Graduating from law school and taking the bar exam are huge accomplishments. However, many graduates reach these milestones without having received a post-grad job offer. Often new graduates feel defeated by a lack of employment. But, while difficult, it is not impossible to use that feeling to your advantage. With challenge comes opportunity, and you are at a critical juncture in determining the future of your career. There are many things that you can be doing to find that job! The following advice also holds true for more seasoned attorneys who are looking for a career transition.
Make Your Papers Pristine
First, to find a job, you must have impeccable documents. You have one chance to make a first impression; therefore, your resume and cover letter must be pristine. That means they must be free of errors (typographical and grammatical), concise and tailored to the position you are seeking. Cover letters are not easy to write, and should not be a regurgitation of the facts included on your resume. Be sure that your cover letter is tailored to the position for which you are applying—one size does not fit all. (You must also have a firm grasp of your documents’ content.) Your writing sample also should be completely error free and concise. Make sure you submit all of the requested documents to complete the application and ensure that your candidacy is considered. You need to put your best foot forward. Perfect documents are a required precursor to any interview.
