more dynamically.
• Keep excellent records.
Create a spreadsheet or chart of some kind for yourself. It need not be fancy, just something that is user-friendly for you. List the name of the employer, the date you mailed the resume, the date you followed up with a phone call, results of that phone call, and follow-up notes.
For example: "Able Baker & Charlie: Resume mailed 10/15/09. Phone call 10/22/09. 'Not hiring at this time but should check back in January.'"
If you are regularly sending out resumes -- and you should be -- it is essential to keep tabs on to whom you have applied and what the response was.
• Start networking.
Even though many young lawyers consider "networking" to be a dirty word, it is an essential part of the successful job search. In addition to joining the state bar association, consider joining local and specialty bar associations, too.
Do not be a passive member -- attend the association's events. Go to CLE classes in your area of interest and chat with the attending attorneys. Law schools and bar associations may offer affordable or even free CLEs.
In addition, schedule some informational interviews with attorneys in your city and/or practice area of interest. Informational interviews are the hidden secret to the job search because they arm you with information related to the particular job you seek and they provide an easy entrée into networking with practicing attorneys.
• Set a numerical target.
For example, set a goal of mailing five resumes per week, or conducting three informational interviews per month. For some people, setting aside a certain period of time specifically for job hunting will be most effective, whether that be every morning, one afternoon per week or every Saturday.
• Convince the employer you want that job.
Sometimes job seekers become so desperate that they are willing to take any job under the sun. Employers can sense this, and it is not what they are looking for in a candidate. You must convince the interviewer that you want to work at that office, that this is the job you want and are well-equipped to do, rather than that you are someone who will take any job. No employer wants to be seen as your back-up plan.
• Contact your law school's career services office.
They are able and eager to assist you, even if you are now living far from campus. They can assist you by reviewing your resumes and cover letters, refining a search strategy, conducting a mock interview and putting you in contact with helpful alumni.
• Guard against depression.
Searching for a job can be a frustrating and even demoralizing experience at times, and it is essential to maintain your mental health during this time. Try to do something every day that gives you joy. Exercise helps many people to maintain their mental equilibrium. If you or your family and friends suspect you may be becoming depressed, seek professional help.
Above all, be wary of turning to drugs or alcohol; unfortunately, addiction runs rampant in this profession, and you don't want to face this issue before you even begin practicing.
Good luck!
