Question:
I wondered if someone could give some advice about how to approach
writing alums that work for firms... should I include a resume? What is
the most non-threatening way to let them know that I would like a job with
their firm? How can I get the letter past the office administrator, who
might just trash it and send me an "... although we were impressed by your
qualifications..." letter? I have been working on the infamous
"networking" for a while now, conducting informational interviews and
whatnot, always sending just a letter requesting an interview, nothing
more. However, now I'm afraid that if I don't make it clear that I'm
looking for a job, they won't know-- I think I already missed out on an
opportunity that way. So how can I do it without turning them off?
Answer:
- After the informational interview, make sure you follow up by sending a
thank you letter. Include your resume and that you are looking for a job
and would be interested in their firm...
- It seems as if you're on the right track by doing informational
interviewing. That's probably one of the best ways to kick off the
networking process. But within your interviews, ask how their firm
hires, if they ever hire contract/short-term attorneys, if your
resume would be viewed well by the hiring committee, what sorts of
experience you could/should obtain to be more attractive to a firm
like theirs, etc. Unless they're incredibly dense, they'll get the
message that you'd love to work with them.
And follow up does count. Send a thank you. Let them know when
you're following their advice. If you discussed substantive legal
issues, touch base when you come across these in real practice (or in
class). Developing a relationship is the goal.
Besides informational interviewing, getting active in the legal
community is an incredible & natural way to make connections. Want
to meet lawyers? Go where the lawyers are. Attend Bar meetings &
functions, particularly those related to your desired practice area.
Many Bars have student memberships, and/or will have opportunities for
students to volunteer or mix with lawyers. CLE's are a great way to
meet lawyers in a particular practice area, and to gather great
resume bullets.
And if you want more ways to meet alums, attend every possible
law school alum function. If you're still a student, go to whoever
plans all these functions & see if they need volunteers to hand out
nametags or programs or whatever. And attend EVERY informational
program presented by the Career Services Office & other entities.
Nine times out of ten, the speakers are alums. And many are quietly
scoping out the "new talent" that's motivated enough to come to an
informational forum.
Despite the efforts of career services folks like myself, many
employers just resist listing open positions, going to job fairs, or
coming on campus - especially if they can hire someone they already
know & like. So it's best to take a dual approach to the job hunt -
1) do everything you can with your career services office (and as I
said above, that includes attending info programs), and 2) pursue
your own networking plan.
Advice for the intimidated: imagine how you'd feel if someone from
your hometown or college was thinking about going to law school &
called you to find out what it was like. You'd be glad to share your
hard-earned expertise on the subject, wouldn't you? Attorneys ahead
of you in the profession will most likely have the same attitude.
